Lifesaving Champ Eve Abrahams Wants to Raise the Sport’s Profile and Grow Inclusivity
Remember the name, Eve Abrahams. The teenager is making waves in lifesaving and is set to become one of the code’s known faces. At just 17 years old, she has already made history and, by the looks of it, she will be breaking more records shortly.
From Retreat in Cape Town, Abrahams became the youngest and only female athlete to achieve such extraordinary success as she secured at the Lifesaving Western Cape Champs, in both the U17 Beach Flags and Sprints. She also claimed the LWC 2025 Champs Open Ladies Sprint title, which was another extraordinary feat.
Not content with her provincial honours, she won gold at nationals for her age-group Beach Flags and Sprints, as well as claiming the open Sprints title.
Abrahams is busy not just with her lifesaving career but also with her schooling life, as she is a student at Herschel Girls’ Senior School, busy with Grade 11. She chatted to gsport about what she hopes to achieve in her sport while she tries to be the necessary representation of lifesaving needs. The youngster from Fish Hoek Surf Lifesaving Club shared how the sport runs in her family, and how that made her passionate about what she does.
How did you get into the sport of lifesaving?
“Lifesaving has always been part of my family’s story. I’m a third-generation lifeguard—my grandparents, parents, and late aunt were all actively involved in the sport. They were not only passionate but exceptional athletes in their own right. It felt like a natural progression for me to follow in their footsteps. Their legacy continues to inspire me every time I step onto the sand.”
What is about lifesaving that you enjoy?
“What I love most is the thrill and unpredictability of it all. You’re not only racing against others but also against nature itself—the surf and beach conditions are never the same.
I’ve made lifelong friendships, visited new places, and learned to embrace diversity. Lifesaving has shaped my character and resilience in ways I never imagined.”
You have already had a successful year in 2025 with success at the Western Cape Championship, how do you hope to build on this success to ensure you continue on the winning path?
“After Western Cape Champs, I doubled down on my training to prepare for the South African Nationals. I was ranked number one in Open Sprints, U17 Beach Flags, and U17 Sprints, and I’m proud to have achieved gold in all three events. My preparation made me feel strong and confident on the start line. The focus is to stay consistent, keep learning, and push myself further with each competition.”
You are already a well-known name in the sport, with your success. On a personal level, how has your path in lifesaving been? Would you say it’s been a smooth road, or has it been difficult at times?
“It hasn’t always been smooth. I began my journey at a smaller club, Strandfontein Surf Lifesaving Club, which was a beautiful foundation, but to compete at the highest level, I needed to move to a bigger club.
“That transition was, and still is, challenging. I often feel like an outsider, especially because I don’t live close to the club like many others. While I’ve had success in sprints and flags, I sometimes feel boxed in, as if people forget that I’m also strong in board and swim events.
“And because lifesaving doesn’t work with times, like swimming or athletics, one bad race can feel like the end. There’s constant pressure to win, and that can be tough mentally.”
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With your excellent performances, you can be seen as role models to young girls. How does this make you feel?
“It’s honestly overwhelming but also incredibly meaningful. Sometimes it’s scary because I feel like I can’t afford to have a bad day. But I’m learning to be kinder to myself. When younger girls approach me for advice or light up when I cheer for them, it reminds me why I keep going. I never imagined I’d be seen as an inspiration—and that in itself is humbling.”
There aren’t many girls/women of colour in lifesaving. How are you hoping participation helps them realise they can also be a part of lifesaving?
“The dropout rate for girls in lifesaving—across all backgrounds—is worrying. For example, in the U19 Female category at the 2025 DHL SA Champs, there were only 11 competitors. That’s a wake-up call.”
“As a girl of colour, I hope my presence helps raise the profile of the sport and shows others that they belong here too.”
“With the help of my support team, I’ve had access to amazing opportunities—sponsorships, international competitions—and I hope this visibility encourages others to stay in the sport and to dream big.”
How do you balance being in school and your lifesaving training and competitions?
“It’s not easy. Hours are spent organising my schedule so I can honour both my academic responsibilities and my training. Social life takes a bit of a backseat, especially during competition season, but I do try to make time for friends when I can.”
Are many girls taking up lifesaving? If so, why do you think this?
“Not many, unfortunately. Lifesaving is physically demanding, and requires a serious time commitment.
But it offers so much more than just sport—lifeguard work opportunities, both locally and abroad, at summer camps, cruise ships, and even in places like Dubai. I wish more girls knew the doors this sport could open.”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“I love music, dancing, and spending time with friends. In winter, I enjoy hiking or curling up with a good book. In summer, when I’m not training, I love being at the beach and in the water, it’s where I feel most at peace.”
What are you hoping to achieve in 2025 in life-saving?
“I’m working hard to be selected for the South African National Team for the International Surf Rescue Challenge in New Zealand. My goal is to raise enough funds to get there, and if I do, I hope to place in the top three in my events.”
What is your message to young girls who are looking to have successful sporting careers?
“Trust the process. Work hard. Stay loyal to those who support you—regardless of your results. Be proud of your roots. Success isn’t just about medals—it’s about growth, perseverance, and character. Our mantra is: ‘Ons Skrik Vir Niks’—Fear nothing! Be humble in victory, and gracious in defeat.”
Main Photo Caption: Remember the name, Eve Abrahams. The teenager is making waves in lifesaving and is set to become one of the code’s known faces. At just 17 years old, she has already made history and, by the looks of it, she will be breaking more records shortly. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Eve Abrahams is making waves in lifesaving, and seems set to become one of the sport code’s known faces.
Photo 3 Caption: The Herschel Girls’ Senior School Grade 11 scholar has already made history and looks set to be breaking more records soon.
Photo 4 Caption: The teenage athlete from Retreat in Cape Town secured victories at the Lifesaving Western Cape Champs in U17 Beach Flags and Sprints.
Photo 5 Caption: No. 1 ranked Abrahams then went on to claim gold in Open Sprints, U17 Beach Flags, and U17 Sprints at the national championships.
Crédito: Link de origem