With the summer season still in full swing and scorching weather conditions still expected for the month, voluntary lifeguards are on a mission to keep the beaches safe.
The Big Bay Surf Lifesaving Club recently held a Robben Island Relay Swim Race to raise funds for their voluntary lifeguard tower.
The two teams competed over a distance of 7,4 km, with each team of four or five swimmers braving the open water and the elements in unknown conditions.
The mission was to renovate the lifesaving tower at Eden on the Bay. It is in desperate need of vital upgrades to ensure that the lifeguards on duty have the proper equipment and facilities to perform their duties.
“Due to wear and tear and, of course, being so close to the ocean, the lifeguard tower leaks. This has caused major damage to the equipment and the tower.
With the funds raised, we will be able to properly waterproof and upgrade the tower to ensure that these volunteers who give so freely and eagerly of their time will be able to do so in more comfortable conditions,” the club says.
According to the club, these volunteers give up their time freely to keep the beaches and community safe.
The club recorded 8 January as the busiest day they have had in over 20 years, with 3 000 people on the beach and 1 000 in the water.
“Big Bay Lifesavers have done a magnificent job so far, performing multiple rescues and saving numerous lives over the past several weeks. I was in their tower the other day and was absolutely shocked to see the conditions that they have to endure while on duty. They do this voluntarily which takes up a huge amount of their personal time, for the benefit of you and your family. Someday you may need their help,” one of the residents says.
The club is in need of the following for their tower:
- Fridge;
- water cooler;
- chairs;
- flooring – tower vinyl flooring;
- cabinet and counter in the control room;
- vinyl flooring tower and first aid room;
- new tables/ desks and
- wooden lockers.
- To assist the club with their tower drive, contact fundraising@bigbaylifesaving.co.za or 082 456 0723.
