A paddler had to swim for shore after getting knocked off his surf-ski and losing his paddle in a squall near Fish Hoek on Tuesday evening, the NSRI said.

Riaan Liesegang, 41, had been paddling with his brother-in-law when the two lost sight of each other about a nautical mile (1.8km) from Millers Point, National Sea Rescue Institute Simon’s Town station commander Darren Zimmerman said.

He was knocked off his surf-ski in gusting 45 knot north-westerly winds and 1 metre swells and had to swim to shore.

The NSRI were contacted shortly after 18:00 and launched a full-scale search. Liesegang made it to land and asked a family camping at Millers Point caravan park, who were busy fixing their tent, which the wind had blown down, for help.

“The owner of the caravan said that at first they were a bit startled by his sudden arrival out of the dark night and they were rather sceptical, but once Riaan had explained his situation they immediately jumped into action and helped him into their caravan and began emergency re-warming Riaan, who was severely hypothermic.”

His family was contacted and the NSRI and Cape Medical Response arrived and helped get him warm. News24