Swimming is Tyler Hughes\u2019 (12) passion.<\/p>\n
But Tyler doesn\u2019t just make a splash in swimming but in lifesaving as well.<\/p>
The Colin Mann Primary School learner and Boksburg Aquatic Saints Swimming and Lifesaving Club member, who has broken four long-standing records for swimming at school and two provincial records for lifesaving to date, will be participating in the South African National Lifesaving Championships in Port Elizabeth, in April.<\/p>\n
When many hear the word \u2018lifesaving\u2019, they think of TV programmes such as Baywatch.<\/p>
\u201cThere is more to lifesaving then people realise,\u201d said Tyler\u2019s mom, Melanie, when the GCN visited the family.<\/p>\n
By definition, lifesaving is the act involving rescue, resuscitation and first aid.<\/p>\n
It often refers to water safety and aquatic rescue. However, it could include ice rescue, flood and river rescue, swimming pool rescue and other emergency medical services.<\/p>\n
On top of all this, lifesaving is also a sport where lifesavers compete based on skills, speed and teamwork.<\/p>\n
Tyler got involved in the sport because of her older sister, Jordan.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen Jordan wanted to give up swimming she was encouraged not to leave the pool completely but rather to shift her focus to lifesaving,\u201d said Melanie.<\/p>\n
\u201cI went with my sister and the coach suggested I also try out because I am a strong swimmer.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo I started doing lifesaving too and it ended up being pretty fun and I am quite good at it,\u201d said Tyler with a smile.<\/p>\n
Tyler is currently a nipper, which is a child between the ages of eight and 14 years old.<\/p>\n
Though nippers do compete in competitions, they are not held to the strict time standard of the older lifesavers.<\/p>\n
This doesn\u2019t mean she neglects training. She takes to the pool for four hours at least three times a week with lifesaving coaches Natalie and Marco Pimento and swimming coaches Wade Marshall and Mark Stainton.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am very pleased both my girls are involved in lifesaving,\u201d Melanie said, \u201cas I believe they are learning vital skills not just in the pool but in life.\u201d<\/p>\n
This year will be the second time that Tyler will compete in the South African National Lifesaving Championships.<\/p>\n
Last year was Tyler\u2019s first taste of ocean (or surf) swimming. She enjoyed it immensely and finished in fifth place.<\/p>\n
This year, however, she will not be competing in the surf division as it is before the pool swim.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I do the surf swim, I will be too stiff for the pool completion and I am stronger in the pool,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
When asked how long she will continue to do lifesaving, Tyler said, \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know I want to make the Gauteng team and then the South African team.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tyler is now focused and cannot wait for nationals.<\/p>\n
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