Lifeguards need saving

WITH the South Coast so reliant on its golden beaches to attract tourists and upcountry visitors, one would expect lifeguard towers and facilities to be kept tip-top and fully equipped.

Even more important, one would expect the lifeguards themselves to be treated like heroes as they often risk their own lives to perform rescues.

However, an in-depth investigation by the Herald has now shown that all is not so.

With a view to highlighting any problems and urging authorities to take note before the Easter holidays, Shona Aylward decided to go on a tour of the beaches last week.

Her well meaning survey turned into a nightmare and has now been blown up through over-reactions from the Hibiscus Coast Municipality’s beach manager, Anton Botha, and municipal spokesman Simon April.

After her first visits to the beaches north of Port Shepstone last Friday, word got out and she was stone-walled from then on. Suddenly, apologetic lifeguards said they had been instructed to clam up.

Obviously tipped off, Anton Botha of Hibiscus Coast Municipality, then phoned Ms Aylwood to tell her that four of the lifesavers she had already spoken to had since written affidavits at a police station stating that she had duped them by claiming to be ‘from the municipality’.

“This is mind boggling,” said Ms Aylward. “I arrived at the towers with my camera and notebook in hand. I most certainly did identify myself as a Herald reporter. Anyway, how did Mr Botha know to phone me?”

Mr Botha then gave her permission to continue to visit the towers, but said that she had to identify herself properly.

“When I arrived at Uvongo beach on Monday morning, a lifeguard said he was expecting me and he would phone his boss, Mr Botha.

“He did so and reported back that Mr Botha ordered that I should not be allowed to enter the tower.”

At Trafalgar and Marina beaches – both Blue Flag beaches – lifeguards were also instructed not to speak to Ms Aylward and that she was not allowed to take photographs.

She received the same treatment at Margate and Ramsgate. “Sorry, we have to listen to orders from Mr Botha,” lifesavers said.

Now even more curious and wondering why the attempted cover-up, Ms Aylward continued with her investigations.

In spite of the lack of co-operation, she was still able to get lifeguards to speak to her on condition that she kept their identities secret.

They complained that they did not receive medical aid or pension.

Working hours were from 7am to 4pm or 8am to 5pm – 24 days a month with five days off.

They said senior lifeguards were paid R6 000 while their Durban colleagues received R15 000.

One lifeguard claimed to have seen a tender contract left lying around which showed that temporary lifeguards were to be paid R350 per day, but only received about R140.

In 2012, lifeguards went on strike due to salaries.

When service provider Tower 13’s contract was renewed, they were promised more money and benefits, but said this did not happen.

They complained their uniforms were old, torn and faded. Some lifeguards were still wearing outdated ‘Vodacom’ shorts.

They had to attend ‘fitness evaluation tests’ whether they were on or off duty.

Staff still hadn’t received Christmas bonuses which were in their ‘extension of current employment contract’.

The tour of the facilities also revealed:

* Hibberdene (Blue Flag beach): Lockers and cupboards are broken and the facilities untidy. A boat was in the garage as it was ‘difficult to push to the shoreline’. The malibu board was leaking and ‘fills up with water after five minutes’.

* Umzumbe (Blue Flag beach): The lifeguard tower has no electricity. Lifeguards haven’t been able to charge their cellphones or the radio while on duty for many years and complaints have been in vain. In case of an emergency lifeguards have to use their cellphones to phone for help. Or, lifeguards had to take the radio home to charge it. The building was in need of a coat of paint and repair. Lifeguards’ lockers were old, small and rusty.

* Banana Beach: Broken window at lifeguard tower. The paint was already peeling off on the newly renovated building.

* Umtentweni beach: During the recent holiday season it was reported that the lifeguard facilities were in a poor state, especially the toilet and shower. Little pride was shown during the holiday season with lifeguards sitting less than two metres from overflowing dustbins.

* Southport (Blue Flag beach): The lifeguards’ shower is broken and the facilities are tatty. The windows are broken. The malibu board has cracks and holes and reportedly sinks.

* St Mike’s beach: Last revamp in 2014. Building and facilities look generally in a good condition. A new jet ski was bought in December 2015. Roof leaks and is in need of repair.

HCM and Leon Garbade, of Tower 13, were asked for comment before publication.

There was no reply from Mr Garbade.

HCM spokesman Simon April sent a lengthy reply, linking the lifeguard investigation to several other stories published in the Herald recently.

The investigation started out trying to get those responsible to give the facilities a lick of paint, at least. Now one wonders what really gives?

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