From Nemos and Nippers to Masters: every age has a place at King's Beach. Find where you or your child fit, what you'll learn and when we train.
Nippers learn to be safe in the sea and on the beach, pick up basic first aid and lifesaving skills, and above all have fun in the sun. Our youngest members, the Nemos, start from age 6.
— Listen to your coach and follow their instructions.
— Train hard, and work with your coach and the other Nippers.
— Be a good sport: congratulate and encourage others.
— Stay alert, and use the buddy system. Never go into the water alone.
Our coaches are volunteers who give up their free time. Nippers and parents: please respect them and back them up.
Juniors and Seniors are the backbone of the club's lifesaving duties and competitions. Every member on duty needs a lifesaving award that matches their age.
Junior Lifeguard Award (JLA), ages 14 to 17 [age band to confirm]: lets you compete and do duties until you turn 17. From your 17th birthday you have six weeks to upgrade.
Lifeguard Award (LA): builds on the JLA and covers competition and duties from then on, all the way into Masters.
Lifesaving doesn't stop at 30. Masters train with the club and compete against their own age group, from 30 to 65 and over.
Lifesaving isn't only in the surf. Stillwater events are swum in the pool, from obstacle swims to manikin carries. Surfski paddlers race in the bay, and surfboat crews row together through the break.
[Copy to come from the club: who each discipline is for, and when and where it trains.]
We train twice a week on the beach, from September until Easter weekend, or until SA Lifesaving Nationals in April.
[Times from the 2022 season: to confirm for this season.]
Coaches look after the children during training; before and after, they're in their parents' care. Pack warm clothes to change into afterwards.
Every programme comes with chances to compete. Carnivals and competitions help young and old learn more about themselves, and build friendships for life.
What to know before you enrol your child as a King's Beach Nipper.
Encourage your child's interest in surf lifesaving, and teach them that winning means doing their best, not only coming first. Support them; don't pressure them.
Children love you to watch their progress, and they learn best by example. Applaud the ones who try their hardest. The club is not a babysitting service.
Our coaches are volunteers. They give their time for your child, and they deserve your support.
Send your child with sunblock and a hat, and teach them to look after the club's equipment and help pack it away.
Welcome to our club
Joining King's Beach Lifesaving Club gives you and your family a healthy, fun way to spend your free time on one of Port Elizabeth's safest and most beautiful beaches.
