It is without doubt a crucial service in South Africa, with our many beaches attracting many thousands of people to the water during the summer months.  But sadly, this volunteer service is also traditionally under funded and under supported.

Since Lifesaving started in Australia in 1906, it has expanded across the globe and saves thousands of lives annually.  In order to raise the profile of the service as well as to keep its members fit, lifesaving added a sporting element to its bow.  But unlike other areas of the world where lifesaving is a professional career and sport, South Africa relies on the good will and skills of a steadfast group of volunteers, who lend their time and effort to keeping our waters safe.

This also affects our ability to compete and achieve at world events, as the domestic competition calendar is particularly thin, relying as it does on the largesse of sponsors.  Traditionally, individuals and teams only have an opportunity to compete in select regional competitions which lead up to the Nationals, which in 2009, will be held in Durban.

The inception of the Hansgrohe Masters of Water Lifesaving Series will go a long way to redress this shortfall.  The Series has already attracted 24 of the top men and women lifesavers from across the country, who will compete in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and finally in Durban in February 2009, for the honours of being the Hansgrohe Master of Water.

The disciplines will include beach and surf activities including beach sprints and flags as well as surf ski, surf swimming and Ironman events.

In order to sustain the growth of the sport and the service itself, it is imperative that the sport welcomes newcomers. To achieve this, The Hansgrohe Masters of Water Lifesaving Series will encourage local beach goers and regional lifesavers to participate in the beach events, in the hope of attracting additional manpower.

Join the team at Kings Beach, Port Elizabeth on 17 January at 13h00 for the second leg of the Series. Or e-mail: nikki@totalmedia.co.za for further information on the series or how you can get involved in building the sport of Lifesaving in South Africa.