Back in the Water: A Swimmer’s Revival Through Lifesaving
My Clifton Lifesaving Journey: An inspiring conversation with Conrad Scheepers.
When Conrad Scheepers, a former provincial swimmer originally from Pretoria and now living in Noordhoek, Cape Town, stepped away from competitive swimming, he thought his days of high-performance sport were behind him. “I stopped swimming the year after matric,” Conrad reflects, “I was overwhelmed and honestly felt too slow to chase big goals.” Little did he know, years later, his passion for sport and the water would be reignited through lifesaving, thanks to a chance encounter with Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club.
Conrad’s journey before Lifesaving began with swimming clubs like Alcatraz, where he trained under internationally renowned coach Michelle Vlasakova, and later at TUKS, where he improved technically but struggled to sustain his passion. “After five years without training, I didn’t think I’d ever feel that connection to sport again,” he admits. “But lifesaving changed everything. It gave me a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose.”
The Spark That Started It All
Working at a local swim school in Cape Town, Conrad credits a parent of one of his students—for opening the door to lifesaving. “He encouraged me to check out lifesaving. At first, I was hesitant, but I decided to go down to the beach and see what it was all about,” he says.
That visit set the stage for a transformation. Completing the lifesaving course was not only a step into a new sport but also the start of an entirely new chapter. “Learning about lifesaving reignited my love for sport in a way I can’t describe. Training, being in the water, and pushing my limits—I’ve never felt this way about a sport before,” Conrad shares.
A Lifesaving Leader
Throwing himself into every aspect of surf and pool training, Conrad has worked tirelessly to hone his skills and embrace the challenges of lifesaving. As a Vice Patrol Leader and Vice Captain at Clifton, he has seized every opportunity to grow, mentoring younger members, assisting with training, and motivating the Clifton team during competitions. Along the way, he was honoured to be selected for the prestigious Western Cape Lifesaving team to compete at the South African Interprovincial Lifesaving Championships in 2024, standing proudly among the province’s finest. “Clifton has truly become my family. Everyone supports me, challenges me, and wants to see me grow and succeed. It’s such an uplifting environment to be part of,” Conrad says. His passion for lifesaving goes beyond the beach and the sport—it’s about the lives impacted, the community strengthened, and the legacy he is helping to build.
Why Lifesaving?
For Conrad, the impact of lifesaving goes beyond fitness and competition. “Lifesaving is about more than sport—it’s about giving back to the community, learning essential life skills, and being part of something bigger than yourself,” he explains.
The lifesaving course is particularly meaningful to Conrad. “It’s not just a qualification; it’s an experience. It teaches you how to save lives, builds confidence, and opens doors to a vibrant community,” he says.
Making Waves on the World Stage
Conrad’s journey in lifesaving has already led to incredible achievements. In 2024, he proudly represented Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club at the Lifesaving World Championships, showcasing his skills and dedication on an international stage. “It was an honour to compete alongside such talented athletes and to represent Clifton at such a prestigious event,” he says.
Currently, Conrad is actively participating in the Rescue Sport Series in the Western Cape, using each event to sharpen his skills and build momentum for what lies ahead. His focus is firmly set on the upcoming national championships in April, where he aims to make a strong impact. Looking further ahead, Conrad has set his sights on the Lifesaving World Championships in Morocco in 2026—a goal that fuels his daily training and unwavering commitment to the sport.
A Message to Future Lifesavers
Conrad encourages anyone, regardless of background or experience, to explore lifesaving. “Whether you come from a different sport or haven’t trained in years, there’s always a place for you here. Lifesaving will challenge you and show you what you’re capable of,” he says.
His advice is simple: “Challenge yourself and see what there is to offer. There’s a whole community ready to take you in.”
Conrad’s story is a testament to the transformative power of sport and community. From swimming in the shadow of burnout to becoming a leader in lifesaving, his journey shows it’s never too late to rediscover your passion—or to save lives through sport.
So why not take the plunge? Your Clifton Lifesaving journey could start today. Contact us!
