Lifesavers are responsible for ensuring the safety of people partaking in recreational activities. In this article, Kaitlin tells us more about her job.
Kaitlin is a full-time student at the University of the Western Cape. She’s also a lifesaver based on Muizenberg beach which is one of Cape Town’s popular beaches better known for its surfing community. In this article, Kaitlin tells us about her job in the health care industry.
Check out the photo series on Instagram/careers24sa.
We asked Kaitlin what attracted her to a job in lifesaving, and this is what she had to say: “It was my mum who wanted me to get involved in lifesaving because she thought it would be a good recreational activity for me,” Kaitlin says. “One morning when I was in primary school, my family and I were taking a walk on the beach when we saw a few lifesavers setting up on the beach for the day ahead. My mum approached them and asked how I could get involved.” Having previously come from a competitive swimming background, Kaitlin says it was only fitting that she pursued the recreational activity. A week later she joined the False Bay Lifesaving Club.
Lifesavers are typically responsible for keeping an eye out for people partaking in recreational activities at the beach, in a pool or at a water-park. They need to create a safe environment in which people can enjoy themselves in these facilities. In the case that there is a mishap, it is the duty of the lifesaver to perform lifesaving activities such as resuscitation and first aid.
Here we leak some behind-the-scenes shots.
On a particular work day, lifesavers need to take a headcount of people swimming and make sure they are safe by calling out to them in case that they go beyond the demarcated areas. “I love the acknowledgement that we receive from the community. It’s really appreciated,” Kaitlin tells us. “I also enjoy the competition side of lifesaving,” Kaitlin adds. During competitions, lifesavers are tested on their skills and capabilities against other lifesavers from across the country.
For people who are considering pursuing a job as a lifesaver, Kaitlin has the following advice: “It’s important to know your swimming abilities because in a rescue situation, how fast you get to a patient determines whether or not they live or die.” Lastly, Kaitlin advises aspiring lifesavers to be persistent. “Never give up. The training process of becoming a lifesaver is not the same for everyone.”
If you’d like to be featured in this Instagram series, send a mail to editor@careers24.com, telling us about yourself and your awesome job, and we’ll be in touch!
