Heroic rescue at Small Bay Beach: retired police officer saves drowning man

In a dramatic turn of events at Small Bay Beach, near Bloubergstrand, a man's life was saved by the brave intervention of Steven Sykes, a retired police officer and respected figure in the local surfing community.

The incident unfolded rapidly when the man encountered serious difficulties while swimming, ultimately losing consciousness and being pulled from the surf with no sign of life.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Sykes sprang into action. He swiftly dragged the man to shore and began administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), demonstrating a remarkable calmness under pressure that lasted for at least 10 minutes. His efforts continued until emergency responders arrived, who took over and continued CPR for an estimated 30 minutes. Ultimately, their combined dedication led to the successful resuscitation of the individual—an extraordinary effort witnesses attributed to what they described as nothing short of a miracle.

Zoe Ferreira, an employee at Cape Town Surf School, played a crucial role by promptly calling an ambulance. Meanwhile, another staff member dashed to the nearby lifesaving club to alert them, ensuring that emergency assistance reached the scene as quickly as possible. The swift intervention of the lifesavers and paramedics provided critical support to the desperate situation.

“This was a truly heroic act,” remarked Bianca Köhn, owner of Cape Town Surf School. “Steven’s calm focus, experience, and refusal to give up played a crucial role in saving a life. We are incredibly grateful to the lifesavers, paramedics, and all involved — it was a team effort. But it’s important that Steven’s courage and leadership in those first critical minutes are recognised.”

This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the vital importance of ocean safety, especially with the festive season approaching when many flock to the shores of Cape Town. Residents and visitors are urged to consider the following safety tips:

• Ensure that you can swim confidently before entering the ocean.
• Always swim near lifesavers or designated safe areas.
• Know basic CPR and rescue techniques, as they can save lives in critical moments.

Solemnly, Köhn added, “Being actively present in the water and on the beach is part of what we do. We strongly encourage all surf schools and coaches to maintain first aid skills — they can make the difference between life and death in an emergency.”

In light of this incident, Cape Town Surf School emphasises the urgent need to respect the ocean, understand its risks, and learn lifesaving skills. Knowledge of what to do in an emergency can undoubtedly save a life.