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SPORT & OUTDOOR
Hansgrohe Masters of Water Lifesaving Series
Venue: Cape Town, Port Elizabeth & Durban
Time: -
Price: -
Performances: 4, 11 Dec, 15 Jan 2011
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Lifesavers from across South Africa will compete in the
ultimate challenge at the Hansgrohe Masters of Water Lifesaving Series.
The National competition will test the lifesavers' beach and
surf abilities with challenges such as beach sprints, flag race
activities, surf ski, surf swimming and Ironman events. The overall
winner will be crowned South Africa’s best Lifesaver with the title of the
Hansgrohe Master of Water Champion - to be announced on the last leg of
the series in Durban.
The contenders who have qualified for the National
competition, include sixteen females and sixteen males who contribute any
spare time they have to lifesaving. They are highly talented and driven
individuals, many of whom are in Matric or studying to become Charted
Accountants, Financial Directors or Occupational Therapists.
When asked if any of the lifesavers have any interesting
stories to tell, Samantha Murray, bronze medalist at the World Rescue
Champs Taplin Relay, explains that “Saving a life is something one will
never forget. Once, a young girl found herself caught in a rip tide and I
swam out to save her, extremely tiring but highly rewarding”.
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Lyle Maasdorp, member of the SA Under 23 team for the 6
Nations Event explains that “There is never a dull moment! We have had
many encounters with Sharks. One close call, I remember in particular, is
when a great white shark took a large chunk out of my surf-ski - while I
was on it! I only realised it was a shark when I fell off of my surf-ski
and my hand landed on the sharks back! Luckily I had 4 other lifesavers
in the area who almost immediately got me onto their surf-ski and out of
the water on some nearby rocks”.
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 portfolio of talent. But
unlike other areas of the world where lifesaving is a professional career
and sport, South Africa relies on the goodwill and skills of a steadfast
group of volunteers, who lend their time and effort to keeping our waters
safe.
Top beaches across South Africa have been chosen as the
venue for the Hansgrohe Masters of Water Lifesaving Series, including
Camps Bay in Cape Town, Humewood Beach in Port Elizabeth and North Beach
in Durban. Sections of these beaches will be cornered off, allowing space
for the lifesavers to compete. Music, freebies and open events for the
public will add a festive vibe to the day.
COMPETITION DETAILS:
Cape Town 4th December
Camps Bay
11:00 briefing – 12:00 start
Port Elizabeth 11th December
Humewood Beach
12:30 briefing - 13:00 start
Durban 15th January
North Beach
09:00 briefing – 09:30 start
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