Editor
OVER the past two weeks it has become apparent that there has been misreporting in that the Umhlanga Rocks Surf Lifesaving Club is closing its doors. I would like to clarify that the Umhlanga Rocks Surf Lifesaving Club, which is affiliated to KZN Lifesaving and Lifesaving South Africa, is not closing its doors and we will continue to provide our duty squads as status quo.
We have a proud history and association of providing voluntary lifesaving duties for over 60 years to the greater uMhlanga community and tourists who frequent our beaches. We will endeavour to ensure we provide a high level of vigilance and service to ensure we maintain our record of not having a drowning while we have been on duty.
The club’s exterior upgrade, which has been in the pipeline for a long time, is in the process. The council has finally submitted the basic EIA report to the Department of Environmental Affairs and is awaiting a decision.
The clubhouse is currently closed for internal renovations and we hope to be open to our members by the middle of November.
In closing, lifesaving is a very unique movement. You have the sport side – competitions where you compete in team and individual events. There are not many other sports that offer this. Then you have the community work side, for example the lifesaving duties we do on the beach or at the pools, here you are giving of your time to save and protect the lives of others. The involvement in our development programmes, teaching and mentoring younger children less fortunate than ourselves about water safety and water awareness.
We get to do all of this while being outdoors and in the sun on the beach and in the surf – we can truly not think of another sport in which you have all these elements. The camaraderie, friendships and team spirit are priceless.
If you are interested in lifesaving and what it entails, come down to the club on Sunday to make enquiries or contact Lynette Yelland (secretary) on 079 990 1710 or Mike Rodda (club chairman) on 072 893 3581 for more information.
Scott Sowman
Umhlanga Rocks Surf
Lifesaving Club chairman
