Cameron Alexander's heroic rescue of a child from drowning at Baggies Beach

A heroic fisherman, Cameron Alexander, saved a child from drowning at Baggies Beach in KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday afternoon, highlighting the urgent need for water safety awareness.

Lifesaving South Africa (LSA) voluntary president Dhaya Sewduth said that at approximately 2pm, Alexander, who recently moved to the South Coast from Pretoria, was fishing at an unpatrolled beach when he noticed a body floating in the water.

“Cameron swam out in strong sea swell conditions, rescued the child from the water, and brought him to shore,” he said.

Sewduth said that as a trained first aider and responder, Alexander’s instincts kicked in, and he began performing the necessary resuscitation on the child until the ambulance arrived.

“The child was handed over to the paramedics for further checks and taken to the hospital,” he said.

It was very fortunate that Alexander was at the beach at that time and that he is a strong swimmer, trained in first aid, said Sewduth.

“Had he not been there, not been able to make the 50-metre swim or so in the strong sea surge, the young boy could have been a fatal statistic,” emphasised Sewduth.

The organisation saluted the brave actions of Alexander. “Lifesaving South Africa will certainly recommend the name of Cameron Alexander for a Bravery Award.”

Lifesaving South Africa once again urged bathers to swim only where lifeguards are on duty and for parents and caregivers to always supervise children.

As South Africa gears up to observe World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, 2025, endorsed and actioned by the World Health Organisation, LSA is placing the spotlight on the urgent need for drowning prevention education in the country.

Sewduth said that the first quarter of 2024 witnessed the tragic drowning deaths of Latoya Temilton, Sibusiso Sibiya, and Siphamandla Peterson during school excursions, underscoring the critical need for enhanced water safety measures.

He said drowning is a preventable tragedy, and the organisation has been at the forefront of this mission since 1913.

“Through its WaterSmart programme, LSA has reached over a million learners across more than 6,000 schools since its inception. Partnering with the Department of Education and DHL, the WaterSmart programme educates children about the dangers of water, equipping them with essential skills to manage risks and maintain constant vigilance around water bodies,” said Sewduth.

In addition to the WaterSmart programme, Lifesaving South Africa has been actively collaborating with municipalities to improve water safety infrastructure and policies.

“LSA's voluntary lifeguards, who contributed 91,700 duty hours in the 2023/24 season, play a crucial role in saving lives and preventing drownings. Their efforts significantly benefit local communities, the sporting industry, and tourism,” he noted.

South Africa faces a high risk of drowning incidents due to its extensive coastline, numerous rivers, dams, and pools, said Sewduth.

“According to the WHO statistics, Southern Africa is one of the regions globally with the highest risk. South African mortality statistics estimate approximately 1,500 people die from drowning annually in South Africa, an average of four people daily,” he said.

He said poor municipal planning, unsupervised access to water sources, and the use of alcohol or banned substances exacerbate the risk.

Lifesaving South Africa's initiatives aim to mitigate these risks through comprehensive education and training.

“Lifesaving South Africa invites everyone to join in the World Drowning Prevention Day programme with the motto: DO ONE THING. IMPROVE ONE THING. ADD ONE THING. The organisation urges all to take proactive steps in preventing drownings, whether through community outreach, promoting water safety messages, or ensuring proper supervision of children around water,” said Sewduth.

karen.singh@inl.co.za