SA’s best lifesavers head to PE
● Winners may get picked for world event in Italy later this year
Now in its third consecutive year in Port Elizabeth, the SA National Lifesaving Championships this month promise to be even bigger and better than the last.
The event, a combination of still water and surf competition, will be stretched over a seven-day period from March 19-25 at Kings Beach and the Newton Park swimming pool.
Director of sports for Lifesaving SA and event convener Craig van Rooyen said winners would not only get bragging rights but could secure a spot in the SA squad travelling to Italy for the world championships, later this year.
“The national championships form part of the selection criteria for our national team,” Van Rooyen said.
“This year is big for lifesaving, being the year of world champs which take place in Riccione, Italy, from September 18 to October 5.
“SA has every intention of sending a team to the world champs, depending on the Covid-19 virus.”
This year’s championship sees 1,700 athletes from across SA, ranging in age from eight to 85 competing for national honours.
There will be 100 officials throughout the course of the tournament.
Van Rooyen said to gain access and compete in the championship, lifeguards had to volunteer for duty hours at local beaches.
“We have a total of 52 different categories of events.
“On the surf, we have a variety of events which range from surf swims, board rescues to flags.
“In the pool we have events such as obstacle races and stimulated rescue.
“Through the two disciplines we take care of all the various skills needed by lifeguards to protect the public while also creating a competition from it,” he said,
Earl Ingram, chair of Lifesaving
Nelson Mandela Bay and the Eastern Cape, said they were grateful for another opportunity to host the event.
He said there had been growth in the sport after the event was held in PE.
“Every event in the sport of lifesaving is based on actual rescue stimulated responses for our lifeguards.
“This event is not only important for the city in terms of developing new lifeguards but it also boosts the city’s aims to make PE the water sport capital of SA,” Ingram said.
Councillor Simphiwo
Plaatjies said: “As the municipality we will never get tired of partnering with sport.
“We always pride ourselves on good games, safe games and the friendly people of our city.
“The people of Port Elizabeth are ready to welcome all the guests.”