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NM10058482-AL200526
Woensdag, 20 Mei 2026 | Tel: 021 910 6500 | e-pos: nuus@tygerburger.co.za | Website: www.tygerburger.co.za
BLOUBERG RESIDENT RESCUES SAME SWIMMER AT SEA
‘Bobber’ to the rescue KAILIN DANIELS
A
SEABIRDS FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL South Africa’s coastline is home to several seabird species under increasing threat, the African Penguin now classified as critically endangered. On Endangered Species Day, on Friday 15 May, The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob) highlighted environmental pressures impacting marine-bird populations and urged support for moves to protect fragile ocean ecosystems. PHOTO: DAN CALLISTER
KAILIN.DANIELS@NOVUSMEDIA.CO.ZA
routine early morning coffee stop at Small Bay turned into a dramatic sea rescue when 72-year-old Bloubergstrand resident Peter Rietveld rushed to help a fellow senior caught in dangerous currents. It was the second time in recent weeks that Rietveld had assisted the same swimmer from the water. For most Bloubergstrand “bobbers”, the daily early morning plunge is about friendship, fresh air and a love for the ocean. But for Rietveld, one of those outings quickly became a life-or-death situation when he helped rescue a fellow swimmer trapped in rough sea conditions. Rietveld, a resident estate agent for the past 38 years and a keen diver, says the daily ocean plunges began when a few members of the local bowls club decided to start swimming together. “A number of the guys from the bowls club decided to go for an early morning plunge,” he explained. “What started as just a fun thing ended up becoming a daily occurrence. We started in summer at half-past six in the morning and there were a number of other swimming groups as well.” Although he no longer considers himself a serious swimmer, Rietveld says he still enjoys the routine and camaraderie of the ocean mornings. “I’m part of what they call the bobbers,”
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he laughed. “I don’t really swim like I used to in the old days. I just go out and have an early morning dip.” A LIFETIME SPENT AROUND THE OCEAN Growing up in Bloubergstrand gave Rietveld a deep respect for the sea and an understanding of how quickly conditions can change. “I know the conditions of Blouberg,” he said. “I’ve seen it from dead calm to very harsh conditions.” He remembers the years when ski boats launched from the beach to fish around Robben Island, often returning through rough surf. “In those days the boats would go out for snoek and sometimes the waves would pick up. Unfortunately, not all of them made it back safely,” he recalled. Rietveld says years of diving, fishing and spending time in the water taught him how to read currents and avoid dangerous situations. “I’ve never had formal rescue training,” he said. “It’s basically just experience from diving most of my life and growing up around the sea.” TO PAGE 2
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