For nearly three decades, Durban’s Dale Duke has been giving back to lifesaving through officiating, and this year, his journey reaches a defining milestone on home soil. Appointed Deputy Chief Referee for the Lifesaving World Championships 2026, Dale will help oversee the sport’s pinnacle event.
His officiating career began while competing as a Masters athlete, when he felt it was time to contribute to the sport that shaped him. That decision set him on a path from local to international competition, culminating in his role at this year’s global showcase.
“Being part of the World Lifesaving Championships is the icing on the cake. It’s the pinnacle of my lifesaving journey as an official, and it’s moments like these that are cherished for a lifetime.”
For Dale, the opening ceremony stands out as the moment he’s most excited for – a powerful gathering of athletes from across the world before the racing begins.
His message to every athlete heading to South Africa is simple and grounded in the values of the sport:
“Compete in the spirit of lifesaving, compete fairly, give it your best and have mutual respect for one another.”
And for those experiencing their first World Championships, he offers one more piece of advice: soak up the atmosphere, enjoy every moment, compete hard, remain fair and respectful — and above all, remain humble.
The Lifesaving World Championships 2026 will be held in Nelson Mandela Bay from 25 November – 13 December 2026. South Africa looks forward to welcoming Dale and officials from around the globe. Entry and visitor information is available on the event website.