A German tourist had a close escape on Friday when he landed in a stream at Herolds Bay in the Southern Cape.
Two rescue workers from the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and two members of the public came to the man’s rescue.
NSRI spokeswoman Warren Page said one of their rescuers and two George municipal lifeguards who arrived at the scene saw two merciful Samaritans already go to help the man whose current was drawing him deeper into the sea.
“The two Samaritans, managed to bring the 59-year-old man safely to the shoreline to use the surfboard and bodyboard as a propellant for the man.”
The NSRI swimmer and the two lifeguards braved the waves with their shackles and helped the man to safety. When they reached the shallower waters, the emergency rescue workers took over and found the man safely on the beach.
More rescue teams appeared on the scene to help the man, who was on holiday with his wife and two children.
He did not need further treatment and was reunited with his family and friends.
