While many people admire the ocean from the safety of the beach, Bonga Khishinio prefers to get a little closer, sometimes much closer than his TikTok followers would like.

The KwaDukuza lifeguard’s underwater encounters with whales, dolphins and other marine life have entertained thousands, with some followers joking that his adventures must be giving God and his ancestors sleepless nights.

The 30-year-old, known as Zulu Aquaman on TikTok, has attracted 214 800 followers and accumulated 2.8 million likes through his underwater adventures and educational videos.

But behind the humour and breathtaking encounters is a man passionate about teaching others to swim and protecting the ocean.

Born in Maphumulo, Khishinio’s love for water began at the age of eight while living with his mother in Ballito, where she worked as a domestic worker.

His first swimming lessons came through observation rather than formal training.

“I remember going to stand by Granny’s Pool. I would watch people who came there after exercising to cool themselves down. I watched how they swam, and that is how I learnt to swim,” he said.

His curiosity later took him to Clarke Bay, where he regularly watched lifeguards training before eventually joining their sessions uninvited.

“In the midst of me invading the training sessions, one of them noticed me and started teaching me the basics of lifeguarding. Another one decided to help me learn about bodyboarding,” he said.

He eventually qualified as a lifeguard and secured part-time work with KwaDukuza municipality. He also obtained his spearfishing licence.

“I am in the sea almost every day. It is my happy space. I have been diving along the KwaDukuza coast and I can confidently say that it is one of the best and most beautiful coastlines. We should look after it and keep it clean,” he said.

Beyond entertaining his followers, Khishinio dreams of introducing disadvantaged children to swimming and careers in the marine industry.

“If I had the means, I would bus children from my township, Shayamoya and Nkobongo, to the beach every weekend. That way, they would be off the streets, having fun at the beach while learning valuable skills that could one day save a life.”

For now, he offers swimming lessons at R100 per session, hoping to make this essential skill accessible to more people. Contact him at 074 448 4357.