JEFFREYS BAY – History was made on 8 February in Jeffreys Bay when the first-ever Lifesaving Nipper Level Test was conducted at Dolphin Beach.
The milestone marked a significant step forward for junior lifesaving development in the area.
The town also hosted the Eastern Cape’s Lifesaving Championship, which took place on 14 and 15 February at Jeffreys Bay Main Beach.
Keawane Hammond, chairman and head coach of Jeffreys Bay Surf Lifesaving Club and a Kouga Municipality lifeguard, said the timing was right to introduce the formal nipper testing component in Jeffreys Bay, where four local candidates participated in the testing.
“We felt the timing was right because our nipper programme has grown steadily in participation and structure,” said Hammond.
He said that the first four candidates performed very well in all aspects of their training and were selected to do their level testing to ensure their participation in the Eastern Province Championships.
Hammond said that the athletes were ready for formal assessment, and introducing level testing allows them to benchmark their progress and align their training with provincial standards.
“Our first four young candidates took part in the testing, representing a small number but also a solid turnout, showing growing interest in junior lifesaving in our community.”
Nippers typically range from ages six to 14, with training tailored to each age group’s physical ability and skill level.
Hammond described the milestone as a major step forward.
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“This milestone marks a major step forward for youth development. It establishes a structured pathway for young lifesavers and strengthens our club’s ability to produce skilled, confident athletes who can compete at the provincial level,” said Hammond.
The candidates were tested across Levels 1 to 3, completing assessments in pool swimming, run/swim/run sequences, sit-ups, push-ups, water safety, first aid, signals, and lifesaving knowledge.
Hammond confirmed that the testing will become an annual feature.
“We intend to make nipper level testing an annual event. Consistency is key to development, and regular testing will help us maintain high standards and track progress year after year,” said Hammond.
Further elaborating on the Eastern Cape’s Lifesaving Championship, he said that it was highly competitive and well-organised, bringing together approximately six clubs from across the province, as well as a special invitational club from Plettenberg Bay.
Hammond said that the championship event provided a great platform for young athletes to gain experience, build confidence, and represent their clubs with pride.
While this was the first nipper level testing in Jeffreys Bay, the championship itself has been hosted locally for the past three years.
Hammond said that hosting the event locally highlighted the town’s growing role in provincial lifesaving.
Local competitors delivered strong performances.
In the long run event, Judah Levendal (u/12) secured first place, and both Christiano Faulkner (u/14) and Lionel Coetzer (u/10) placed second.
In the beach sprint final, Lionel (u/10) took first place, Judah (u/12) and Christiano (u/14) both finished fourth, and Zach Levendal (u/10) finished eighth.
The u/14 boys placed sixth in the beach relay while Judah won the u/12 Victor Ludorum title and placed third in the u/12 run/swim/run sequence.
In the u/12 Taplin Relay (run/swim/Malibu board paddle), Lionel, Zach, and Judah secured third place.
In total, the local club earned 12 medals.
Looking ahead, Hammond said development will remain structured and consistent.
“We will continue structured weekly training, coaching clinics, and participation in competitions. Our aim is to build both competitive ability and strong lifesaving fundamentals through consistent coaching and mentorship,” said Hammond.
The nippers are now preparing to compete at the 2026 South African Lifesaving Championships in Gqeberha from 26 March to 1 April.
Hammond added that expanding lifesaving programmes to other local beaches in the Kouga region forms part of the club’s long-term vision.
“We want to increase accessibility and promote water safety awareness across more local communities and train up local lifeguards by partnering with the municipality to alleviate the unemployment rate in the region,” said Hammond.
“We are incredibly proud of our young athletes and coaches. This achievement reflects strong community support and dedication to youth development. Our goal is not only to grow competitive lifesaving but also to promote water safety and life skills that benefit the entire community.”
Hammond extended special thanks to the NLC Access To Coaching project, facilitated by Craig van Rooyen, Director of Sport from Lifesaving South Africa, as well as Kouga Local Municipality, for partnering with the club and the St Francis Bay River Club for their continued support.
He also thanked his assistant coaches, Dawie Pitzer from Dolphin Beach Entertainment, for making the pool accessible to the young lifesavers, and Maryna Freemantle from Chip ‘n Dip for their sponsorship during the Eastern Cape Championships.
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