NSRI Station 23: Zero to Hero Programme

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The general allure of the sea combined with the passion for helping others is one of the many reasons Xolani Qakatayo, Jerome Goeieman, and Eurios Horne joined the lifesaving initiative, by NSRI Wilderness Station (Station 23).

Sea Rescue is recruiting and training lifeguards from disadvantaged communities to patrol local beaches this summer and plans to continue with this initiative with the aim of training 10 new lifeguards every year.

“Piloted in 2021, the aim of the Zero to Hero initiative is to ensure that access to training and employment as lifeguards is available to everyone, specifically disadvantaged communities who have may not previously been able to access training due to historical and socio-economic barriers.

"As an organisation, we strive to make a positive impact in our communities that we live and serve in. We want a better shared and safer future for everyone – this lifesaving initiative aims to achieve that,” said Mike Vonk, Station 23 Station Commander.

The objective is to recruit and train lifeguards by offering an intensive 4 to 5-week “Zero to Hero” training programme.

No previous experience is required. Successful candidates will receive an internationally recognised qualification, lifeguard clothing package and be able to apply for seasonal employment opportunities through both the NSRI and local municipalities.

The vision is to run the programme in different communities, giving opportunities to as many different groups as possible.

Following the success of last year’s pilot in Touwsranten, the focus this year is on extending the initiative to residents who live in Sedgefield.

We welcome applicants from Touwsranten, Wilderness or Kleinkrantz, with employment opportunities on local beaches, later this year.

The proposed selection criteria for the programme will be:

Need to be competent swimmers
Age: 18+ years
Live in Sedgefield, Touwsranten, Wilderness or Kleinkrantz
Available for full time-training at during September - October 2022

“The course will be offered at no charge to the candidates as its important that there are no financial barriers to those who are interested”, said Mike Wood (NSRI Lifeguard Area Manager).

All training materials, transport, clothing, and examination fees will be fully sponsored. In return, lifeguards will be expected to volunteer some of their time as well as having the opportunity for paid employment.

In 2021, Xolani, Eurious and Jerome qualified as lifeguards and worked the full holiday season, helping to keep public safe on beaches and pool in Knysna municipality and the same time earning a salary.