Ruby Kitto came first in the Under 10 Girls category
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THEY faced bluebottles, breakers and fierce competition — and still, Durban’s young lifesavers rose above it all at the 2026 KZN Nipper Championships.
Durban Surf Lifesaving Club bagged the overall trophy, while four of its athletes were crowned competitors of the series in their respective age groups.
Nine-year-old Ruby Kitto felt the sting firsthand, but despite the pain she remained focused and went on to win the Under 10 Girls category.
“I felt scared… the blue bottles started to come and I got stung all over my legs. And I didn’t give up.”
She earned five gold and two silver medals at the event and says her love for the ocean runs in the family.
Her grandfather, Lester Kitto, was a Springbok lifesaver, while her father, Steven Kitto, represented Great Britain for lifesaving; both coming through the Durban Surf Lifesaving Club.
Ruby told the Independent on Saturday that her dream is to become a lifesaver one day.
“I really love swimming… I like going under the waves and all of that. When I get older, I’m going to save people’s lives.”
She is preparing for the South African Championships in Gqeberha next week.
Hayden Irving (left) won the U14 Boys category while Dylan Maujean won the U13 Boys category
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Dylan Maujean won the U13 Boys category, collecting eight gold medals and one bronze at the weekend.
The Chelsea Preparatory School pupil, who was introduced to nippers at the age of five, is also heading to the SA champs.
“I’m nervous because it’s good competition from the other provinces and it’s very cold water in Port Elizabeth,” he said.
Dylan has also qualified for the KZN under-14 nipper team for the interprovincial championships in May — the youngest in the squad and the only one not yet in high school.
He hopes to become a lifeguard one day, following in the footsteps of his father, who was a lifesaver, and his sister, who is a junior lifeguard. His grandfather, he says, helps get him to early morning sessions. In the ocean, he feels “free”.
“I just like going in the water with the waves and with my friends… it’s like there’s nothing else to worry about.”
Apart from making waves in the water, he’s also racking up kilometres on land. Last year, he represented KZN at the South African cross-country championships in Mpumalanga.
“That was very difficult because it was quite dusty and the air was thin because of the altitude… it was very hard to race the best people in the country.”
Between running, water polo, hockey, surfing and swimming three times a week, he rarely has a moment to breathe.
“It’s very busy… I just do the sport.”
Indi (Indigo-Rain) Gunther won the Under 9 Girls category
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Indi (Indigo-Rain) Gunther, the youngest of three sisters, has spent years watching from the sidelines, sometimes for up to eight hours at a time. Last week, it was finally her turn.
She took home eight medals and won the Under 9 Girls category. She also encountered bluebottles in the water, but was unfazed.
“It wasn’t that bad.”
While many of the nippers dream of becoming lifesavers, Indi has her sights set elsewhere.
“I want to be a ballet dancer.”
But the ocean remains a huge part of her life, and it’s not unusual for her family to head down to the water at the crack of dawn before school.
“Life saving is a very good sport because if someone’s drowning you can help them… and also it’s really fun.”
Next weekend, Indi and her sisters Willow and Harris will travel with their parents to Gqeberha for the South African Championships.
Indi (Indigo-Rain) Gunther won the Under 9 Girls category
Image: Supplied.
Meanwhile, Hayden Irving won the U14 Boys category.
Durban Surf Lifesaving Club, based on the city’s world-famous Golden Mile, says it is committed to youth development through its Nipper programme, where children learn vital water safety skills, discipline, teamwork and confidence in the ocean.
The club says the programme has produced many accomplished athletes and volunteer lifesavers over the years, with many progressing to become senior competitors and qualified lifesavers.
It said the past weekend’s success showcases the dedication of its athletes, volunteer coaches and parents.
“While we are immensely proud of the championship result, what matters most is that these children are learning lifesaving skills that could one day help save lives.”
As a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO), the club relies heavily on donations, community support and sponsorship to maintain equipment, run training programmes and ensure its volunteer lifesavers can continue to protect Durban’s beaches.
It has called on the public to partner with it through sponsorship, donations or fundraising initiatives.
“Every board, every cap and every training session is made possible by the generosity of the community and our members. This championship shows what is possible when young people are given the opportunity to thrive.”
To ensure that children like Ruby, Dylan, Indi and Hayden continue to thrive, and learn skills that could one day save lives, the club has called on businesses and individuals to partner with it.