DURBAN’S North Beach is set to host the second installment of Red Bull Beach Patrol on 10 July which will see some of South Africa’s best surf lifesavers fight it out over varying disciplines for a chance at the title. Every year eThekwini sees in excess of 1.5 million visitors, most making their way to its shores to revel in the city’s sub-tropical climate and warm waters.

This makes for challenging times for Durban’s Lifeguard Force, who need to remain fit and alert to ensure the visitors safety in its waters – their proficiency being what stands between life and death. This year sees the return of the event, created to honour these everyday heroes who put their own lives on the line to save those of others.

The event consists of three disciplines before the finale, swim, paddleboard and surfski. Racers will have to complete all three in order to compete in the last part of the competition, which will incorporate all three aspects as well as a run down the pier – testing endurance and overall fitness.

Any person can enter to compete against some of the top lifesavers in the country, however the one condition is that you have to complete all three of the qualifying rounds in order to compete in the finale.

“I have grown up on the beaches of Durban and have got a long history of lifesaving and being involved with life saving,” Barry Lewin, sportive director for the event, said. “The event offers something completely different and the North Pier on Durban’s beachfront will provide the perfect location for the event, we are going to give the best life savers in the country the best possible platform to showcase their talents.”

To enter or for more information, visit www.redbull.co.za/beachpatrol. Entries close on 8 July.