What started as a peaceful church outing turned into a powerful moment of friendship when two brave young men jumped into action to save their friend from a dangerous rip current at Kleinmond Main Beach.
Kleinmond, South Africa (25 March 2026) – During a Stellenbosch church outing to Kleinmond on Saturday, 21 March, a 21-year-old man was swept up by strong rip currents at the Main Beach during an incoming spring high tide.
Two friends immediately went to his aid in the surf zone, one using a bodyboard and the other an NSRI pink rescue buoy.
NSRI Kleinmond coxswain, Michael Markovina, confirmed that at the same time, NSRI Kleinmond rescue swimmers and a rescue vehicle responded to the drowning in progress. WC Government Health EMS and Overstrand Law Enforcement also deployed to the scene.
Upon arrival, an NSRI rescue swimmer launched into the surf, working alongside the two friends to successfully bring the man back to the beach.
The casualty, hypothermic and showing signs and symptoms of non-fatal drowning, was provided medical treatment by medics on the beach, and they were joined on the scene by EMS paramedics.
Following medical care provided on the beach, the patient was transported to the hospital by an ambulance in a stable condition, and he is expected to make a full recovery.
“The two Good Samaritans are commended for having the flotation devices, the body board and the pink rescue buoy, and for their efforts that contributed to a life saved,” said Markovina.
Pink rescue buoys should only be removed from their poles in critical life-saving rescues. The NSRI appeals to the public to help safeguard them.
Sources: NSRI
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:
Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 