Gqeberha to Host Lifesaving World Championships 2026: A Watershed Moment for the Bay

Gqeberha to Host Lifesaving World Championships 2026: A Watershed Moment for the Bay

Gqeberha, South Africa – The shores of Nelson Mandela Bay are preparing for a major international sporting milestone as the city is confirmed to host the prestigious Lifesaving World Championships in November and December 2026. This global event, returning to South Africa for the first time in 30 years, promises to bring over 6,000 athletes, officials, and spectators to Gqeberha, sparking a wave of opportunity for the local economy, tourism, and youth development.

At a stakeholder engagement session held at the Town Lodge, Mr. Craig van Rooyen, Director of Sport at Lifesaving South Africa, emphasized the significance of the event and the preparations already underway.

“Our objective is simple: to be fit to save a life. That’s why we train — not just to win, but to serve our communities. The scale of the event, with participation expected from over 70 countries, demands a unified approach, and we are proud that Nelson Mandela Bay meets every requirement to host a safe and world-class competition,” he said.

Supporting the planning and promotion of the event is the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Department of Economic Development, Agriculture and Tourism, whose Convention Bureau has been instrumental in providing both logistical and marketing support to ensure the Championships’ success.

Their involvement includes facilitating event infrastructure, coordinating tourism readiness, and driving destination marketing to position Gqeberha as a competitive and attractive international sports tourism hub.

“We are proud to be working closely with the Convention Bureau,” Mr. van Rooyen added. “Their backing is not only strengthening our logistical capacity, but also helping us share Gqeberha’s story with the world.”

A Boost for Tourism and Business

With the Championships spanning 21 days, local businesses stand to benefit significantly from visitor spending on accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment. Ward 2 Councillor Sean Tappan highlighted the economic ripple effects expected across the city.

“I’ve seen firsthand what these events do for our city. The last National Championships drew massive crowds and created a buzz throughout Gqeberha. The World Championships will multiply that tenfold. From guesthouses to car hire services to informal traders, everyone will feel the positive impact,” he said.

The event has the potential to inject millions of rands into the local economy, while promoting long-term tourism growth and showcasing Nelson Mandela Bay’s capabilities in hosting international events.

The Convention Bureau, as part of its support, is also working to ensure that visitor experiences go beyond the competition — promoting local attractions, coastal heritage, and unique cultural offerings of the Bay.

Lifesaving: Building Safer, Stronger Communities

While the World Championships celebrate sporting excellence, its deeper mission revolves around saving lives and strengthening communities. South Africa faces a serious drowning crisis — with more than 7,000 reported drowning deaths between 2018 and 2023, and children under 14 accounting for nearly 30% of those fatalities.

“Lifesaving is more than a sport — it’s a life skill,” said Helen Herbert, General Manager of Lifesaving South Africa. “It empowers individuals, promotes public safety, and builds community resilience. Our goal is to make lifesaving part of every child’s development — starting young so they grow up equipped with the tools to save themselves and others.”

The organisation currently has 8,400 registered members in South Africa, and hopes that hosting the Championships will spark renewed public interest and inspire a new generation of lifesavers. In contrast, Australia boasts over 326,000 members, highlighting the untapped potential for growth locally.

The NMBM Convention Bureau is actively partnering with Lifesaving SA to amplify these messages, including public awareness campaigns around water safety and the value of community service through sport.

Gqeberha Ready to Shine on the World Stage

The Championships will be hosted across various venues in Nelson Mandela Bay, taking advantage of the city’s accessibility by road, air, and potentially rail, with average summer temperatures between 14°C and 23°C creating optimal conditions for outdoor competition.

Van Rooyen emphasized that safety remains the top priority, and all necessary protocols are in place to ensure the wellbeing of participants and visitors.

“We’ve assessed every element — from medical readiness to transport, accommodation, and event security. We are confident this will be a safe and successful international event.”

In addition to economic benefits, the Championships are expected to create lasting social impact — from skills development and infrastructure upgrades to increased community pride and international visibility.

“This is more than just a sporting event,” said Councillor Tappan. “It’s an opportunity to show the world what Gqeberha is made of — our people, our culture, our capability. Everyone, from residents to entrepreneurs, stands to benefit. But we must all play our part.”

The Department of Economic Development, Agriculture and Tourism, through the Convention Bureau, is committed to ensuring the event’s legacy lives on — by supporting small business engagement, volunteer programmes, and initiatives to leave behind a stronger, more connected city.

For more information on how to get involved, volunteer, or support the 2026 Lifesaving World Championships, visit www.lifesaving.co.za, Email: sport@lifesaving.co.za or follow their social media channels.