The 2025 Rescue Sport Series kicks off with its first pool competition on 18 October at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). This opening event launches an eight-part series that brings together lifesavers from across the Western Cape, giving athletes the chance to compete, develop skills, and track their progress as the new season begins.
Racing will take place in UWC’s 50-metre indoor pool, with warm-ups from 1 p.m. and competition starting at 2 p.m. Families, friends, and supporters are encouraged to come along to cheer on the province’s top lifesaving athletes as they take to the water.
Scoring Points and Building Momentum
This first event gives competitors the chance to earn title points toward the Rescue Sport Series championship. Full results and points allocations will be available on the Rescue Sport Series results page.
The competition format includes senior lifeguards, Nippers, and Masters racing in alternating events. This setup encourages intergenerational learning, allowing younger athletes to gain experience alongside seasoned lifeguards, while senior competitors have the opportunity to mentor and lead by example.
Events on the Programme
The pool programme features:
-
50 m Manikin Carry*
-
100 m Manikin Carry*
-
100 m Manikin Tow*
-
200 m Super Lifesaver*
-
4 × 50 m Lifesaver Relay
*These are point-scoring events toward the Rescue Sport Series titles.
More than 100 athletes from across the Western Cape are expected to compete, including local national team members and participants who excelled in the Winter Pool Sprint Series, now ready to tackle full-length events.
The Series also continues its tradition of hosting visiting athletes. National Team members from Gauteng will travel to Cape Town as part of their preparation for the Orange Cup competition in Holland at the end of the year. Among the visitors is National Team captain Kendra du Toit, who will compete alongside the Western Cape’s top athletes.
Why Pool Rescue is Important
Pool lifesaving events are a core component of the Rescue Sport Series, complementing the surf competitions held later in the season. Each event mirrors the skills required in real-life rescues: swimming efficiently, towing and carrying a manikin, and performing under pressure.
The controlled environment of the pool allows athletes to develop speed, endurance, and technical skill, which are essential when responding to emergencies in unpredictable open-water conditions. Every race represents not only athletic development but also a commitment to the lifesaving mission: being ready to act when it matters most.