Lifesaving Champs gets under way
More than 700 from across the country battle it out in contest
THE General Tire Lifesaving South Africa National Championship is under way in Camps Bay until Saturday, April 1. With more than 700 competitors from across the country battling it out in a multitude of lifesaving events, the champs is the opportunity to acknowledge and support the unheralded heroes.
“Yesterday was for the masters, and the inter-province but from (today) onwards there will be roughly 600 people competing every day for the rest of the championship,” said Carmen Taylor, who is promoting the event.
“It will showcase the Juniors and Senior SA Champs competing in different challenges and arenas along the shore. They will be competing in a variety of races such as the flag race, a 100m sprint along and board race.”
Taylor said lifesaving as a sport was still relatively small but it needs the support, especially as the men and women competing are the ones who save lives along the beaches of our country daily.
“They save lives, they train to be able to keep people safe and they are giving up their time to keep people safe and the least the public can do is come and support them as they get to have a fun, and take part in the sporting side of it.
“By coming down, it is a way for the public to show thanks. It cost nothing to come down, and beside watching the lifeguards in action, there is also a spot where viewers can play soccer for free.
Lindsay Horten from Fish Hoek attended the event yesterday to support her husband. She had an extremely enjoyable time watching the lifeguards.
“My husband is actually competing in the SA champs, and so I’m here for support. It is great fun, as they are doing things they did as youngsters as Masters.
“Why not come and support everyone that has been through this?”
Taylor said a charity event would take place on Saturday where R20 000 will be up for grabs and will include eye candy in the form of Siv Ngesi, Percy Montgomery and Ryk Neethling.