Tragedy as 9-year-old boy drowns at Kleinmond Lagoon

A nine-year-old boy has died after being discovered underwater at Kleinmond Main Beach Lagoon in the Western Cape on Saturday, 10 October.

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Kleinmond duty crew was activated at 15:12 following eyewitness reports of a drowning in progress.

Visiting the beach

According to NSRI Kleinmond station commander Schalk Boonzaaier, the child had been visiting the beach with his family when the incident occurred.

Bystanders were already attempting to recover the boy from the water when emergency responders arrived. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was started by bystanders, including a clinical practitioner.

NSRI rescue swimmers and medics responded alongside the Critical Care Medical ambulance service, ER24, Overstrand Fire and Rescue Service and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Extensive efforts to save boy

NSRI medics continued CPR after arriving at the scene, with paramedics joining the resuscitation efforts.

Despite extensive attempts to save the child’s life, he was declared deceased by paramedics after all efforts to resuscitate him had been exhausted.

His body was handed over to the police and the Government Health Forensic Pathology Service.

Police are providing support to the child’s family following the tragedy.

Police open inquest

SAPS has opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding the drowning.

The NSRI has conveyed its condolences to the family of the deceased boy.

The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers associated with water, particularly at beaches and lagoons where conditions can change unexpectedly.

The circumstances surrounding the incident have not yet been established.

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