Lifeguard hailed for heroic rescue
Published: September 12, 2005
Thanks to the bravery of an off-duty lifeguard, a Khayelitsha brother and sister were saved from drowning after they got into difficulty at Monwabisi Beach.
Papinki Lobello, also from Khayelitsha, was passing Monwabisi on his way home on Sunday when he noticed them in trouble. He alerted emergency services before heading into the sea to save them.
“After he called for back up, Lobello swam 300m to pull out a 20-year-old man. Then he headed back into the swell, swam about 150m and rescued the woman.
“The rescued man’s condition was critical and Lobello, who is also an ambulance man, immediately began resuscitating,” National Sea Rescue Institute spokesperson Craig Lambinon said.
“Paramedics who got to the scene also helped to resuscitate the couple before they were rushed to the GF Jooste Hospital in Manenberg. While the man was stable, the woman is critical.”
He said a third person bystanders believed was also in trouble was in fact Lobello, who braved 1,5m waves during the rescue.
“It was superb effort from all the emergency services who responded. Lobello went beyond the call of duty and we commend him for acting with distinction,” Lambinon said.
Lobello said he heard a woman talking on her cellphone when he arrived at the beach about two people who were in trouble.
“I saw them and dived into the water. I went to the man first and dragged him out. He was struggling and tried to talk. Then I went for the woman who was face down in the water.”
Lobello said he found out the couple were related and visited their family.
Asked how he felt about saving two lives Lobello said: “I’ve been doing this kind of thing for 11 years and every time I save a life, I feel good.
“I’ve done a diving course and I’m currently attending an advance course in diving to further improve my skills. I am just proud to be someone who is in a position to do something for others.”
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