A new generation of lifesaving laaities

In a few years time Ballito’s beaches will be under the watch of a new generation of young lifeguards.

On Sunday morning 48 of these hopefuls competed in the Ballito Lifesaving Club’s inaugural club championships at Clarke Bay.

Children as young as six years old competed in a variety of beach events in the first of two day competition.

Niplets (members younger than eight), Nippers (aged between eight and 13) went head to head in everything from flag race to theory and hand signals tests.

The Juniors (14 years and older) also competed in the flag race and performed rescue simulations for the younger members and parents.

The whole group came together for a tug-of-war at the end. A few excited dads lent their bulk to the challenge.

Club captain and coach Quentin Power coordinated the champs.

“We are basically teaching them everything from lifesaving duties to the actual competitive sport,” he said.

Power said the nippers will be able to join the municipal lifesavers once they are 18.

“Some of the older qualified kids help out at pool parties and that sort of thing,” he said.

Jo du Plessis’s daughters are currently training at the club. She believes learning lifesaving is a crucial skill for children.

“I grew up in Pretoria so we did not have this opportunity. It is great to teach children to have respect for the ocean. My girls confidence in the sea has grown 500 percent,” she said.

“They also learn safety basics as well as first aid. They get taught about cramp and what to do with blue bottle and jelly fish stings,” said Du Plessis.

The nippers go on a six week programme to become a qualified lifeguards.

Training usually takes place on Sunday mornings.

“We train on different beaches along the North Coast. That way they get to know the coastline,” said Power.

The second day of the champs takes place this Sunday at uShaka Beach at 8.30am, next to the Moyo Pier, in Durban.