Lifesaving South Africa has officially introduced Ellie the Elephant as the mascot for the Lifesaving World Championships 2026, set to take place in the vibrant coastal city of Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay.

An icon of South Africa’s Big 5 and a proud symbol of the Eastern Cape, Ellie represents strength, presence, and pride. Her character reflects both the spirit of the host nation and the global community of athletes who will gather to compete on the world stage.

Ellie isn’t just a mascot – she’s the heartbeat of the event. Designed to bring energy, identity, and connection, she represents the unity and excitement that define the Lifesaving World Championships. While the world’s best lifesaving athletes deliver world‑class performances in the surf and on the sand, Ellie will elevate the atmosphere.

Spectators can expect to see Ellie cheering from the sidelines, lifting the crowd, and bringing the unmistakable South African vibe to every race, ceremony, and celebration.

Dive deeper into all things Lifesaving World Championships 2026:

• Visit the official event website to play your stay, view the program of events and other important event details.
• Follow ILS on Instagram and Facebook for real‑time updates, behind‑the‑scenes moments, and throwbacks to iconic moments from past Lifesaving World Championships events.