It’s that time of year again – the lifeguard season is finally here. For many, the arrival of summer brings dreams of sun-soaked days at the beach on a hot day. However, for lifeguards, it’s not just a season of leisure, but one of unwavering vigilance, dedication and a commitment to safeguarding lives.
“The lifeguard season symbolises more than just a job,” said Henry Faro, father of a junior lifeguard (who are also referred to as ‘nippers’); it represents a noble duty to protect and serve.”
The Milnerton Surf Lifesaving Club said its voluntary lifeguard season has started and lifeguards will be on Milnerton Beach every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday until 1 April 2024.
“We thank these young people who will each perform, on average, 60 hours of voluntary lifeguard duty this season,” the club said. “Always swim where and when lifeguards are on duty.”
Mayco member for community services and health Patricia van der Ross said lifeguards are an important part of ensuring a safe and festive summer season.
“They are there to look out for bathers and potential water hazards, components of our Drowning Prevention service,” she said. “It’s a job that requires commitment and vigilance.”
Training for potential lifeguards
NSRI Lifeguard Operations Manager Rebecca Carter-Smith said the frequency of lifeguard training starts to increase in September, with a focus on identifying potential lifeguard crew leaders.
“We actively involve them in training to prepare their teams for the upcoming season and boost morale. Additionally, this approach allows lifeguards to gradually acclimate to the water and weather conditions, while the temperatures are still low.”
To improve on the previous year’s services continuously the lifeguard unit debriefs all teams at the end of each season, taking note of highlights and challenges.
“We then spend the off-season looking at how we can continue to improve our services,” Carter-Smith said.
“This year we’ll be running assessments of lifeguards earlier on. We are also planning pop-up CPR stations on our beaches to talk about water awareness and bystander CPR as well as some demos for the public, to continually spread awareness and educate our beach visitors.”
