A nine-year-old boy and his dog have been rescued after getting into difficulty in the water at Yzerfontein Harbour on the West Coast.
The incident happened on the morning of Saturday, 10 October, when National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) crews were preparing for routine training at the harbour.
According to NSRI regional operations manager Danie Verwey, bystanders alerted nearby rescue crews after spotting the child and his dog in difficulty near the harbour slipway.
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NSRI crews from Yzerfontein, Melkbosstrand and the Volunteer Support Centre responded swiftly.
Rescue swimmers entered the water and safely brought both the boy and his dog back to shore.
The child, who was wearing a life jacket, was reunited with his parents. The family also took their dog with them and visited a local doctor as a precaution.
How the boy and his dog ended up in the water
According to the NSRI, the nine-year-old was preparing to join family members who were already paddling on the harbour when the incident unfolded.
The family’s dog reportedly ran towards the relatives who were already on paddle craft, pulling the child into the water with its leash.
The boy and the dog then found themselves in difficulty after apparently being caught in a rip current.
The dog appeared to cling to the child in an attempt to stay afloat.
The family are residents of Cape Town who were visiting the area.
NSRI praises alert bystanders
Verwey commended the bystanders who raised the alarm, as well as the rescue crews who responded to the incident.
Their quick actions helped ensure that the boy and his dog were brought safely back to shore.
The incident once again highlights the importance of wearing appropriate safety equipment around water and remaining vigilant when children and pets are near harbours, rivers and other waterways.
The NSRI also stressed the value of alert bystanders in helping rescue teams respond quickly when someone is in danger.