When a man was swept upstream by a fast incoming tide in Durban's Umgeni River, people nearby began helping before the rescue teams arrived.
Fisherman Roland Theron called the National Sea Rescue Institute. Car guard Njabulu Zondi raised the alarm again and helped paddler Tony Botes launch his surf-ski. Tony reached the man about 400 metres upstream and calmly encouraged him to float on his back.
Eighteen-year-old Cole Nienhuser, who had paddling and former lifeguarding experience, swam out to help. He and Tony guided the man through the shallow sandbanks and deeper water until they reached the shore.
The man was checked by medical responders and needed no further care. The rescue institute arranged transport for him, and he later thanked the people who had stopped to help.
