‘His life was not in vain,’ - Erongo governor of late Brian Low
Convoy and memorial honour fallen emergency responder
“Brian’s life was not in vain.”
Those were the words of Erongo Governor Nathalia /Goagoses on Saturday as the region gathered in Henties Bay to honour the life of emergency responder Brian Alan Low, who died while trying to rescue three teenage boys caught in a rip current.
The governor delivered the message at Low’s Celebration of Life memorial service, held in the town he served for nearly two decades and where he lost his life on 11 December. The memorial followed a solemn convoy of emergency responders who travelled from Swakopmund to Henties Bay earlier that morning, sirens sounding, in a final show of respect. A hearse formed part of the convoy.
Addressing mourners, the governor said moments like these left communities searching for words.
“What can we say when communities stand still, burying a man whose life was not given in comfort but in service,” she said.
Drawing a parallel with the Christmas season, she said the memorial recalled “the ultimate act of selfless love,” adding that Low was a man “who did not hesitate when others were in danger.”
“Brian Low followed this example selflessly, courageously, and without counting the cost,” she said. “He gave again and again, without expectation of reward. He gave himself, and for that, we will forever be grateful.”
She said Low’s life left “a footprint of bravery, a footprint of compassion, and an unwavering service of saving lives,” not only in Henties Bay but across the Erongo Region and Namibia.
"We can say, and we can only say, thank you. We can say we remember you. We can say Brian’s life was not in vain,” the governor said.
Low’s colleague Johannes Makina, who was with him during the rescue attempt, also paid tribute. In a statement to the family, Makina said Low died while doing what defined him.
“It is with a heavy heart that I convey my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Brian Low,” Makina said. “Brian lost his life while we were together trying to rescue three teenage boys from the sea. His courage, his selflessness and his dedication to serving others will forever live on in our memories.”
Makina described Low as more than a colleague.
“Brian was not only a dedicated emergency services colleague, but also a true friend and a person with a heart for his community,” he said. “His sacrifice and bravery testify to the kind of person he was — someone who stepped forward without hesitation where others would retreat.”
“May you find comfort in knowing that he died while doing what he lived for: helping others and trying to save lives,” Makina said. “May God grant you strength, peace and comfort during this extremely difficult time.”
Low’s wife, Jolandi Low, thanked emergency services, government leaders, colleagues, family, friends and members of the public for the support shown since his death. She expressed gratitude for the convoy, the memorial, and the presence of the community that her husband served.
Low was a founding member of LifeLink Emergency Services in Henties Bay and served the town and surrounding region for about 19 years. Speakers recalled numerous rescues, including a near-drowning incident several years ago in which five boys were saved. “Ask anyone in Henties Bay,” the governor said. “They will say: that is our Brian. He saved my father, he saved my brother, he saved our mother.”
Low drowned after being swept away by the sea during the rescue attempt that saved three teenage boys.
Those were the words of Erongo Governor Nathalia /Goagoses on Saturday as the region gathered in Henties Bay to honour the life of emergency responder Brian Alan Low, who died while trying to rescue three teenage boys caught in a rip current.
The governor delivered the message at Low’s Celebration of Life memorial service, held in the town he served for nearly two decades and where he lost his life on 11 December. The memorial followed a solemn convoy of emergency responders who travelled from Swakopmund to Henties Bay earlier that morning, sirens sounding, in a final show of respect. A hearse formed part of the convoy.
Addressing mourners, the governor said moments like these left communities searching for words.
“What can we say when communities stand still, burying a man whose life was not given in comfort but in service,” she said.
Drawing a parallel with the Christmas season, she said the memorial recalled “the ultimate act of selfless love,” adding that Low was a man “who did not hesitate when others were in danger.”
“Brian Low followed this example selflessly, courageously, and without counting the cost,” she said. “He gave again and again, without expectation of reward. He gave himself, and for that, we will forever be grateful.”
She said Low’s life left “a footprint of bravery, a footprint of compassion, and an unwavering service of saving lives,” not only in Henties Bay but across the Erongo Region and Namibia.
"We can say, and we can only say, thank you. We can say we remember you. We can say Brian’s life was not in vain,” the governor said.
Low’s colleague Johannes Makina, who was with him during the rescue attempt, also paid tribute. In a statement to the family, Makina said Low died while doing what defined him.
“It is with a heavy heart that I convey my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Brian Low,” Makina said. “Brian lost his life while we were together trying to rescue three teenage boys from the sea. His courage, his selflessness and his dedication to serving others will forever live on in our memories.”
Makina described Low as more than a colleague.
“Brian was not only a dedicated emergency services colleague, but also a true friend and a person with a heart for his community,” he said. “His sacrifice and bravery testify to the kind of person he was — someone who stepped forward without hesitation where others would retreat.”
“May you find comfort in knowing that he died while doing what he lived for: helping others and trying to save lives,” Makina said. “May God grant you strength, peace and comfort during this extremely difficult time.”
Low’s wife, Jolandi Low, thanked emergency services, government leaders, colleagues, family, friends and members of the public for the support shown since his death. She expressed gratitude for the convoy, the memorial, and the presence of the community that her husband served.
Low was a founding member of LifeLink Emergency Services in Henties Bay and served the town and surrounding region for about 19 years. Speakers recalled numerous rescues, including a near-drowning incident several years ago in which five boys were saved. “Ask anyone in Henties Bay,” the governor said. “They will say: that is our Brian. He saved my father, he saved my brother, he saved our mother.”
Low drowned after being swept away by the sea during the rescue attempt that saved three teenage boys.
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