Lifesaving South Africa

20/08/2026

🇿🇦🌊 | Built by Purpose. Ready to Represent. | Zoe Beresford

For Zoe Beresford, success is about becoming better than you were yesterday.

Zoe, from Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club - CSLC, discovered her love for lifesaving at the age of 12. It wasn't long before she found her passion in beach events, earning selection to the Western Province Lifesaving Team for six consecutive years and, last year, the opportunity to represent South Africa at the International Surf Rescue Challenge in New Zealand - an experience that deepened her love for the sport and introduced her to international competition.

Now a second-year BCom Industrial Psychology student at Stellenbosch University, Zoe's greatest motivation isn't just competing - it's continually growing. Every season is an opportunity to become a better lifeguard than the season before, learning from both her successes and her setbacks.

Reflecting on what it means to represent South Africa, Zoe says:

"Representing my country means a lot to me as I get to showcase my skills to the world and it reminds me of how far I have come in this sport. It is a goal I have been working extremely hard to reach since I was younger, and now being able to look back and remember this was something I dreamed of is an amazing feeling."

Zoe's journey is a reminder that progress isn't about perfection - it's about showing up each season determined to learn, improve and keep moving forward. That mindset is what makes her ready to represent South Africa on the world stage.

They are competitors. They are volunteers. They are lifesavers. They are role models.

Built by Purpose. Ready to Represent. 🇿🇦 International Life Saving Federation (ILS)

19/08/2026

🛟 World Humanitarian Day | Honouring Courage in Action 🌍

Today, on World Humanitarian Day, we celebrate those who put the safety and wellbeing of others before themselves. It is a day that recognises extraordinary acts of courage, compassion and service - values that lie at the heart of lifesaving.

We are incredibly proud to congratulate Mandy Dean on being awarded the RLSS Mountbatten Medal for 2026 for her courageous rescue of two swimmers at Sardinia Bay Beach on 15 July 2025. 🌊

First introduced in 1951, the Mountbatten Medal is awarded for the bravest rescue by an RLSS award holder. In its 75-year history, Mandy becomes only the 10th woman to receive this prestigious honour and the first female South African saving a life to achieve this remarkable distinction.

Mandy's award also continues South Africa's outstanding legacy, with DHL Lifesaving South Africa members receiving six of the last eight Mountbatten Medals - a testament to the exceptional courage, skill and commitment of our volunteer lifesavers.

On this World Humanitarian Day, Mandy reminds us that true humanitarianism is often found in moments of selfless action, when ordinary people choose to do extraordinary things for others.

Congratulations, Mandy, on this well-deserved honour. Your courage inspires us all. 💙🇿🇦

18/08/2026

🏊‍♂️🌍 | Welcome to Newton Park Swimming Pool 🇿🇦

This November, the Newton Park Swimming Pool (Mandela Bay Aquatic Centre) will welcome the world's best stillwater athletes as the official venue for all pool events at the International Life Saving Federation (ILS) Lifesaving World Championships 2026.

This 50-metre, Olympic-size indoor heated facility provides the ideal environment for world-class competition, offering consistent conditions for athletes to perform at their very best.

With a covered grandstand, dedicated warm-up facilities and World Aquatics-standard starting blocks, Newton Park has a proven track record of hosting elite competition, including the 2025 South African National Swimming Championships.

From thrilling obstacle races and manikin events to relay finals that will keep spectators on the edge of their seats, Newton Park is ready to showcase the very best of international lifesaving sport.

The countdown continues... 🇿🇦🌍

🌐 Register today - Entry fees increase from 1 September: https://lifesaving2026.com/

18/08/2026

Have you ever responded to a critical incident while working in aquatics? Whether it involved a patron, coworker, or another emergency situation, your experience matters.

ILCIRA is partnering with the Center for the Advancement of Military & Emergency Services (AMES) Research at Kennesaw State University to conduct the first international study examining how critical incidents affect aquatic professionals.

By participating, you'll help us better understand:
🛟 The types of critical incidents aquatic professionals experience
🧠 The emotional and psychological impact of those events
🤝 How organizations can better support staff before, during, and after difficult incidents
🌍 How we can advocate for improved resources, training, and peer support across the profession

The survey is anonymous, takes approximately 20 minutes to complete, and is open to current and former aquatic professionals around the world.

Every response helps build the evidence needed to create healthier, more resilient aquatic workplaces.

📋 Take the survey here: https://ilcira.org/research/

Please consider sharing this with your colleagues and professional networks. The more voices represented, the stronger our understanding becomes.

14/08/2026

🌊 | Welcome to Kings Beach 🇿🇦

This November, Kings Beach will welcome the world's best surf lifesaving athletes as the official venue for all surf events at the International Life Saving Federation (ILS) Lifesaving World Championships 2026.

Situated along the beautiful shores of Algoa Bay in Nelson Mandela Bay, Kings Beach offers a Blue Flag, 1.6 km stretch of golden sand, consistent surf conditions and outstanding facilities, providing the perfect setting for world-class competition.

As the proud home of Kings Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, established in 1952, the beach has a rich lifesaving heritage and a long-standing connection to the sport.

From spectacular surf racing to thrilling beach events, Kings Beach is ready to showcase the very best of international lifesaving while welcoming athletes, officials and supporters from around the world.

The countdown continues... 🇿🇦🌍

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality SA Tourism

13/08/2026

🇿🇦🌊 | Built by Purpose. Ready to Represent. | Nicholas Pretorius

For Nicholas, success is built long before race day.

Nicholas, from KINGS BEACH Lifesaving Club, credits swimming and lifesaving for shaping him into the athlete - and the person - he is today. The sport has taught him discipline, resilience, teamwork and the importance of serving others, with every early morning, competition and challenge helping to build his character.

His dedication has earned him outstanding achievements, including the South African U15 Victor Ludorum Stillwater title, multiple South African Stillwater records, the South African age-group record in the 50m Butterfly, and the title of U17 National Surf Swim Champion.

Over the past year, Nicholas has proudly represented South Africa in both swimming and lifesaving, including competing at the International Surf Rescue Challenge in New Zealand - an experience that strengthened his commitment to wearing the green and gold with honour.

Reflecting on what representing South Africa means to him, Nicholas says:

"Representing South Africa in swimming and lifesaving is about far more than winning medals. Wearing the green and gold is a privilege and a responsibility. It means carrying the values of courage, commitment, integrity, and service while striving to inspire others to pursue their own goals with passion and determination."

Nicholas represents a generation of athletes who understand that wearing the Protea is about more than performance. It's about leading with integrity, embracing responsibility and inspiring others through your actions - both in and out of the water.

They are competitors. They are volunteers. They are lifesavers. They are role models.
Built by Purpose. Ready to Represent. 🇿🇦

12/08/2026

Helen has dedicated her life to advancing lifesaving and water safety. 💙 Now it's our turn to support her! Please like or react to Helen's photo in the official Top 10 Finalists post to cast your vote. 🛟👏

Your dedication to lifesaving has been invaluable, Helen! Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for DHL Lifesaving South Africa!💛

MEET YOUR TOP 10 FINALIST: HELEN HERBERT

Helen Herbert is a leading force in lifesaving, water safety, and sports governance across Africa! Over three decades, she has served as a coach, official, mentor, and executive leader.
As General Manager of Lifesaving SA and Secretary General of ILS Africa, Helen continues to transform grassroots programs, drive coach education, and equip the next generation of lifesaving leaders.

❤️ LIKE/REACT to this post to vote for Helen.

12/08/2026

🌍🛟 World Drowning Prevention Day | Gauteng United to Turn the Tide on Drowning

We were encouraged to see communities across the country unite in support of United Nations World Drowning Prevention Day. 💙 In keeping with the World Health Organisation's 2026 theme, "Unite to Turn the Tide on Drowning," it was inspiring to see the Gauteng clubs, led by Trident Lifesaving Club, host a water safety and drowning prevention day involving 400 Cub Scouts from across Greater Johannesburg.

Together with Gauteng-based DHL LSA WaterSmart Facilitators, the voluntary clubs presented practical, hands-on demonstrations in CPR and line throw activities. Scouts, parents, community members and bystanders all had the opportunity to try their hand at line throw - a popular pool lifesaving event that demonstrates how anyone can assist in a rescue, even if they are not a strong swimmer or qualified lifeguard.

The day's activities highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach to drowning prevention and ensuring the safety of our children. Learning basic lifesaving skills is not just an individual responsibility - it is a family and community effort, and an essential life skill that can help save lives.

A heartfelt thank you to Trident Lifesaving Club, Gauteng Lifesaving Association and our DHL LSA WaterSmart Facilitators, volunteers and everyone who helped make the day such a success.

11/08/2026

🏆💙 Celebrating Volunteer Leadership | Congratulations, Jill Fortuin!

We are delighted to congratulate Jill Fortuin of Fish Hoek Surf Lifesaving Club and Strandfontein Surf Lifesaving Club on being named Volunteer of the Year at the gsport4girls! 2026 GSPORT Awards. 👏 This honour comes during the United Nations’ International Year of the Volunteer.

The award recognises Jill’s remarkable 35 years of service to DHL Lifesaving South Africa - protecting lives, mentoring future generations, transforming the sport, and empowering young women.

In addition to volunteering at club level and performing lifeguard duties, Jill is playing a key role in preparing Team South Africa for the 2026 ILS Lifesaving World Championships.

Jill embodies everything volunteer lifesaving stands for: service, humility, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to others.

Congratulations, Jill, on this well-deserved recognition and your extraordinary contribution to DHL LSA! 💙🛟🇿🇦

09/08/2026

Happy Women's Day to the Fearless Women Protecting South Africa's Waters💜

This Women's Day we celebrate the incredible women of DHL Lifesaving South Africa who serve their communities with courage, compassion and unwavering commitment. From volunteer lifeguards and coaches to officials, administrators and DHL WaterSmart Facilitators, thank you for the difference you make every day. 🛟

In this special message, Nozipho Mashaba from Ellis Park Lifesaving Club - Johannesburg shares her Women's Day wishes with women across the country and ends with one powerful word:

"Mbokodo."

Inspired by the historic 1956 Women's March, Mbokodo ("rock") symbolises women who lead with strength, resilience and determination while breaking barriers and uplifting those around them.

Today, we celebrate every woman who protects lives, inspires others and proudly carries the spirit of Mbokodo.

Happy Women's Day. 💜