Lifesaving South Africa has officially announced the national teams that will represent the host nation at the Lifesaving World Championships 2026, signalling the start of an exciting home‑ground campaign as the country prepares to welcome the global lifesaving community to Port Elizabeth – Nelson Mandela Bay to compete on the sport’s biggest stage.
The Championships will take place at Kings Beach and Newton Park Swimming Pool, where South Africa’s top ocean, beach, and pool athletes will compete against the world’s best in front of a home crowd.
The national squads feature a blend of experienced competitors and rising stars across the Open and Youth divisions.
In the Open division, captains Joshua Fenn (East London) and Nicola Harcus (Fish Hoek) will lead a strong contingent featuring athletes from Clifton, Fish Hoek, Umhlanga Rocks, Milnerton, and East London.
The Youth teams, captained by Quewin Pieterse (Southern Cross) and Eve Abrahams (Fish Hoek), showcase emerging talent from clubs including Kings Beach, Clifton, Fish Hoek, and Summerstrand, highlighting the depth of South Africa’s development pathways.
As the host nation, South Africa will be looking to harness home‑ground support and build on the momentum of their performances at the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships held on the Gold Coast (AUS). Returning athletes include world champions Abrahams along with Matthew Coetzee who will be aiming to defend their titles.
In 2024, Coetzee captured the Men’s Surf Ski world title in a thrilling six‑way sprint to the finish and returns as one of the team’s key contenders. Abrahams, the women’s youth beach flags world champion, will be determined to replicate her Gold Coast heroics on South African soil.
Lifesaving South Africa congratulated all selected athletes, recognizing the effort and excellence that earned their selection.
“Congratulations to all athletes on their selection. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment have earned them the opportunity to represent Lifesaving South Africa at this prestigious event,” said Craig Van Rooyen, Director Sport Lifesaving South Africa.
“Sincere congratulations are also extended to the coaches, managers, and support staff for their valuable contribution to the team’s success.
“As preparations begin for the Lifesaving World Championships 2026, we wish the entire team every success and look forward to following their journey with pride,” Van Rooyen said.
| Open Male | Club | Open Female | Club |
| Captain: Joshua Fenn | East London | Captain: Nicola Harcus | Fish Hoek |
| Hayden Hemmens | Umhlanga Rocks | Georgia Singe | Fish Hoek |
| Javin Presence | Milnerton | Keira Van Heerden | Clifton |
| Matthew Coetzer | Fish Hoek | Sasha Lee Hemmens | Umhlanga Rocks |
| Samuel Booysen | Clifton | Savannah Voigt | Clifton |
| Tyne Van Achterbergh | Clifton | Zoe Beresford | Clifton |
| Youth Male | Club | Youth Female | Club |
| Captain: Quewin Pieterse | Southern Cross | Captain: Eve Abrahams | Fish Hoek |
| Jack Allott | Clifton | Alayah Krogscheepers | Fish Hoek |
| Jarryd Cole | Fish Hoek | Daniella Harcus | Fish Hoek |
| Johan Moolman | Kings Beach | Kendra Begley | Kings Beach |
| Nicholas Pretorius | Kings Beach | Shaylee Powell | Fish Hoek |
| Samuel Mocke | Fish Hoek | Sienna Gous | Summerstrand |
Team Management:
| Coaches | Managers |
| Head Coach – Dean Marais | Logistics and Team Manager – Jill Fortuin |
| Surf Coach – Andrew Crook | Surf Manager – Paul Lynch |
| Beach coach & strength and conditioning – Sean Carew | Pool Manager – Garth Bruwer |
| Head Pool Coach – Lynette van Rensburg | |
| Assistant Pool Coach – Lauren Allott |
Lifesaving World Championships 2026 will bring together thousands of competitors, officials, and supporters from across the globe, showcasing the very best of lifesaving sport while celebrating values of community, safety, and international friendship.
Nelson Mandela Bay, centred on the vibrant coastal hub of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), is renowned for its golden beaches, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Known as the “Friendly City,” it offers the perfect backdrop for lifesaving’s flagship event.
Athletes will compete across two world-class venues: King’s Beach, a 1.6-kilometre stretch of golden sand from the harbour wall to Humewood, ideal for surf and beach racing, and the Newton Park Swimming Pool (Mandela Bay Aquatic Centre), a 50-metre Olympic-standard indoor facility that hosted the 2025 South Africa National Swimming Championships and has recently been upgraded to meet World Aquatics standards.
Together, these venues will host a full programme of pool, ocean, beach, ensuring thrilling competition for athletes and spectators alike.