GEORGE NEWS - Today, Thursday 1 December, is apparently D-day for lifeguards in George to sign their seasonal contracts with George Municipality.
However, a strong undercurrent of dismay with the municipality's daily remuneration of R250 per lifeguard is causing waves. According to a number of sources, most of the 40-odd qualified lifeguards will refuse to sign the new contract.
"We feel devalued and disrespected," said a lifeguard. "For the last eight years lifeguards earned a daily rate of R284, with no increase - and now, suddenly, a decrease. In Sedgefield we could earn at least R400 a day."
The lifeguard said they have communicated their concerns to the municipality and the fire department, under whom they resort.
"We do not even know if they have received our e-mails. Our final choice is not signing the contract."
Municipal comment
George Municipality's response, received yesterday morning, states that the recruitment process is ongoing.
"No negotiations can be entered into while the process has not been finalised. The 40 applicants that you are referring to have not even been accepted/appointed. The applicants that have been received applied based on the advertised remuneration.
"The discussion you are initiating is premature and may potentially detrimentally interfere with the appointment process.
"The R250 is a basic salary, the lifeguards will also be receiving overtime and additional pay; double on Sundays and public holidays, one and a half time on Saturdays, and their appointment is in line with skilled seasonal contract workers.
"We respectfully propose that we close the discussion for now and if necessary, take it up with the relevant parties (life savers). As for the amounts, the municipality plans, and budgets according to its affordability and within the confines of a set of relevant rules and regulations."
Treatment 'shameful'
A community member with close ties to the lifeguards says the treatment of the guards is shameful.
"Disaster awaits the bathing public if these lifeguards, who intend to band together, do not pitch up for their required duty. George Municipality should be taken to task for this shameful treatment of these fellow young community members who act in service of their community," the statement reads.
Without lifeguards on duty from 1 December to 31 January, Georges beaches could lose Blue Flag status. The past weekend alone saw a drowning at the beach in Glentana and a missing teen at Wilderness beach.
Flashback: Lifeguards from November 2017 alert and ready to save lives on the beach. Photo: Myron Rabinowitz
Let's compare offers
According to George Municipality a comparison with other municipalities can never be made, due to their distinctiveness. "Each municipality is autonomous and independent of one another."
Nonetheless, the other municipalities' remuneration of lifeguards makes for interesting reading.
George and Hessequa municipalities employ their lifeguards directly, whereas lifeguards at Sedgefield and Mossel Bay are supplied by a service provider appointed by the respective municipalities.
George offers R250 per day per lifeguard. The municipality did not answer a question about the daily fee a team leader will earn.
Their duty points include Victoria Bay, Herold's Bay, Wilderness Beach, Leentjiesklip, Gwaiing River Mouth and Conville swimming pool.
In Hessequa, a lifeguard earns R360 per day, a team leader R380 per day and a coordinator earns R520 per day.
"The amounts are adjusted annually," said Didi Budricks, Hessequa Municipality's head of public relations. "We appoint one coordinator, seven team leaders and 28 lifeguards. The areas where they are deployed include Gouritsmond, Lappiesbaai, Stilbaai-Wes, Preekstoel, Jongensfontein and Witsand."
Lifeguards in Mossel Bay receive a basic fee of R350 per day and shift leaders get R400. "Mossel Bay Municipality contracts Lifesaving Medical Rescue Services and Training Pty Ltd, who pays them," said Cornelle Carstens, senior marketing and communication officer.
There is a strong possibility that NSRI lifeguards might be deployed along Knysna's beaches.
Knysna Municipality spokesperson Christopher Bezuidenhoudt said final confirmation will only be possible once signed by the acting municipal manager.
The successful tenderers will be operational from 1 December to 31 January at Buffalo Bay and Brenton-on-Sea, and at all other beaches from 15 December right through to December 2023.
NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon confirmed that two weeks ago, 19 lifeguards qualified through the NSRI, including some of the Zero to Hero intake. "NSRI lifeguards have prepared with extensive training and resources to be deployed on duty at Knysna's beaches on behalf of Knysna Municipality," said Lambinon.
In Stellenbosch, four lifeguards will be appointed for the season at Cloetesville Swimming Pool alone, at R60,99 per hour per guard, which amounts to R487,92 for an eight-hour shift.
Without lifeguards on duty from 1 December to 31 January, George beaches could lose Blue Flag status.
What is expected of a lifeguard?
To qualify as a lifeguard, an applicant needs to pass an NQ level 4 exam they pay for themselves - R1 200 for affiliation to the club, the course and exams. Existing members pay a reduced rate. All lifeguards need to complete the course every year, over a period of eight months (April to November) with 30 hours of voluntary practical experience and weekly classes.
"They are trained to practise as lifeguards in different conditions, including at dams, at sea, in swimming pools and rivers," says Richard Botha, club captain of Outeniqua Surf and Lifesaving Club, who is involved in the training of the lifeguards.
"They are taught how to use their skills to help a drowning person, with and without equipment.
“They learn basic radio communication, first-aid and handling a life buoy and Malibu board.
“Typical characteristics of a lifeguard are their dedication, self-discipline, passion for their work and professionalism."
Lifeguards work long shifts, typically from 07:00 to 19:00, every weekday, weekends and public holidays. They organise their own transport to the beaches, buy their own warm jackets, hats, sunblock, fins and whistle.
"The amount of effort we put in to serve our community often goes unnoticed. Gruelling fitness tests, theory, the works. You put your life on the line," said a lifeguard. "This [the payment] is not a new argument. The decrease shows how little they value us. It is demoralising."
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