Brandon Janeke, 28, of Heideveld is being hailed a hero. Picture:supplied
Brandon Janeke, 28, of Heideveld, has been hailed a hero after he rescued two people from drowning at Bloubergstrand Beach on Saturday.
Despite being dubbed a “shining example of courage and compassion” in a viral Facebook post, Mr Janeke says he acted by instinct.
He recalled seeing a woman struggling in the waves and a man trying to help her but also starting to struggle.
He said he had run into the sea and pulled on their arms to get them to shore with the help of other beachgoers who had heard their cries.
There had been no lifeguards at the beach that day, he said.
Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis thanked Mr Janeke for his bravery and “risking his own life to save the people drowning”.
He added that Bloubergstrand Beach was well-known for its rip currents, and he warned beachgoers to be aware of swimming at beaches when there were no lifeguards.
However, he said, with the festive season approaching, the City had deployed lifeguards to 29 beaches, tidal pools and various stretches of dangerous coastline, from 10am to 6pm.
“The City commends Brandon for his bravery in selflessly swimming into rough seas to rescue a woman from drowning. The community of Heideveld and all Capetonians can be extremely proud of this young man who risked his own life to save another, alongside several other heroes who are yet to be identified. It is incredible that these ordinary beachgoers staged this heroic rescue without thinking twice, and saved a life in the process,” said Mr Hill-Lewis.
Community Medics, which assessed those rescued as well as Mr Janeke, said they were all in a stable condition.
Community services and health mayoral committee member Patricia van der Ross thanked Mr Janeke and all those involved with rescuing the two people from the surf.
“We call on the public to only swim at designated areas where our dedicated and professional lifeguards are playing a crucial role in safeguarding beachgoers. Please adhere to the rules and support them so that we can ensure a safe and memorable beach experience for everyone,” she added.
She warned beachgoers to only swim with lifeguards on duty, between the red and yellow flags showing the safest bathing areas; beware of rip currents; not swim under the influence of alcohol and always watch children in and around water.