For Fezile Bodla Being a Lifeguard Was Never Seen as a Long-Term Path… Until Now

From the shores of Coffee Bay to a Caribbean cruise ship, Fezile Bodla has proved that what started as seasonal lifeguarding work could open the floodgates to an unexpected, life-changing international career.

Coffee Bay, South Africa (21 May 2026) – Where Fezile Bodla comes from, a village in Coffee Bay, lifeguarding was never seen as a long-term path, just seasonal work linked to the ocean. While many were dedicated to keeping others safe, the idea of building a long-term career in lifesaving felt distant.

“I only knew the ocean as a place to find work, like fishing or diving. Lifeguarding was not something big in Coffee Bay,” Fezile explains.

Nevertheless, he joined the NSRI’s initiative to train lifeguards along the Wild Coast back in 2020. The goal was to strengthen water safety in underserved coastal communities, where resources are often limited.

Five years later, the impact of that work can be seen not only in improved rescue capability, but in the opportunities that have emerged for the people involved. People like 42-year-old Fezile.

“Now I see many different opportunities since I joined the NSRI.”

Through structured training, mentorship and access to professional rescue equipment, local lifeguards have been able to expand both their technical capabilities and their understanding of what a career in lifesaving could look like.

For Fezile, the experience created a shift in perspective.

“The NSRI don’t only train you as a lifeguard. They show you many opportunities to learn more, gain qualifications and grow,” he says.

Recognising Fezile’s Leadership Potential

Simphiwe Rorwana, known as Sam, an NSRI training officer, first met Fezile when the organisation began working along the Wild Coast.

“I met him in 2020 when we started training up lifeguards to strengthen rescue services in the area,” he explains.

From the outset, Fezile showed a willingness to learn and an ability to support those around him.

“What stood out about Fezi is his leadership qualities within the team. He was able to explain what we were coming to do to the rest of the team and keep them together,” Sam says.

Although he already had experience as a lifeguard, Fezile embraced new techniques and professional standards introduced through the programme.

“He always welcomed the NSRI’s way of doing things, and the equipment that we worked with,” Sam adds.

Over time, that openness to learning enabled him to grow into an assistant instructor, helping train others in his community and continuing to build his own experience along the way.

Opened Doors That Once Felt Out of Reach

Five and a half years later, Fezile’s dedication and steady progress have led to an opportunity that reflects just how far he has come: a position as a lifeguard aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship!

Fezile is the second NSRI-trained lifeguard to secure a position on an international cruise liner. His achievement provides further evidence that sustained training and mentorship can open doors that once felt out of reach.

“I’ve never been on a flight, I’ve never been on a ship, and I’ve never been out of South Africa. So I have mixed feelings about it. I’m happy, but at the same time, I’m nervous,” Fezile says.

The achievement demonstrates what can happen when local talent is supported with sustained training and encouragement.

Creating Futures Through Lifesaving

While the Wild Coast training initiative was primarily designed to improve water safety capacity, its impact has extended beyond the shoreline. For many participants, it has expanded what they believe is possible for themselves and their communities.

And Fezile is conscious of the example his journey may set.

“For my village, I’m quite sure that it’s going to open their minds,” he says.

He hopes to bring back the experience and knowledge he gains abroad to continue strengthening lifesaving capacity at home.

A lifesaver and a true inspiration. Well done, and all the best aboard, Fezile!

Sources: NSRI

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