He loved children, was helpful in the community of Eastridge, always concerned about the safety of children and he was his mother’s blue-eyed boy.
This is how family and friends described Reza Yon (48) who drowned on Sunday 25 September at Mnandi Beach after saving the lives of three teenage boys.
Yon was on the beach with his three friends, Ricky Kordom, Maruwaan Watson and Muneeb Griffete when he launched himself and his body board into the sea when he saw the teenagers were caught in a rip current.
His three friends describe him as a hero, a father and friend to others in the community and an example to everyone who came in contact with him.
“It was not nice to see how he saved the three teenage boys and disappeared under the water. We shouted for help, but there were no lifeguards and the other people that were on the beach did not pay attention to our plea. Reza just jumped into the water without thinking about his safety or looking back to see who was going to help and to me he died as a hero,” says Watson.
His mother Mariam Essop says although she is heartbroken after losing her son, she is at peace because he is with the Lord.
“He was a lovable child, would always hug and kiss me, enjoyed my cooking and would tell me he loves me. I am not heartbroken that the Lord took him straight to heaven, but will miss him. We don’t know how our lives will end one day but he is with the Lord. I want to thank my family, his friends and the community for their outpouring of love for us, words are inadequate to express my thanks and gratitude,” she says.
Arno Constance, NSRI Strandfontein deputy station commander, says the NSRI Strandfontein duty crew were activated at 14:45 on Sunday, following reports of a drowning in progress near to Mnandi Beach, False Bay.
“The NSRI Strandfontein sea rescue craft Rescue 16 Alpha was launched while NSRI rescue swimmers responded directly to the scene. Other water rescue services could not immediately be reached due to load shedding. The NSRI rescue craft rescued two teenagers who were located in the back breaker surf zone, using a body board for flotation. They were rescued. Both were hypothermic and in shock,” Constance says.
While bringing the two teenagers to the shore they indicated that their friend, also a teenager, had managed to reach the shore, while an adult male had been in the water assisting them before they had lost sight of the adult male. The NSRI rescue craft crew spotted the adult male in the mid-break surf zone, he was recovered onto the sea rescue craft, but he was lifeless.
“They brought the casualties to the shore aboard the NSRI rescue craft where Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) efforts were commenced by NSRI medics on the adult male. By that stage the SA Police Services and WC Government Health EMS had been activated and they had arrived on the scene together with additional NSRI rescue crew.
“Paramedics continued with CPR on Yon but sadly, after all efforts to resuscitate the man were exhausted, he was declared deceased. One of the three male local teenagers (two of whom are aged 13 and one of whom is aged 14) was treated by EMS paramedics for hypothermia and for shock before being released requiring no further medical assistance,” Constance says.
The remaining two teenagers had departed the scene by private transport. Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services took the body of the deceased man into their care.
In a statement on behalf of the NSRI Craig Lambinon, spokesperson, says Yon is commended for saving the lives of the three teenagers and he conveyed his condolences to his family.
“Without doubt the flotation of the body board contributed to saving the three teenagers’ lives.”
Washiela Harris, Ward 82 councillor, echoed the sentiments of the community.
“Everyone talked positively of Reza. He was always willing to assist where he can and had a great love for children. The residents must please wait until the City of Cape Town gives the go-ahead regarding the beaches and swimming pools. Parents should only allow children in the water when there is a lifeguard on duty. Always go to the beaches or swimming pools with adults that can swim,” Harris advised.
Yon was buried on Tuesday 27 September according to Muslim custom.
He leaves four children, a sister, two brothers and his mother.
