IT STARTED out as a normal surfing session for Port Alfred High School pupil Jason Palmer before he was called on to use his surfing skills to rescue three people from drowning at East Beach at the weekend.
The 16-year-old had been exiting the water when he noticed two people being swept out to sea.
It was at this point he jumped into action, using his surfboard to rescue siblings aged 12 and 19, who were caught in rip currents during the turn of high tide.
NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said the siblings’ mom then also launched into the water to try to assist on Saturday.
“Using his surfboard he (Jason) went to their assistance loading both casualties onto his surfboard and paddling, and swimming them towards the shore. Then in the surf zone he also took the mom onboard his surfboard and he managed to get all three of them safely ashore,” said Lambinon.
The incident had been posted to a social media site and by chance an NSRI crew member's friend had seen the post and called the NSRI.
“NSRI rescue swimmers and the NSRI rescue vehicle responded to the scene while NSRI Port Alfred crew responded to the NSRI Port Alfred station 11 rescue base where they launched the NSRI rescue craft Rescue 11 Alpha.”
When they arrived at the scene, they found the siblings and their mother safely on the beach.
“The three casualties were assessed by paramedics and the mom, found to be suffering non-fatal drowning symptoms, was transported to hospital by Gardmed ambulance where she has been discharged following medical treatment,” said Lambinon.
The NSRI has hailed Jason for his heroic efforts.
“NSRI has also commended the local friend of an NSRI Port Alfred volunteer who had noticed the posting on social media and who had immediately raised the alarm.”
Cape Times