The club secured seventh place overall at the 2026 DHL Lifesaving South Africa Championships, with standout individual performances, strong relay results and community-driven support playing a key role.
Gqeberha, South Africa (13 April 2026) – A week of competition, teamwork and early morning grit paid off for Scottburgh Surf Lifesaving Club, who delivered a standout performance at the 2026 DHL Lifesaving South Africa Championships in Gqeberha.
Competing against 22 of the country’s top clubs at Kings Beach, the team secured an impressive seventh-place finish overall. The result reflects not just podium finishes but a season of consistent effort and strong community backing.
For many of the club’s young athletes, the championships were a chance to test themselves across a range of disciplines, from surf swimming to beach sprints. And they made it count. Leading the way were team captains Olivia Cox and Cruz Rivetti, who set the tone with confident, all-around performances.
Olivia was dominant in her division, collecting multiple gold medals across key events, while also adding bronze finishes to round off an exceptional showing. Cruz matched that energy with a string of silver and bronze medals, proving his consistency across both surf and beach events.
They weren’t alone. Blake Killoran delivered a strong campaign in the U13 Boys category, finishing on the podium in several events and securing third place overall. Joshua Zietsman, one of the newer faces in the team, made an immediate impact by sprinting to gold, while Tatum Cox and Reece Ruiter added valuable podium finishes of their own.
The team spirit extended beyond individual performances. In the relay events, Scottburgh’s young competitors combined effectively, with one of the highlights being a silver medal finish in the U12 Boys Board Relay.
Off the sand, the club’s presence was just as meaningful. The Masters division included a memorable appearance from 79-year-old Bruce Roberts, whose participation was a reminder that surf lifesaving is as much about lifelong passion as it is about competition.
Behind the scenes, the journey to nationals was powered by a strong sense of community. The club raised over R100,000 throughout the season, with parents, supporters and local initiatives all playing a role. From weekly bacon and egg roll sales to a well-supported fundraising auction. The funds went towards essential equipment, helping ensure athletes were properly prepared for competition.
For nipper coach Kirsten Cox, the results speak to something bigger than medals.
“The championships play a vital role in developing essential water safety skills, with many former Nippers, Juniors and Seniors going on to save lives along the country’s coastline.”
That development is built on a strong foundation.
“Surf lifesaving is about building confident, capable young people who understand the ocean and can respond in critical situations.”
Sources: Supplied
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