The Grove Primary School in Claremont is in mourning following the tragic death of aftercare supervisor Anya Johnson, who drowned at Boggoms Bay near Mossel Bay while heroically saving her teenage son’s life.
According to Southern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Malcolm Pojie, the family had decided to spend the day at the beach on Wednesday July 13 when tragedy struck.
“Ms Johnson had been swimming with her two children at about 3pm when one of them got into trouble in the water. She managed to save the teenager but unfortunately she was caught in a rip current and was swept out to sea,” Captain Pojie said.
“Bystanders on the beach managed to swim out to her and take her to Bay View Hospital, but unfortunately it was too late.”
Contacted for comment, a secretary to principal Sally Shield said they preferred not to comment to the media so as not to upset the family.
On its Facebook page the school wrote: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Anya Johnson our wonderful aftercare supervisor. She drowned at Boggoms Bay while on a family holiday. We extend our condolences to her beloved family. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers.”
