Female lifeguard on Dolphin Coast just kept swimming

She had a dream of saving lives in the sea and, against all odds, Janet Dlamini (33) is now the only female lifeguard on the Dolphin Coast.

“I was always different. Growing up, I watched the lifeguards and knew I would one day be one myself. I believed in it,” said Janet.

Her mom, Phlinda, did not like the idea of her daughter in the water, where she could drown or be attacked by sharks.

Regardless, the strong-willed Janet secretly studied her lifeguard book and trained in the pool, while her mom believed she was playing soccer with her brother.

“My brother, Emmanuel, supported me. He gave me money to go to Durban to train. My senior, Linda Hlophe (a Ballito lifeguard) said if I could swim ten laps in the Thompson’s Bay pool, I could do the lifeguard test in Durban.”

One day, while she was ironing in a Chaka’s Rock laundry – her day time job – Linda came in and told her to come to Durban that Saturday for a test. She passed, but did not get called to work for the first year.

“People always think women are not capable of anything. When I finally got my first season at Willard Beach in 2004, I really had to prove myself. I was a slow swimmer, but I trained with the guys and they always supported me.”

She made it and eventually got her permanent job at Zinkwazi Beach four years ago.

“One of my toughest rescues was on this beach. A kite surfer got into trouble and I paddled out to help. The waves were huge. I could not see the beach anymore.

“When I saw him hanging on his board, he said he would not leave without the kite. I told him “I am here to save you, not your kite. Let’s go.

” We paddled back for over an hour. I was praying that we would make it, but I knew that if we did not, it was OK, because I was doing what I loved.”

Now, Janet is on a mission to encourage more women to become lifeguards and to educate people from the disadvantaged areas about the dangers of the sea.

“Everyone has a talent and I want to remind people of that. I want to teach the kids to be water safe and I want the girls to consider becoming a lifeguard. I have been the only girl for long enough now. I love my guys, but I need someone to gossip with,” she said with a chuckle.

“This job is so rewarding. Hearing locals support and appreciate your work and being on the beach all day is just heaven. I would not trade it for the world. As long as I can swim and I am fit, I will be a lifeguard.”

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