At least eight people reportedly drowned since New Year's day, escalating the estimated 20 other cases reported since the festive season began, according to National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) press statements.
One of these cases includes a 10-year-old boy whose lifeless body was recovered after a massive search and rescue effort by the police and NSRI in Paternoster, in Cape Town. Another boy, 10, who went missing at Clifton beach in Cape Town on Friday has still not been found. The police said they were still searching for him.
A 17-year-old boy who drowned at West Beach, in Port Alfred on December 1, was also among the victims.
Most of these deaths are due to a rip current sweeping the victims out of shore, NSRI reports showed.
Earlier in December, Netcare 911 released a statement saying they had seen an increase in calls relating to drownings since the festive season began.
Source: News24
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