Swimming is Tyler Hughes’ (12) passion.
But Tyler doesn’t just make a splash in swimming but in lifesaving as well.
The Colin Mann Primary School learner and Boksburg Aquatic Saints Swimming and Lifesaving Club member, who has broken four long-standing records for swimming at school and two provincial records for lifesaving to date, will be participating in the South African National Lifesaving Championships in Port Elizabeth, in April.
When many hear the word ‘lifesaving’, they think of TV programmes such as Baywatch.
“There is more to lifesaving then people realise,” said Tyler’s mom, Melanie, when the GCN visited the family.
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By definition, lifesaving is the act involving rescue, resuscitation and first aid.
It often refers to water safety and aquatic rescue. However, it could include ice rescue, flood and river rescue, swimming pool rescue and other emergency medical services.
On top of all this, lifesaving is also a sport where lifesavers compete based on skills, speed and teamwork.
Tyler got involved in the sport because of her older sister, Jordan.
“When Jordan wanted to give up swimming she was encouraged not to leave the pool completely but rather to shift her focus to lifesaving,” said Melanie.
“I went with my sister and the coach suggested I also try out because I am a strong swimmer.
“So I started doing lifesaving too and it ended up being pretty fun and I am quite good at it,” said Tyler with a smile.
Tyler is currently a nipper, which is a child between the ages of eight and 14 years old.
Though nippers do compete in competitions, they are not held to the strict time standard of the older lifesavers.
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This doesn’t mean she neglects training. She takes to the pool for four hours at least three times a week with lifesaving coaches Natalie and Marco Pimento and swimming coaches Wade Marshall and Mark Stainton.
“I am very pleased both my girls are involved in lifesaving,” Melanie said, “as I believe they are learning vital skills not just in the pool but in life.”
This year will be the second time that Tyler will compete in the South African National Lifesaving Championships.
Last year was Tyler’s first taste of ocean (or surf) swimming. She enjoyed it immensely and finished in fifth place.
This year, however, she will not be competing in the surf division as it is before the pool swim.
“If I do the surf swim, I will be too stiff for the pool completion and I am stronger in the pool,” she said.
When asked how long she will continue to do lifesaving, Tyler said, “I don’t know.”
“I know I want to make the Gauteng team and then the South African team.”
Tyler is now focused and cannot wait for nationals.
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