Winkle SLC stalwart named SA’s top surf lifesaver
LIFESAVING South Africa's (LSA) national surf lifesaver of the year is none other than Winklespruit Lifesaving Club's Brad McCann.
The announcement was made at the LSA annual general meeting on 25 July, when its annual awards presentations were made at a function in Durban.
Presented ‘in recognition of outstanding and dedicated service to the lifesaving movement over the past season’, the 25-year-old was chosen from applicants throughout the coastal clubs in KZN, Eastern Cape and Western Province.
An architectural draughtsman by trade, Brad’s motivation to win the award was “to show up-and-coming candidates that with enough passion and dedication, not only can you achieve great things in lifesaving but you can also become a great lifesaver when you put your mind to it”.
And put his mind to it, he did.
Brad passed LSA’s junior lifeguard award at age 15, lifeguard award at 16, and also holds certificates of IRB crewman and IRB driver. During LSA’s past season from July 2013 to March 2014, Brad actively served 83 hours of voluntary beach patrol squad duties and 30 hours as an IRB driver.
He instructed six successful candidates for their lifeguard award and eight for their IRB crewman certificates. At competitions during the period, Brad was a sea judge at three championships. His administration services were also recognised for the lifesaver of the year award, as club IRB officer and coach of junior flags, and also as the regional powercraft officer and a national duty and patrols committee member.
“Getting involved in lifesaving was one of the most invaluable and rewarding life experiences I have had yet,” said Brad, following his win.
