LEAP officer risks strong currents to rescue boy at Monwabisi Beach - IOL

A LEAP officer is being hailed a hero after battling powerful waves and strong currents to rescue a boy believed to be about 14 at Monwabisi Beach.

Officer Brent Williams, 31, who has been in the force for about three years, was conducting what should have been a routine patrol when he and his colleagues spotted the boy, believed to be around 14 years old, in distress in the water.

Williams said it was around 2.20pm when he and three colleagues arrived at the beach and immediately noticed that the boy was drowning.

With no lifeguards on duty, Williams knew there was little time to waste. He removed his bulletproof tactical vest and ran into the water, while two members of the public also joined the rescue effort.

“Myself and three colleagues took a drive to do a random beach patrol at Monwabisi Beach which is part of our area and upon arrival all four of us immediately noticed that a public member was busy drowning in the water,” Williams explained.

“Two other boys were standing on the shore, lifting their hands signaling for help. That is when I informed my colleagues that at that very moment there were no lifeguards at the beach so I took off my bulletproof tactical vest and without hesitation ran into the water.

“I swam until I got to the boy with the help of two other public members, we worked together and managed to get the boy to safety.”

Williams said the boy had been pushed far out into the water by the waves, making the rescue even more dangerous.

The officer, who is a good swimmer, battled strong currents and large waves as he made his way towards the youngster.

“He was far out but I was able to reach him. I can swim, but while swimming to the boy the currents were strong. It was beating me left and right and one big wave beat me to the ground. The tide also started picking up but I managed to get to the boy,” Williams said.

“My main focus was to get that boy to safety. I am just glad that I could save his life and save a mother from losing her son and help a father still have the opportunity to raise his son. 

“It gives me courage to continue to do what I do and continue to protect and serve our community because that is what I was called to do.”

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith commended Williams for his bravery and quick response.

Smith said the rescue was an example of how law enforcement and emergency services staff can go beyond their duties to protect members of the public.

“We commend LEAP Officer Brent Williams for his bravery and quick action in responding to a young boy in distress in the water at Monwabisi Beach.

“This is a powerful reminder of how enforcement and emergency services staff go above and beyond the call of duty, and how the positive difference that they make in the lives of individuals and communities.

“Thank you, Officer Williams, for stepping up when it mattered most. I have already reached out to his management to ensure that his heroic act is acknowledged.”