Help Diaz Beach near-drowning victim
André Swanepoel, who is a qualified medic and also a lifeguard, would like to raise funds for a boy who nearly drowned at Diaz Beach in February and who suffered brain damage as a result.
Swanepoel resuscitated Aphiwe Xavendlini (12) on Saturday, 15 February, and he was taken to George Provincial Hospital.
Aphiwe is unable to do anything for himself now and requires constant care. One of the greatest costs to his mother, who is single, is buying diapers for Aphiwe. They live in Joe Slovo in Mossel Bay.
Swanepoel has started a BackaBuddy fundraising drive for Aphiwe. He says: "I want to give the family money to buy normal necessities for the house. If people don't want to give money, they can make a donation of items."
From his own pocket, Swanepoel has been assisting Aphiwe. To donate funds through the BackaBuddy campaign, go to www. facebook.com/Surf-RescueMossel-Bay or call Swanepoel (082 420 2421).
Swanepoel usually works at the Diaz Water Park and he was on duty there and was called to assist when Aphiwe was rescued from the sea on 15 February.
The Diaz Water Park is only scheduled to reopen after the lockdown on 15 December, so Swanepoel is currently working as a medic for the provincial government ambulance service.
Swanepoel said: "At university we learn there is a high success rate with resuscitating near-drowning victims. The other boy I resuscitated on the day is well, with no brain damage."