Lifesaving South Africa

16/06/2026

🇿🇦🛟 Youth Day | Building a Safer Future for South Africa’s Youth

Youth Day asks us to reflect on the sacrifices of a generation that fought for a better future — and to consider what future we are building for young South Africans today.

In South Africa, children and youth under 19 account for a significant percentage of drowning fatalities each year. Behind every statistic is a young life lost too soon, reminding us why prevention matters. 🌊

Through programmes like DHL , Lifesaving South Africa equips young people with vital water safety knowledge, survival skills and the confidence to make safer decisions in and around water. But lifesaving offers something even greater — opportunity.

Every weekend and public holiday, we pay tribute to our young members who give their time in service of a humanitarian cause, learning leadership, first responder skills and building pathways toward future careers as lifeguards, instructors and emergency responders. 💙

This Youth Day, we celebrate the young people who are not only preparing for their own futures — but helping protect the future of others.

15/06/2026

🛟 Holiday Plans This Winter? Put Water Safety First

With schools closing towards the end of June and holiday plans being finalised, DHL Lifesaving South Africa encourages the public to prioritise water safety before visiting beaches, pools and water parks this winter break.

While many inland pools close during winter, selected beaches and pools in KwaZulu-Natal and Gqeberha will remain operational with lifeguards on duty, while Western Cape beaches are generally unpatrolled during this period.

Before entering the water, always remember:
🚩 Swim only where red and yellow flags are displayed
👀 Check that lifeguards are on duty and visible on the lookout tower
📋 Pay attention to beach closure notices and local municipality updates

🦈 With the annual KZN Sardine Run underway, some beaches may temporarily close as shark nets are lifted along parts of the coastline.

DHL Lifesaving South Africa advises beachgoers NOT to swim at unpatrolled beaches, as rip currents along our coastline can occur at any time and on any stretch of beach — creating extremely dangerous bathing conditions. ⚠️🌊

Choose safety first this holiday period. 💙
📸 Winklespruit Surf Life Saving Club

12/06/2026

🚩🌊 Between the Flags with Madison Alberts from Pirates Lifesaving Club

Your starting point does not determine your destination. Your determination does. 💙

For Madison Alberts, lifesaving began long before competition. As a child, she was swept off the rocks after jumping into the water to help her cousin — a frightening experience that could have ended very differently, but instead became the moment that unknowingly shaped her future. 🛟

Starting lifesaving at 11 years old, later than many around her, Madison quickly learned that success is not determined by where you begin, but by how willing you are to keep learning, growing and showing up when things get tough.

From mastering new disciplines years into the sport, to countless early mornings, demanding training sessions and constantly pushing herself beyond her comfort zone, Madison refused to let her circumstances limit what she believed was possible.

That determination saw her rise through the ranks, earn podium finishes, compete at the Africa Games, and eventually represent South Africa internationally in New Zealand. 🇿🇦🏅

But for Madison, lifesaving has always meant more than results. It is about service, courage and stepping in when others need help — lessons she has carried both in competition and in real-life moments assisting people in difficulty in the water. 🌊

Her journey is proof that talent is only part of the story. Hard work, resilience and refusing to quit can take you further than you ever imagined.

Never let a late start become an excuse. Never let your circumstances define you. Never stop believing in what is possible. ✨

11/06/2026

🇿🇦⚽ Wishing Bafana Bafana every success tonight! The nation stands behind you.

From one federation to another, everyone at DHL Lifesaving South Africa is behind Bafana Bafana as they take to the field in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 🙌

Tonight marks a special moment for South African sport — our first FIFA World Cup appearance since 2010 and a return to the tournament’s opening match against Mexico, the same opponents from that unforgettable day when Siphiwe Tshabalala’s iconic goal united a nation. 🇿🇦💚💛

As you step onto one of the world’s biggest stages, know that South Africans from every corner of the country are cheering you on. 🇿🇦🔥

11/06/2026

10/06/2026

🌊 Recognised for Making a Difference Through Water Safety🏅

A special moment took place during the DHL WaterSmart Programme visit to Umzintovale Primary School last month, where facilitator Jeremy Ballard was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for his commitment to promoting water safety, saving lives and helping build a safer future for young learners. 👏

Thank you, Jeremy, for the passion and care you to bring to water safety education. We appreciate all that you do! 🛟

These important lifesaving lessons must continue to reach learners across South Africa, encouraging them to:

🌦️ Check weather and water conditions
🏊 Never swim alone
🌊 Watch for currents and sudden depth changes
🚩 Know their limits in the water
👀 Stay under supervision around water activities

09/06/2026

🛟 Child Drowning Prevention Ahead of the Holidays
🎙️ Podcast with Dhaya Sewduth on SABC Newsbreak

With the school holidays approaching, DHL Lifesaving South Africa is urging parents and caregivers to stay vigilant around water.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast, as Dhaya speaks about supervision, water safety education and helping children become :
https://omny.fm/shows/lotus-fm-newsbreak-sabcnews/podcast-lifesaving-south-africa-urges-strict-parental-vigilance-to-curb-child-drownings-ahead-of-holidays-sabcnews

By Newsbreak Executive Producer Salma Patel - With the mid-year school holidays fast approaching Lifesaving South Africa is asking parents and caregivers to be extra vigilant of their children especially around bodies of water. The WHO estimates that fatal child drownings in the country peak at more...

05/06/2026

🚩🌊 Between the Flags with Tyne van Achterbergh

For Tyne, lifesaving has always meant more than medals. It’s about teamwork, character, friendships and constantly striving to become better — both in and out of the water. 💙

“Every race, every challenge and every setback taught me something new.”

Tyne’s journey began at just 9 years old, with early mornings, long swims and countless hours spent in the surf. Through dedication, resilience and consistency, he has grown into a proud 3-time National Lifesaving athlete, representing South Africa against some of the best athletes in the world. 🇿🇦🏅

Now, 10 years into his lifesaving journey, Tyne continues to chase new goals, embrace every opportunity the sport brings and inspire those around him along the way. His story is a reminder that with hard work, belief in yourself and a love for what you do, big dreams are possible. 🌊✨
Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club - CSLC

03/06/2026

🛟 WaterSmart Wednesday | Water Safety for Every Child

The DHL WaterSmart Programme recently visited Bartimea School for the Blind and Deaf in the Free State, where facilitators Edith Senamela and Cecilia Masia shared important water safety lessons with learners. 💙

The key message was simple but powerful:
⚠️ Anyone can be at risk of drowning — no matter who you are.

Educators shared how valuable the programme was for their learners, particularly with a swimming pool located on the school grounds. Learners were excited to receive the WaterSmart books, and for those who are visually impaired, teachers assisted by reading the material aloud to ensure everyone could take part in the lesson. 📚

A heartfelt thank you to Edith and Cecilia for the care, passion and dedication they continue to pour into ensuring that every child — in every community — has access to life-saving water safety education. 💙🛟

02/06/2026

💙 Every child deserves the right to feel safe, protected, and free to simply be a child.

As we honour International Children’s Day, Child Protection Week and Youth Month, DHL Lifesaving South Africa reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding every young life we reach — at our beaches, pools, dams and within our communities. 🛟

Through programmes like Nippers and DHL training, we continue equipping children across South Africa with vital water safety, drowning prevention and lifesaving skills that can protect them for life. 🌊

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility — and together, we can build a safer future for every child. 🤝