Saving lives and seeking silverware
SAVING people’s lives has not only brought Keown Delomoney a sense of satisfaction, it ignited a passion for lifesaving that has seen him earn his Springbok colours.
The 18-year-old lifesaver competed in the South African national lifesaving championships in April this year and was chuffed to be named in the junior squad to take part in the World Lifesaving Championships that will take place in New Zealand later this year.
He said achieving his national colours was a dream come true and a culmination of the long hours he put into training.
“It all started nine years ago while I was bodyboarding at Durban’s Battery Beach. I saw youngsters being put through their paces by a lifesaving club. I loved being in the water and wanted to join them.
“My dad enrolled me into the Pirates Lifesaving Club and my training began. After three months I was ready to tackle the sea. No matter how good a swimmer one might be, I was taught from an early age not to get complacent in the water.”
Delomoney said lifesaving was not just about being able to dive in and save lives. “There’s different elements a lifeguard needs to master. You need to be proficient in using a board and ski besides learning how to swim well in all conditions. Competitions we take part in include all three aspects.”
He said that he had saved over 10 lives to date. “Some cases were easy but I also came across instances when victims panicked, and that is when it can become dangerous for both of you.
“Although we were taught that the best thing to do in such a situation is to knock the victim out, so that rescuing him or her would be easier, I fortunately did not need to resort to these tactics so far.”
Delomoney said although lifesaving was extremely gratifying, it was a far cry from what we saw on the hit television programme Baywatch.
“I suppose because we have to be fit, our bodies are in good shape, but we don’t have beautiful women swooning all over us. Okay… we do get some admirers,” he admitted with a grin, “But it’s not like we get Pamela Anderson lookalikes throwing kisses at us all day.”
Delomoney, who matriculated last year, is currently enjoying a gap year. He will enrol to study for a degree in architecture next year.
In the meantime he is putting in the extra hours at Durban’s Battery Beach preparing for the world championships that will take place from September 1-18.
“We have performed well in previous world championships and our team is expecting a podium finish again this year.”