Scottburgh Surf Lifesaving Club is back in full-blown action. With four squads comprising of eight active duty members each, the volunteer-based lifesaving unit is feeling extremely motivated with the return to lockdown level 1.
Morgane Petit, club secretary, said: “As you can imagine it’s been a great opportunity for them to interact with friends again and spend some time actively serving the community.” She said the early lockdown stages made it difficult for active duty members to maintain swimming and paddling fitness, due to beach closures, but they were now fully prepared in addition to being fully briefed by Jeremy Balland, club instructor, on Covid Protocols before resuming their duties.
“We’ve instituted strict Covid protocols, and ordered additional PPE materials, to ensure our member’s safety while using our premises and materials. We are thankful to SAPPI Saiccor, Halfway Toyota and Inyoni Homes, to name a few, who support and sponsor our club.” The club’s biggest challenge remains providing excellent community service while keeping their lifeguards safe.
Petit said nothing can stop the positive growth and resurgence at the club. “Despite hardships on our country from this pandemic, our club has risen. Aside from the active duty members already mentioned we have approximately 55 Nippers and 15 candidates training to become the future Scottburgh Junior and Senior Lifeguards. And finally, after a year on standby, our candidates are preparing for their Junior Lifesaving Award and Lifesaving Award, after restarting the course.”
At the end of February their juniors, Scottburgh Nippers, participated in a Durban Nipper carnival where great results were achieved. This warm-up was in preparation for their first important competition, the Lifesaving KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) U9 to U10 Nippers Champs, which takes place on 28 March at Marine Lifesaving Club. Lifeguards train daily, depending on weather conditions, while juniors train every Sunday at 8.30am. Although training is only open to a limited number of members and candidates, due to gathering limitations, the junior training is still open to children over eight years old.
“if you wish for your children to participate, please don’t hesitate to come and meet our coaches. It is always a great skill to be water-smart!”
If you want to find out more about the Scottburgh Surf Lifesaving Club visit their Facebook page or call 039 976 1137.
