The 3rd edition of the Ocean Festival Lifesaving Carnival delivered an action-packed showcase of skill and expertise at Scottburgh Main Beach on Friday, 1 May, with competitors across all age groups rising to the challenge of dynamic ocean conditions on home ground.
As one of the opening highlights of Ocean Festival 2026 – taking place at Scottburgh Main Beach from 1 to 3 May 2026 – the event brought together lifesaving athletes of all ages to compete in run, swim, board, ski, flags, and the crowd-favourite dash for cash. Set against the backdrop of Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area, Scottburgh Main Beach once again proved to be an exceptional venue for lifesaving sport, offering spectators an exciting, up-close viewing experience.
Commenting after the event, Ocean Festival Event Organiser, Barry Lewin, said the Ocean Festival Lifesaving Carnival delivered thrilling competition and meaningful impact for the local lifesaving community:
“Conditions made for a challenging and exciting contest, with a low tide and a heavy wave breaking on the bank that really tested the athletes. It was inspiring to see strong participation from local clubs such as Scottburgh and Amanzimtoti, alongside a great contingent from Marine Surf Lifesaving Club. We even welcomed an athlete travelling all the way from Hartbeespoort in Joburg, which was great to see.”
Speaking to standout performances, Lewin said: “Tiffany Koch from Amanzimtoti is a former Olympian who dominated the women’s category. In the Nipper division, Liz Cox claimed multiple titles, and Cruz Roberts delivered a strong all-round performance. It was also really great to see Ocean Festival Founder Russel Symcox in action, taking the men’s flags title – truly living the brand!”
Ocean Festival Lifesaving Carnival Results
With a growing number of participants and increased spectator interest, this year’s carnival showed the rise of lifesaving on the KZN South Coast, particularly within the thriving Scottburgh Surf Lifesaving Club.
Nipper Division Winners
- Bodyboard: Cruz Roberts (boys) | Sadie Govender (girls)
- Malibu Board: Chayte Daniels (boys) | Tatum Cox (girls)
- Swim: Cruz Roberts (boys) | Beulah van der Merwe (girls)
- Run: Blake Killoran (boys) | Amy Cousins (girls)
- Dash for Cash: Cruz Roberts
Junior Division Winners
- Malibu Board: Sam Diamond (boys) | Liv Cox (girls)
- Swimming: Bastian Prinsloo (boys) | Liv Cox (girls)
- Flags: Cruz Rivetti (boys) | Liv Cox (girls)
- Run: Cruz Rivetti (boys) | Liv Cox (girls)
- Dash for Cash: Sam Diamond
Senior Division Winners
- Malibu Board: Dean Marais (men’s) | Tiffany Koch (ladies)
- Swim: Sam Dramond (men’s) | Liv Cox (ladies)
- Flags: Russel Symcox (men’s) | Tiffany Koch (ladies)
- Run: Caden Button (men’s) | Tiffany Koch (ladies)
- Dash for Cash: Ashton Musgrave
More Ocean Festival Action This Weekend
The lifesaving carnival has set the tone, with the remainder of the Ocean Festival programme delivering sports, entertainment, and ocean-focused conservation throughout the weekend. Saturday continues the oceanside action with the Ocean Festival Surf Pro, Ocean Experience Boat Rides, and the Live Music with Leatherback Rum at the Premier Resort Cutty Sark.
On Sunday, 3 May, visitors can look forward to:
7am: Beach Yoga
8am to 12pm: Ocean Experience Boat Rides from Premier Hotel Cutty Sark
9am: Leatherback Aliwal Shoal Surfski Challenge
9am to 10am: Conservation Talks
- 1pm: Surfski Prizegiving
Keep Updated!
Follow on Instagram: @theoceanfestival
Follow on Facebook: @theoceanfestival
Website: www.oceanfestival.co.za
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7qHfDEKyZBTTG32D2C
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Author: Agnes Matladi from Olivia Jones Communications on behalf of Ocean Festival.
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