Lifeguards pulled a 25-year-old man to safety off Limassol on the afternoon of August 15 after he started to sink and, in a panic, grabbed his wife, putting her in danger as well, the Limassol Lifeguard Unit said.
The incident happened at 5.30pm in the sea area designated LEM 0, opposite the zoo, according to the unit. The man was trying to get back from the rocks to the shore even though he was not a strong swimmer and his strength was limited.
Lifeguards at LEM 0 had already picked him out as a weak swimmer in a dangerous spot, the lifeguard unit said, and moved in straight away with a rescue board. Members of the public about 20 metres away also rushed to help.
The rescue board brought the man up out of the water safely, and the neighbouring lifeguard post at LEM 15, which has a jetski, was alerted. Without the quick response of the lifeguards and the bystanders who came to help, the Limassol Lifeguard Unit said, the incident could have ended with more than one victim.
Once he was ashore, the lifeguards examined him and gave first aid. He needed no further medical care and did not need to be taken to hospital.
After the incident, the Limassol Lifeguard Unit urged the public to stay out of the water at difficult or rocky spots unless they can swim well, and not to overestimate their strength, particularly when there are currents or wind. It also reminded bathers that anyone in trouble should call for help rather than grab hold of people nearby, because doing so can put them in danger too.
