Rescue of Concussed Bodyboarder from Drowning

In big and powerful surf at a Cape Town beach break, a body-boarder was smashed a big and heavy wave, suffering a concussion, whiplash and struggling to stay afloat in the rip. Had Aden Kleve (trained lifeguard) and Wilder Schultz not reacted as quickly as they did, things could have gotten bad and in all likelihood the guy would have drowned. Respect to these guys! David McMaster was onsite with his camera and filmed the incident, and was initially unaware at first as to how critical the situation was. "I thought the guy would be fine and swim in by himself. Turns out it was a very different situation" says McMaster. Lifeguard Aden Kleve said that when he got to the bodyboarder, he was slipping underwater, and minute or two was all would take to turn fatal. By this stage, the body-boarder could not speak, was seeing stars in his eyes and his upper body and neck was stiff and rigid. McMaster says the body-boarder who found himself in difficulty is a fit and healthy, who is known by other respected body-boarders and lifeguards in the area "Once the guy was on the shore we got him some energy sports drink and a towel to warm him up. At the end of the day huge respect must be given to Aden and Wilder. They did all the work!" The victim was soon up and walking, and was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure, where he was found to have suffered concussion and whiplash. Video courtesy of David McMaster @Vimeo @Facebook