Members of Park Rynie Life Saving Club gathered to celebrate 50 years of the club’s existence at the Park Rynie Tidal Pool. The Life Saving Club is a voluntary club who assist those in difficulty while swimming and offers swimming safety services.
The Chairman of Park Rynie Life Saving Club, Thumba Govender said: “Over the 50 years our club has served the people of Park Rynie and surrounding areas ensuring their safety when they visit the beaches. We have been active as a life guarding club and it’s exciting to reach this milestone.”
Govender said it’s an honour to see volunteers of the club receiving permanent employment in various municipalities and other places of employment. “Life guarding people at the beach was known as a voluntary duty in the past. We are excited to have produced a number of life guards during the club’s existence. Many of them have now become qualified life guards and this club has made a significant impact in the livelihoods of many residents from Park Rynie,” said Govender.
The club’s instructor, Melvin Patchai said the club is growing from strength to strength over its years of existence. “Over the past 50 years we have made more than 800 rescues and saved around 4000 people from drowning. Hence the club has introduced a ‘learn to swim’ programme for those 8 years and older,” said Patchai.
A resident of Park Rynie, Victor Naidoo said: “The club has been serving the community of Park Rynie exceptionally and providing necessary safety skills for the youth. It’s good to see some of our youngsters benefiting from this club as it trains them to be ready for future employment opportunities. I support the learn to swim programme which will nature swimming skills of our young people and move them away from any form of social ills.”
