Physically challenged man joins Amanzimtoti lifesaving programme
Since 2008, he has called Amanzimtoti home and quickly fell in love with the sea. Peter is hopeful that one day he will become a lifeguard.
The golden sand and the crisp beach air has given Peter Glass, 49, a new lease on life after he was recently enrolled in a senior lifeguard programme. Peter, who has a beaming smile and radiant personality, lost one of his legs at the age of 26 after an accident while flying a microlight (lightweight aircraft).
He spent five months in hospital for rehabilitation and was later placed in a home for people with physical challenges. This, however, did not dampen his fighting spirit. Since 2008, he has called Amanzimtoti home and quickly fell in love with the sea. Peter is hopeful that one day he will become a lifeguard.
“I joined the programme simply because I want to do something positive and good for the community. I have been working on my spirituality and believe that this is where I am meant to be. I am very excited to see where this leads,” Peter shared.
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He has been immersed in the training programme for a few weeks now and describes the progress as tiring, but rewarding. So far the training sessions have consisted of conducting 14 laps in the pool in 14 minutes, underwater breath training and CPR training. Peter is no stranger to the beach and in addition to this, he also enjoys participating in adaptive surfing as a way to push himself out of his comfort zone.
“I simply love being at the beach. It is where I feel most free, and there is something magical about being in the ocean,” he added.
Jace Govender of Lifesaving South Africa (LSA), explained the junior course is for 14 to 18 year olds, and a senior lifeguard course is for 19 years and older.
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“This programme allows people who come from previously disadvantage communities to become professional lifeguards. Peter will be allowed to perform CPR and conduct beach patrols once he is qualified. Toti Lifesaving Club funds aspiring lifeguards to obtain their QC awards in order for them to become fully qualified lifesavers. Peter is the first physically challenged person to join the Amanzimtoti programme and that in itself is wonderful,” said Jace.
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