GQEBERHA – Records tumbled and rising stars seized the spotlight as day one of the DHL Lifesaving South Africa Championships delivered a thrilling display of skill, speed and international competition.

The event opened with a vibrant ceremony attended by dignitaries from Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, sponsors and key stakeholders on Thursday, setting the tone for a week celebrating both sporting excellence and lifesaving heritage.

Emerging talent made its mark in the U9 and U10 divisions, while seasoned competitors in the U13 and U14 categories produced standout performances.

In the U14 girls division, Sarah Mocke of Fish Hoek Lifesaving Club secured victory in the Iron Nipper event, continuing a proud family legacy.

The daughter of former world champion Dawid Mocke, she followed in the footsteps of her parents and older brother.

Lucy Harker (Marine Lifesaving Club) claimed second place, with Gianna Cowper Johnson (Summerstrand Lifesaving Club) finishing third. The trio replicated the same podium positions in the Run Swim Run event.

The U14 boys Iron Nipper title went to Eddy Harker (Marine Lifesaving Club), ahead of CJ Hutchinson (Fish Hoek Lifesaving Club) and Shah Eli Kannemeyer (Kings Beach Lifesaving Club).

Kannemeyer bounced back in the Run Swim Run, taking gold ahead of Dylan Froneman (Big Bay Lifesaving Club), with Harker finishing third.

Record-breaking performances

The action shifted to the pool, where intensity soared and records fell.

Kings Beach’s Nicholas Pretorius delivered one of the standout performances of the day, breaking the South African record in the 200m obstacle event during the morning heats — before lowering it again in the afternoon finals.

His achievement set an early benchmark and highlighted the growing strength of junior lifesaving in South Africa.

Competition across all pool events was fierce, with athletes pushing each other to the limit in tightly contested races.

International and elite talent raised the bar

Adding a global edge to the championships, international clubs from Japan — Nishihama and Tateyama — and Germany’s DLRG (German Lifesaving Association) competed ahead of the World Lifesaving Championships set to take place in Gqeberha later this year.

Their presence elevated the level of competition while strengthening international ties within the sport.

The senior women’s division also welcomed the return of top competitors. Amica de Jager of Clifton Lifesaving Club made her comeback after recovering from an injury sustained at the 2025 International Surf Rescue Challenge in New Zealand.

Sasha-Lee Hemmens, one of South Africa’s leading athletes, returned from the United States to represent Rox Lifesaving Club, adding further depth to an already competitive field.

With ideal weather conditions, record-breaking performances and a blend of emerging and established talent, the opening day set a high standard for the competition ahead.

As the championships continued across beach and pool disciplines, South Africa’s finest lifesavers — alongside their international counterparts — were poised to deliver an unforgettable week of sport.

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