Once Clifton, Always Clifton: Savannah Voigt’s International Lifesaving Path
Twelve years ago, an eight-year-old Savannah Voigt stood on the sands of Clifton Beach for the first time, drawn in by the energy and excitement of lifesaving. Introduced to the sport by her neighbours, the Ingpens and the Lowes, Savannah quickly fell in love with the club and the community.
What started as a fun weekend activity soon became a defining part of her life. Now living and studying on Australia’s Gold Coast, Savannah continues to proudly represent Clifton on the world stage, embodying the spirit of “Once Clifton, Always Clifton.”
Clifton Roots, Global Ambitions
Savannah’s journey from a spirited Nipper to an international competitor is nothing short of inspiring. In the early days, she was, in her own words, “a bit of a mad dog,” signing up for every event just for the joy of it. But a pivotal moment came during a Clifton competition when she won her first surf swim.
“That was the turning point,” she recalls. “It made me realise I was actually pretty good at this, and from then on, I wanted to push myself and see how far I could go.”
From that moment, Savannah’s competitive spirit ignited. She earned consistent selections for the Lifesaving Western Cape provincial team and became a key member in local Interprovincial Championships. Savannah’s relentless dedication and exceptional talent propelled her through the ranks, earning her multiple national selections across junior and senior levels.
Her international journey began in 2022 when she proudly represented South Africa as a Junior at the World Championships in Italy. She continued her rise in 2023, competing at the Commonwealth Pool Rescue Championships and securing a coveted spot on the Texas ISRC team—an opportunity she had to forgo due to university commitments.
In 2024, Savannah took a bold leap onto the Senior national stage, earning her place on Team South Africa for the World Championships in Australia. Stepping up to the Open division in her new ‘backyard,’ she embraced the challenge with unwavering determination, proving herself as a formidable force on the international stage.
A true multi-discipline athlete, Savannah’s versatility made her an invaluable asset to Team South Africa, excelling in both the high-intensity environment of the pool and the unpredictable, demanding conditions of the surf.
Savannah was also selected for the prestigious 2024 Orange Cup in the Netherlands, but unforeseen passport renewal delays prevented her from securing a Schengen visa in time. Despite these setbacks, her consistent selection for high-profile international events underscores her status as one of South Africa’s most promising lifesaving athletes.
A New Chapter in Australia
In pursuit of both academic and athletic excellence, Savannah moved to the Gold Coast to study at Bond University in 2023. Inspired by childhood dreams of the Nutri-Grain Ironman Series and the vibrant Australian surf culture, she knew it was the right place to continue her journey.
“Bond offered the perfect balance of world-class training facilities and a strong academic programme,” she explains.
The shift to Australia also brought new challenges and a more intense training environment.
“The Gold Coast has a different energy. Everyone is up early, training hard, and the facilities are next level,” she reflects. Surrounded by like-minded, driven athletes, Savannah thrives in the competitive atmosphere. “My swim squad is like family, which makes those early mornings a lot easier,” she adds.
Despite the intense demands of studying, training, and competition, Savannah never lost her connection to Clifton.
“Clifton has always been more than just a club to me—it’s like a second family,” she says. “Even while living in Australia, I always find my way back to compete for Clifton at SA Champs and World Champs.”
Savannah stays in touch with her teammates and remains a proud member of the Clifton Chix.
Balancing Two Disciplines
A true double threat, Savannah has excelled in both surf and pool lifesaving—a rare feat requiring immense dedication and versatility. Balancing these two demanding disciplines is no small task.
“Honestly, I just have to train for both!” she laughs. “My pool training helps with surf fitness, but I also focus on wave work, beach running, and other surf-specific elements.”
Over the years, Savannah’s training evolved from a broad programme—board, ski, swimming, and cross-country—to a more refined focus on pool swimming, surf swimming, and strength training. Her commitment paid off with standout performances on both sand and in the water. Notably, winning a medal in the Beach Relay at the 2022 World Championships in Italy remains a career highlight. “Sharing that moment with my teammates was so special,” she says.
Savannah etched her name into Clifton’s history books at the 2023 Australian Pool Rescue Championships, where she showcased her talent on one of the sport’s biggest stages. Competing against Australia’s finest, she delivered a podium-worthy performance—securing Clifton’s first-ever medals at an Australian Pool Rescue Championships and making history for the club.
She claimed bronze in the 100m Manikin Tow with Fins, sharing the podium with Australian standout Chelsea Jones. She added another bronze in the 50m Fins, proving her ability to compete at the highest level. Her success was a proud moment for Clifton and a testament to her dedication and hard work.
In 2024, she returned to the event under the banner of Northcliffe, one of Australia’s most prestigious surf clubs. There, she helped break the Australian U17-19 record and earned her permanent Northcliffe club cap number 405—a milestone she describes as “an honour in such a competitive environment
Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated
Savannah’s path hasn’t been without obstacles. In 2023, a broken toe during SA Nationals sidelined her training, and by the end of the year, burnout threatened to pull her away from the sport altogether.
“I felt exhausted and unmotivated,” she admits. Taking a step back and allowing herself time to recharge proved to be the turning point. “By the start of this year, I felt excited again and ready to see how far I could push myself.”
Her motivation now comes from both personal goals and the supportive community around her.
“I love setting new challenges for myself, and my training group keeps me going. Having people who share your passion makes all the difference,” she says.
Looking Ahead
Savannah has no plans to slow down. Her short-term goals include competing at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships (“Aussies”) for the first time, delivering strong performances at SA Nationals, and aiming for selection at the Commonwealth Championships in Wales and the Surf Rescue Competition in New Zealand. Long-term, representing South Africa at the 2026 World Championships in Morocco remains a dream.
“I want to stay involved in the sport in some capacity, whether as an athlete or in another role,” she says. “I’m taking it one season and one competition at a time.”
Advice for the Next Generation
To young athletes following in her footsteps, Savannah offers simple but powerful advice:
“Have fun, train hard, and surround yourself with people who feel like family. It gets tough sometimes, but never give up. The journey is worth it.”
From Clifton Beach to international podiums, Savannah Voigt’s journey reflects the heart of Clifton Lifesaving: a commitment to excellence, community, and the belief that no matter where life takes you—Clifton will always be home.
