Dear Lifesaving SA members,

Lifesaving SA advises that the applicable award requirements must be met for all members wishing to compete at the Lifesaving World Championships 2026 from the 29^th November – 13^th December 2026 in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

1. South African entrants:

• • Masters and those over the age of 25 years must hold a Lifesaving Award. An annual retest is not required for this category.

1. • Open entrants must hold a valid Lifeguard Award and a current retest. i.e. the competitor must have been assessed within 12 months of their previous assessment, and the award must remain valid and must not expire before the conclusion of the LWC 2026 event.

1. • Youth entrants must hold either a valid Junior Lifeguard Award (For those 15 years of age) or a Lifeguard Award and current retest i.e. the competitor must have been assessed within 12 months of their previous assessment, and the award must remain valid and must not expire before the conclusion of the LWC 2026 event.
     
     
2. International entrants competing for a South African club must hold a current and valid lifesaving award issued by their respective national federation.
   
   
3. Duty hours are not applicable to participation in the LWC 2026 event. However, members are reminded that the required duty hours will apply for entry into the South African Championships 2027.

Lifesaving SA will be required to verify the membership status and award compliance of all participating members prior to the commencement of the LWC 2026 event. All participating clubs are therefore requested to review and update their members’ records and ensure that all required awards and retests are current and valid.

Your cooperation in ensuring that all participating members meet the applicable requirements is greatly appreciated.

Yours faithfully,

Helen Herbert
General Manager