Lifeguards put to the test
As the masses gear up to head down to the beach, life guards are being put through their paces
MEMBERS of the Empangeni Lifesaving Club were put through their paces during their annual qualifications re-test in Richards Bay last week.
Swimming South Africa examiners, professional lifeguards TP Kannipen and Siyabonga Mkhwanazi, tested local lifeguards in both theory and practice in a 400m pool swim, CPR, use of spinal boards to rescue a ‘patient’ and communication skills.
Club Chairman Nkosi Ngcobo said lifesavers have to undergo the re-test training annually to refresh their knowledge.
He highlighted that the club would like to see more people joining and pursuing a career in lifesaving.
‘Our next training sessions resume in February and entrants participate in groups of six.
‘Currently we only have one female lifesaver, Charity Mthethwa, and we want more women to join the sport.
‘Our members also participate the KZN Lifesaving Championships and are in preparation for next year’s event in March.’
