The City of Cape Town is working with numerous other agencies to find a seasonal lifeguard who disappeared in the surf yesterday.

The lifeguard fell off a rescue sled being towed by a jet ski while on route to assist a kite surfer in distress off St James.

Just before 15:00, Muizenberg lifeguards responded to the call about the kite surfer by launching their jet ski.

The senior lifeguard was operating the craft, with the seasonal lifeguard on the rescue sled.

It is suspected that the lifeguard was knocked off the sled, approximately 50 to 100 metres offshore, and he then disappeared in the water. 

Lifeguards immediately started a search operation, with assistance from the NSRI, Law Enforcement, Fire and Rescue Service, Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Medical Services.

The search continued with sweeping patrols and water patrols, until the light began to fade.

Muizenberg Beach will be closed for swimming today, 29 November 2020 to allow all services to continue the search operation.

Counselling has been arranged for the lifeguard’s colleagues and friends.

The City will do everything possible to find our lifeguard, and to assist his colleagues, family and friends during this difficult time.

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