Maria David
HOLIDAY makers travelling to the northern area are urged to be more cautious while out for leisure time with their loved ones.
This caution was made most especially to those spending more of their time at the public swimming pool and leisure areas where swimming is done at their own risk without the assistance of lifeguards.
The warning comes after 30-year-old Jason Akawa saved a 22-year-old from drowning at the newly established Oshakati recreational area known as “Caribbean” on Thursday.
Akawa, who returned only recently from Walvis Bay to celebrate Christmas with his family, was out with his friend swimming at the time.
Just like anyone else Akawa never thought he was going to be a hero needed this December, while out with his friend.
“I noticed that the lady disappeared while swimming, and I quickly asked my friend to check if he could see someone in the water, as it’s difficult for someone already in the pool,” he said.
He added that he quickly moved the woman out of the water and brought her to safety at the time.
Akawa indicated that he then used his knowledge he obtained from Monarch Lifeguards to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to ensure the woman was ok.
He noted that when the unconscious woman started moving, he then asked people to call for an ambulance so that she could be taken to the hospital.
However, no ambulance showed up at the time.
“I then used my own taxi fare to take her to hospital for treatment as no one was willing to call the ambulance at the time,” he said.
Akawa indicated that thanks to the training he obtained from Monarch Lifeguards, a life was saved and the 22-year-old will be able to spend Christmas with her loved ones.
The victim is currently at the Oshakati State Hospital in stable condition.
Oshana police Commander Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria confirmed the incident to informanté on Friday, saying that he was aware of the matter.
“Bravo to the young man who saved the life of another,” he said.
However, Sakaria urged people to avoid taking chances while at the swimming areas to save lives.
The Oshakati Caribbean recreational facility was officially opened to the public in November of this year.
