CAPE TOWN – A man drowned at Fish Hoek Beach on Christmas Day after jumping from rocks at Jagers Walk, despite rapid response from lifeguards and emergency services.

The incident occurred shortly after 3pm when beachgoers were seeking relief from blistering heat. Lifeguards discovered the man underwater and immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) after retrieving him.

National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) spokesperson Craig Lambinon said emergency teams, including Cape Medical Response paramedics, City of Cape Town Law Enforcement officers, and Fire and Rescue Services, rushed to assist lifeguards with resuscitation efforts.

“After all efforts to resuscitate the man were exhausted, he was sadly declared deceased,” Lambinon said. Police have opened an inquest docket, and the body has been transferred to Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

The Christmas Day tragedy follows another recent drowning at Camps Bay tidal pool on December 23, where a young girl lost her life. A second girl from the same incident is recovering in hospital.

The Simon’s Town NSRI duty crew and City of Cape Town’s Water Rescue Network responded to the emergency call at Fish Hoek Beach, maintaining alert status throughout the incident.