Bentalls retire after 38 years in lifesaving
They have both immensely enjoyed their time in the voluntary service.
HUSBAND and wife, Ken and Sandra Bentall of Toti have retired from voluntary lifesaving, after an astounding 38 years, both having played an integral role at Amanzimtoti Surf Lifesaving Club.
On Friday, 4 September a farewell function was hosted for the duo at Amanzimtoti Surf Lifesaving clubhouse, where they were joined by friends and colleagues.
Sandra was employed part-time by Lifesaving South Africa since October, 1977 to run their regional office, Southern Natal Surf Lifesaving, from home in an administrative capacity.
“I got involved in the voluntary side of lifesaving, a great and worthwhile community service. Over the years, I have assisted in and organised workshops and seminars for members and water safety education for the public,” said Sandra.
In a voluntary capacity, she joined Amanzimtoti Surf Lifesaving Club and completed a qualifying certificate. “I started officiating at competitions and over the years co-ordinated the scoring at local and national championships around the coast and trained other scorers. I completed the judge’s certificate and received administration colours of the Southern Natal Surf Lifesaving Association and was awarded the national honours award of Lifesaving South Africa.
Sandra was also appointed a director of Lifeguards Africa (Pty) Limited when it was the professional arm of Lifesaving South Africa and also served as a member of the national constitution committee.
“Voluntary clubs of Lifesaving South Africa provide community service every Sunday and public holiday. During the week its members are employed in various careers such as lawyers, doctors, policemen, artisans, merchandisers, designers, shop retailers, restaurant staff, teachers and so on and give their valuable family and social time to train and maintain their knowledge and fitness as voluntary lifeguards.”
“I appreciate being part of this international lifesaving organisation, meeting so many people, interacting mainly with members along our South Coast from Port Edward to Isipingo, assisting with administrative matters.
Sandra’s interaction with executive officers of the regional association and club members required her to know the various LSA manuals in detail to assist with queries.
“Retiring after nearly 38 years in the lifesaving movement, I value so many colleagues who have become friends. It has been a 24/7/12 part of my life and it’s difficult to switch off now.”
Ken has also had an illustrious career in lifesaving circles. He joined Amanzimtoti Surf Lifesaving Club in 1977. Through the years he obtained his qualifying, judge’s and instructor’s certificates.
In his 28 years on the club committee, Ken held various positions among them, three terms as secretary, treasurer and chairman and 13 terms as president.
In his 19 years on the regional executive, he was chairman on three occasions, chief examiner and assessor for three terms and president for three terms.
Through the years Ken has amassed a number of awards and honours. He has convened lifesaving champs at inter-provincial and national level and judged at the world lifesaving champs in Durban in 1995 in both the stillwater and surf disciplines. He has also been a presenter at various club and provincial lifesaving workshops. He also convened disciplinary enquiry boards in 2008, 2011 and 2015.
Now that Ken and Sandra are retired from their everyday careers and lifesaving, they remain busy by being active in their church, both sing in the choir.
They have been married for 47 years and have two sons, two daughter-in-laws and three grandchildren.
The couple are also making plans to move to the UK.
