World champs debut for teen lifesaver

The Clifton College matriculant will be celebrating his eighteenth birthday on the first day of the competition.

Sebastian Garreau of Umhlanga Rocks Lifesaving Club will be representing South Africa at the Sanyo Bussan International Lifesaving Cup in Fukuoka, Japan.

A MOUNT Edgecombe teen is aiming to make his club, the province and South Africa proud at the Sanyo Bussan International Lifesaving Cup. Sebastian Garreau of Umhlanga Rocks Lifesaving Club is one of four KZN athletes to make the South African team for the international competition which begins later this week.

South Africa is one of seven other countries being represented including, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Great Britian, Netherlands, Hong Kong and Japan.

This is Garreau’s first national call-up. What’s more the Clifton College matriculant will be celebrating his eighteenth birthday on the first day of the competition.

Garreau will be competing in the Malibu board, beach relay and rescue tube.

“I’m so honoured and excited. I must admit, there are a few butterflies. I’ve set myself the goal of finishing in the top seven in the individual events. As a team, we are aiming for a podium finish for the team events. I’m hoping to use this competition to learn and grow as an athlete. I’m the youngest athlete on the men’s side so it’s going to be a great way for me to learn all I can. I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for my coaches and my mom and dad, they’ve supported me the whole way,” he said.

Garreau said his love for lifesaving started at a young age.

“I started lifesaving at the age of nine and I haven’t looked back. I love the beach, it’s my happy place. It’s the only time I get to relax. If I can I come down everyday to the beach to just chill or train,” he said.