With less than a year to go until the Lifesaving World Championships 2026 (LWC 2026), anticipation is building across the global lifesaving community and at the heart of the excitement is one of South Africa’s premier aquatic venues: Newton Park Swimming Pool in Nelson Mandela Bay.
The Olympic‑size indoor complex, also known as the Mandela Bay Aquatic Centre, will host the stillwater events for LWC 2026. Renowned for its fast, consistent racing conditions, the venue is already drawing praise from athletes preparing to compete on the sport’s biggest stage.
South African national team captain Kendra Du Toit, one of the country’s most accomplished young lifesavers, believes the pool will deliver an unforgettable championship experience.
Newton Park Swimming Pool is a 50‑metre, heated, indoor facility designed to meet the highest international standards.
The venue features:
- A fully covered grandstand offering excellent spectator visibility
- A dedicated 25‑metre warm‑down pool
- World Aquatics/FINA–standard starting blocks
- Consistent stillwater conditions ideal for record‑breaking performances
For Du Toit, the layout and atmosphere of the venue create a competitive environment unlike any other.
“We have a grandstand on the one side as well, and in the Newton Park Pool we have a nice 25‑metre warm‑down pool where you can go and get rid of the lactic acid after your amazing races,” Du Toit said.
But it’s the energy inside the indoor arena that she believes athletes will remember most.
“That atmosphere is insane. You have to come and experience it for yourself, especially an indoor pool. Everything’s echoing. You don’t even know what your thoughts are anymore, you just hear noise and screaming. It’s just something you have to witness for yourselves.”
As a proud Nelson Mandela Bay athlete, Du Toit is especially excited to welcome competitors, coaches, and supporters from around the globe.
The 23‑year‑old has become a standout figure in South African lifesaving, breaking national records and inspiring younger athletes with her performances and leadership. Hosting the world championships on home soil, she says, is an opportunity to showcase both the country’s talent and its hospitality.
With months of preparation still ahead, Du Toit encourages athletes to focus on the technical details that can make or break a race.
“Focusing on technique,” she said. “If you are a good surf swimmer or a good board paddler, you can always translate that into the water. I think where most swimmers or craft people mess up is needing a little bit more attention on their technique.”
Her message is simple: sharpen the fundamentals.
“Focus on the clips, focus on the fin put‑ons. Get smooth at that and everything will fall into place.”
As the world’s top lifesavers prepare to converge on Nelson Mandela Bay, Newton Park Swimming Pool is ready to take centre stage. With its world‑class facilities and electric atmosphere, the venue promises to deliver a championship experience worthy of the sport’s highest honour.