The dedicated lifeguards at Thompson’s Bay rolled up their sleeves for a different kind of rescue – one aimed at saving the beach itself!
Thompson’s Bay, South Africa (06 January 2025) – The festive season brought loads of fun and deserved leisure for many, but in some areas, it left behind a trail of litter on our pristine coastlines. Confronted by this unsettling sight, a group of lifeguards at Thompson’s Bay went above and beyond to restore the beauty of their beloved beach.
“Before going on duty just after 6 am on 3 January 2026, we arrived to find the beach filthy, with litter everywhere. The worst part was seeing plastic washing into the ocean; we felt really bad because this is our workplace,” Lifeguard Superintendent for KwaDukuza Municipality, Bongani Xulu, told Good Things Guy.
Xulu shared that that morning, the lifeguards had also noticed a couple carrying bin bags and cleaning the beach, motivating them to join the effort together just before their work shift.
“We all grabbed bin bags and started sorting things out without hesitation because we’ve done this before.”
For Xulu, the impromptu cleanup was both environmentally necessary and a demonstration of taking care of the place that serves everyone, even long after the holiday season.
“We fully understand the environmental impact of plastic on the ocean, and we take pride in our workplace. This is our bread and butter.”
The dedicated crew included Ngeleka Luyanda, Andile Majola, Lungelo Mqadi, Ayanda Boni, Velile Pasi, Zamo Ngibone, Sphelele Mhlongo, Lindo Mhlongo, Bonga Khishinio, Khumbulan Gcabashe and Loyiso Mncwati.
A Facebook post featuring images of the lifeguards armed with rakes and bin bags, working to clear the beach of poorly discarded waste, has been received with praise and appreciation from social media users who commended the local heroes for taking on such a responsibility and leading by example.
“Well done, Bongani and team. Such great attitudes and pride in their working environment,” one person commented.
Xulu stresses the importance of responsibly maintaining the beach for everyone’s enjoyment, urging beachgoers never to leave waste, but only footprints behind.
“No one should have to pick up after another; we request all our beach visitors to respect the ocean and all its living creatures,” he said.
The Lifesaving South Africa Federation further commended all involved:
“Lifesaving South Africa thanks all lifeguards for their service during this past hectic festive season and commends those who have gone above and beyond in serving their communities. We are proud to support the KwaDukuza Municipal Lifeguards, who have demonstrated their commitment to both beachgoers and the environment in which they operate.”
Good Things Guy tips its hat to these local heroes. Taking responsibility is one thing, but doing it with such an incredible attitude is what makes all the difference!
Sources: Bongani Xulu
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