RNLI Volunteer Triumphs in Extreme South African Swim Challenge
Richard Webster, a dedicated 59-year-old RNLI lifeguard from the Wirral, Merseyside, has successfully conquered the Cadiz Freedom Swim, an arduous 7.5km open water race in South Africa. This monumental achievement saw him swim from Robben Island to Big Bay in Cape Town, utilising years of fitness and resilience honed through his volunteer work with the life-saving charity.
Gruelling Conditions and Impressive Finish
Richard completed the iconic swim in three hours and seven minutes, facing extreme challenges including frigid sea temperatures, poor visibility, and shark-inhabited waters. Reflecting on the experience, he emphasised the critical role of his RNLI training. "As a senior beach lifeguard with the RNLI, this challenge required every bit of resilience I’d developed over my 10 years of volunteering," he stated. The early morning start at 6:30am added to the difficulty, with thick mist obscuring visibility and safety boats using whistles to guide swimmers through the choppy Atlantic swell.
Rigorous Preparation and Safety Emphasis
In preparation, Richard trained extensively at a beach in Cape Town city centre, accompanied by National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) lifeguards. He highlighted the importance of safety measures for sea swimmers, advising: "You should always speak to the lifeguards when you’re planning on sea swimming, to ensure they can keep an eye on you when in the water." His training involved acclimatising to cold waters, crucial given the record-low temperatures encountered during the event. Richard also noted the proactive support from local lifeguards, who occasionally paddled alongside him on rescue boards during sessions.
Charity Fundraising and Community Impact
A significant motivation for Richard was raising funds for Souper Troopers, a grassroots Cape Town charity that supports homeless individuals by providing clothing, job training, and opportunities for sustainable life changes. "It's about giving people dignity, giving them clean new clothes and showing them a little bit of love," he explained. Many from the charity attended his swim finish, creating a moving moment. Richard now plans to encourage others to participate in local sporting events through Souper Troopers.
RNLI Support and Future Plans
Lucy Tislton, RNLI lifeguard supervisor in the Wirral, praised Richard's accomplishment: "Richard has kicked this year off with such an inspiring challenge and the whole team send him huge congratulations for completing this endurance event." She added that 2026 marks 25 years of RNLI lifeguarding, with over 1,500 lifeguards covering more than 230 beaches across the UK and Channel Islands. Richard looks forward to returning to his volunteer duties this summer, donning his red and yellow uniform to help keep beachgoers safe.
Overcoming Logistical Hurdles
The swim, booked almost three months in advance, faced delays due to dangerous weather and unsafe sea conditions. Richard noted the unpredictability: "There are lots of factors that can change; for example, strong winds from the southeast, or if the water temperature drops below 10°C, the swim is put on hold." This highlights the meticulous planning and patience required for such extreme events, with conditions needing to align perfectly for safety.
