From fisherman helper to Willard Beach’s main lifeguard

KwaDukuza lifeguard Sipho Sibongiseni Sokhulu (36) has spent a lifetime overcoming difficulty to help others do the same.

The Groutville resident has had a lifelong affinity for the ocean after learning how to swim and fish with his father, who was a fisherman by trade.

“I grew up in Tinley Manor and was taught to be comfortable with water early on. I think this is something all children should learn, whether they live near the ocean or not,” said Sokhulu.

While in Grade 9, Sokhulu’s mother became unwell and his father left, leaving him the sole breadwinner.

He found part time work before being introduced to lifesaving.

To become a full-time lifeguard however, Sokhulu had to gain his matric before studying for the relevant certificates.

“I knew what I wanted, so I worked hard and did three years of night school to catch up,” he said.

His qualifications helped him advance quickly within the lifeguarding structures on the North Coast, which were initially informal.

“I worked for five years with Lifeguard Africa before KwaDukuza municipality (KDM) took over in 2011 after there were high numbers of drownings. In 2015, the lifeguards became permanent employees of KDM.”

Sokhulu is now the senior lifeguard at Willard Beach, the premier beach on the North Coast.

With 15 years of experience in lifesaving, he has pulled hundreds of flailing swimmers from the ocean.

“There have been a few scary experiences. I am never fearful for my own life because of my training, but I know there is always a chance we will be too late to rescue someone.”

Recently, a close call occurred when an elderly man was swept off the rocks at Boulder’s Beach in dangerous conditions.

The rip made it impossible to swim him back to shore, so Sokhulu had to risk cuts and bruises and take him over the rocks.

“I had never done that before and just relied on my instincts. Luckily it worked out.”

He highlighted the need for swimmers to bathe at guarded beaches.

“Without onlookers who called us over, that man may have needlessly lost his life.”

KDM employs 23 full-time lifeguards at Clarke Bay, Willard Beach, Thompson’s Bay, Salt Rock Main Beach, Tinley Manor, Blythedale and Zinkwazi.

Out of season, they are on duty daily from 8am to 4pm, increasing their hours from 6am to 6pm in peak season.

“We are there for a reason. Swim at the main beaches and let us keep you safe.”

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