Inside the training, tech and teamwork keeping one of South Africa’s favourite beach towns safe
Plettenberg Bay’s beaches draw thousands of families every summer, thanks to golden sand, warm water and a coastline loved for its beauty and adventure. What many holidaymakers do not see is the intricate network of people and technology working behind the scenes to keep those beaches safe.
This season, Plett Tourism and Bitou Municipality have launched their summer readiness campaign under the theme Sun, Surf and Safety, highlighting the vital role lifeguards play and the expanding systems that support them.
From the high-tech NSRI Beach Safety Cameras to on-the-ground lifeguard patrols, Plett is setting a new benchmark for coastal safety in South Africa.
THE GUARDIANS OF THE COAST
Bitou Beach Control Lifeguard Services will be active across Plett’s busiest beaches throughout summer, staffed by trained and certified lifeguards equipped with updated rescue gear and communication systems. Their role extends far beyond the iconic red-and-yellow flags.
A Plett lifeguard’s day can include:
• Watching shifting tides and spotting rip currents
• Responding to rescues and first-aid emergencies
• Sharing safety tips with families unfamiliar with ocean conditions
• Guiding children and new swimmers on where it is safe to play
• Coordinating with NSRI, Beach Control and Shark Spotters
With thousands of daily visitors during peak season, early intervention can be the difference between a perfect beach day and an emergency.
For visitors with mobility challenges, Plett further supports safe access with an amphibious wheelchair and a Mobi Mat, ensuring more families can enjoy the shoreline.
HIGH-TECH EYES ON THE WATER
Plett’s lifeguard network is supported by a sophisticated safety system developed by the NSRI, Coastwatchers and Shark Spotters.
Beach Safety Cameras
Monitored 24 hours a day by NSRI’s Emergency Operations Centre in Cape Town, cameras positioned at Central Beach, Robberg 5, Lookout Beach and Nature’s Valley allow real-time observation of:
• Hazards
• Swimmer behaviour
• Sudden changes in ocean conditions
• Potential emergencies
Audible Shark Alarms
Installed at Lookout, Hobie/Wedge, Central Beach, Robberg 5 and The Wreck, these alarms alert water users instantly when shark activity is detected.
Together, the technology speeds up response times and gives lifeguards the backup they need during busy days.
SO HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A LIFEGUARD?
Many beach lovers are surprised to learn that becoming a lifeguard is both physically demanding and emotionally disciplined. While requirements vary by province and organisation, most South African coastal lifeguards must complete:
1. Junior Level (for teens 14–16)
• Basic ocean awareness
• Intro to rescue techniques
• Fitness tests
2. Lifeguard Training Course (approx. 6–8 weeks full training, or a season of weekend modules)
This typically includes:
• Open-water swimming
• Rescue board training
• First aid and CPR
• Spinal injury management
• Radio communication
• Scenario-based rescue drills
3. Surf Lifesaving SA Certification
A nationally recognised qualification required to guard at public beaches.
Annual requalification is required.
4. Local Induction and On-Beach Training in Plett
Every summer, the Bitou lifeguard team trains together on beaches they will patrol, learning local currents, hazards, sandbank patterns and high-risk zones.
In short, becoming a fully operational lifeguard can take a season of training, plus ongoing assessments and refreshers. It is a commitment that blends fitness, vigilance and a passion for public service.
WHY THEIR WORK MATTERS MORE THAN EVER
Plett has received six Blue Flag beaches and two Blue Flag boats for the 2025–2026 season, attracting even more ocean-going visitors. With the rise in holiday foot traffic, the role of lifeguards and ocean safety teams becomes essential in preventing incidents and educating families.
Lifeguards often become frontline communicators, guiding the public not only in the water, but in broader environmental awareness.
A MESSAGE TO SUMMER TRAVELLERS
“As we look forward to a safe, secure, and enjoyable summer in Plett, we are reminded that our town thrives when our community and visitors work together,” says Patty Butterworth, CEO of Plett Tourism.
Simple actions like swimming between the flags, respecting shark alarms, conserving water and keeping dogs leashed during the rabies advisory help keep Plett enjoyable for everyone.
Planning a Family Beach Day in Plett?
Here is how to make the most of it:
• Swim at beaches with trained lifeguards
• Check daily conditions with Beach Control
• Listen for audible alarms
• Keep kids within arm’s reach in the surf
• Carry a reusable water bottle to support water restrictions
• If unsure, ask a lifeguard. They know the ocean better than anyone
THE HEARTBEAT OF A SUMMER TOWN
Behind every perfect holiday photo in Plettenberg Bay is a lifeguard watching the water, an NSRI volunteer monitoring safety cameras, and a network of professionals keeping visitors informed.
Their mission is simple: protect lives, preserve the coastline and ensure that everyone, from toddlers with boogie boards to seasoned surfers, can enjoy Plett’s beaches safely.
This summer, when you see a lifeguard, give them a smile or a thank you. They are the reason Plett stays one of the safest, most loved coastal destinations in the country.
