High number of St Lucia drownings cause for concern

MTUBATUBA police are seriously concerned over the high number of drownings at St Lucia beaches, and issued a plea to members of the public to adhere to regulations and warning signs in place.

This after last Saturday’s double drowning at St Lucia’s popular Jabula Beach.

In separate incidents, 25-year-old Phiwokuhle Mhlengi Sosibo and 16-year-old Sinikiwe Phakathi lost their lives, bringing the total number of drownings at St Lucia beaches to 24 since 2013.

Phakathi was pulled out of the sea by a friend who attempted CPR, but all resuscitation attempts failed.

The body of Sosibo is yet to be found.

According to police reports, Sosibo, a student of the University of Zululand, went to the beach with fellow students.

At about 3.30pm he and his friends noticed two bathers in trouble.

Sosibo and two fellow students went in to rescue them, but Sosibo was the only one who did not return.

ALSO READ: Double drowning tragedy at St Lucia

Mtubatuba SAPS were notified and a missing persons docket opened.

Earlier that day, at about 1pm, Phakathi, who was at the beach with family and friends, did not intend to go swimming, but seemingly changed her mind after her friend had gone for a swim.

Her friend was alerted to Phakathi waving her hands in distress, reported it to family members on the beach and her cousin went in to rescue her.

CPR efforts by family members failed and Phakathi was taken to the Sipho Zungu Clinic in Khula Village where she was pronounced dead.

‘What more can we as police officers do to keep the public safe when they do not adhere to warning signs?’ asked Mtubatuba SAPS Communications Officer, Captain Justice Hlabisa.

‘How many people must die before they realise the danger?

‘There are no lifeguards at St Lucia beaches, and notices warning people of the dangers of the sea and currents are posted at the entrances to the beaches for all to see.

‘People should only swim in designated areas, if any, and must remain in the zone where the water level is between ankle- and knee-deep. Children must not be left unattended or allowed to swim alone, and people must not consume alcohol before swimming.’

‘Visitors to Cape Vidal must also be careful, as it is easy to get swept off the rocks or caught in currents, and there have also been some drownings there this year.’

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