DURBAN, South Africa – A teenage lifesaver has earned the Royal Lifesaving Society’s highest award for his courageous rescue of a drowning man in treacherous surf conditions last March. Braedon Powell, a 15-year-old from Fish Hoek Surf Lifesaving Club, is now the youngest South African to receive the prestigious Mountbatten Medal.
Powell’s bravery unfolded near Whalebone Pier in uMhlanga Rocks, Durban, during the Lifesaving South Africa (LSA) DHL National Championships. He was with his parents when he spotted an adult man being swept out to sea by powerful, cyclonic waves that had led to beach closures.
Powell didn’t hesitate. Grabbing a nearby emergency buoy, he plunged into the churning water, battling the dangerous conditions to reach the struggling man. He managed to secure the victim and tow him back toward the shore. Five bystanders then helped pull the man up the steep beach. Powell was battered by the waves and injured himself climbing over rocks as he fought to regain safety. His quick actions ensured the man’s survival.
“Thanks to Braedon’s immediate action and bravery, the man survived the ordeal,” stated his award citation. Lifesaving South Africa confirmed Powell is the fifth and youngest South African lifesaver to earn the Mountbatten Medal in the past seven years, underscoring the nation’s high standards in volunteer lifesaving.
The LSA’s Bravery Awards committee reviewed 14 rescues, recognizing 19 heroes for the period of July 2024 to June 2025. Other commendations included a father and daughter’s daring rescue off Big Bay and three South African lifesavers who performed rescues abroad in Bali and Abu Dhabi.
In a separate achievement, Fish Hoek Surf Lifesaving Club was recognized as the top club in South Africa. They returned from the 2025 DHL Lifesaving South Africa National Championships in Gqeberha with three major national titles. The championships, held from April 26 to May 3, saw the club dominate across all age groups, winning the Nipper, Youth and Open, and Masters Surf categories. Fish Hoek amassed nearly 2,500 points, significantly outperforming competitors.
Craig van Rooyen, LSA’s Director of Sport, noted that Fish Hoek’s success reflects the strength of the local surf lifesaving community. He attributed their consistent dominance to years of structured development, coaching excellence, and community engagement. Club chairperson Tommy Veldhuis called the victory a proud moment for the club and the Western Cape province.
Beyond the Rescue: The Growing Demand for Surf Lifesavers in South Africa
Braedon Powell’s Mountbatten Medal isn’t simply an individual honor; it highlights a critical need for dedicated surf lifesavers along South Africa’s coastline. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events,coupled with rising beach attendance,is placing unprecedented strain on volunteer rescue services.
Rising Risks, Rising Rescue Numbers
Lifesaving South Africa (LSA) data reveals a consistent upward trend in rescue operations over the past decade. According to LSA’s annual reports, the number of rescues performed nationally increased by 15 percent between 2019 and 2024. This surge is attributed to factors including climate change-induced stronger currents and larger swells, and also a growing population participating in water activities. The rescues reviewed by the Bravery Awards committee – including Powell’s, the Big Bay father-daughter rescue, and the international interventions in Bali and Abu Dhabi – represent only a fraction of the total assistance provided by lifesavers.
The Volunteer Backbone
The vast majority of South Africa’s surf lifesaving network relies on volunteers like Powell. These individuals dedicate countless hours to training, patrolling beaches, and responding to emergencies.”The commitment of our lifesavers is extraordinary,” says Craig van Rooyen, LSA’s Director of Sport. “They are often the first responders in critical situations, and their skills and dedication save lives.” However, maintaining a robust volunteer base presents ongoing challenges. Recruitment and retention are key concerns, particularly in remote coastal communities.
Fish Hoek’s Model for Success
The success of Fish Hoek Surf Lifesaving Club, recently crowned South Africa’s top club, offers a potential blueprint for addressing these challenges. Chairperson Tommy Veldhuis emphasizes the club’s focus on structured progress programs for all age groups, from “Nippers” (children aged 7-13) to Masters competitors. This thorough approach fosters a strong sense of community and provides a clear pathway for individuals to progress through the ranks. The club’s coaching excellence, evidenced by their dominance in the Nipper, youth, Open, and Masters Surf categories at the 2025 DHL Lifesaving South Africa National Championships, attracts and retains both members and skilled instructors.
Training and Equipment: Essential Investments
Beyond recruitment, adequate training and equipment are vital. LSA provides standardized training programs covering essential skills such as rescue techniques, first aid, and CPR. However, funding for equipment – including rescue boards, inflatable rescue boats (IRBs), and communication devices – often relies on fundraising and sponsorships. According to a 2024 LSA financial report, the institution requires an estimated R5 million annually to maintain and upgrade equipment nationwide.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Coastal Safety
The recognition of Braedon Powell and the achievements of Fish Hoek Surf Lifesaving Club serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in coastal safety. LSA is actively working to expand its reach, increase volunteer numbers, and secure sustainable funding for training and equipment. The organization is also collaborating with local municipalities and tourism authorities to raise awareness about beach safety and promote responsible water activities. The future of surf lifesaving in South Africa depends on continued dedication, community support, and a proactive approach to mitigating the growing risks faced by beachgoers.
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