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King’s Beach Lifesaving Club is situated at King’s Beach, Humewood, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Founded in 1952 by local ocean and water sports enthusiasts, KB as it’s fondly known has a beautiful rich history, fascinating stories and is currently one of the top Lifesaving Clubs in South Africa.
Training, lifeguardg and the Sport of Lifesaving have been part of the club since its inception. We at King’s Beach Lifesaving Club pride ourselves in having a place in the sun for everyone.
King’s Beach in Port Elizabeth was named to commemorate the visit of the British Royal family in 1947.
It was once no more than 10 to 20 metres wide, like all Port Elizabeth beaches back then. Since the construction of a breakwater, the beach has steadily grown – and the beachfront area is the beating heart of our vibrant and diverse Nelson Mandela Bay.
Lifeguard duty schedules to be finalised in September 2022.
The Lifeguard is a highly trained, fit athlete, responsible for defining a safe bathing area, rescuing people in distress, and applying first aid if necessary. He or she is on duty during all weather conditions and may be required to do foot patrols along beaches, be part of a motorised patrol or rescue boat crew, or be involved in helicopter rescues. Other responsibilities may include maintaining discipline on the beaches and enforcing by-laws in their respective areas.
You will need: good powers of concentration; to be a good swimmer; to enjoy the outdoor life; communications skills; good eyesight; the ability to remain calm under pressure. Public relations skills are also an essential attribute.
You must be 14 years or older.
Most clubs insist on the Lifeguard Awards for pools or the beaches. – all members HAVE to be qualified
Lifesaving South Africa sets the examinations and outcomes required to qualify beach and pool lifeguards.
Lifeguards are constantly in training, prior to and often after their duty periods. Certain tests have to be taken regularly to ensure their fitness and capabilities.
JUNIOR LIFEGUARD AWARD (JLA):
This is done by those aged 14-15. This award enables you to compete and do duties until you turn 15. Once you turn 15, you have to upgrade to the Lifeguard Award.
LIFEGUARD AWARD (LA):
The Lifeguard Award is an extension of the JLA and enables you to compete and do duties until after Masters.
14 and 15 year old members will qualify with a JLA (Junior Lifeguard Award) and members older than 15 will qualify with a LA (Lifeguard Award).
JLA’s must be able to swim 400m in a pool in less than 9 minutes to pass the entrance test and LA’s must be able to swim 400m in less than 8 minutes.
The candidate is then trained to become a fully qualified lifeguard which requires more extensive knowledge of rescue methods, resuscitation, basic first aid etc.
The candidates are trained by qualified members of the club.
The job requires a good knowledge of first aid, CPR and all lifesaving problems encountered on a beach, dam or pool. Due to the physical nature of the job the candidate must demonstrate good aquatic ability, being able to perform rescues using various items of equipment, as well as doing actual contact rescues.
All qualified lifeguards in order to retain their qualification must do a Refresher Course and a Retest exam at the beginning of each season before they will be allowed to perform duty or compete in competitions. Instructors set up different dates, venues and times for these courses.
