59-year-old RNLI lifeguard completes 7.5km South Africa swim
Richard Webster (age 59) a long-standing volunteer RNLI lifeguard, has successfully swam the Cadiz Freedom Swim, an extreme 7.5km open water race in South Africa, putting years of his lifeguarding fitness and resilience into this epic challenge.
On January 27 2026, Richard triumphantly completed the iconic Cadiz Freedom Swim – a 7.5km crossing from Robben Island to Big Bay in Cape Town, South Africa. Richard completed the swim in 3 hours and 7 minutes, under gruelling conditions including cold sea temperatures, low visibility and shark-inhabited waters.
Richard, who gives up his time in the summer volunteering as a RNLI lifeguard in the Wirral, Merseyside, said:
‘As a senior beach lifeguard with the RNLI, this challenge required every bit of resilience I’d developed over my 10 years of volunteering for the lifesaving charity. The fitness level I’ve been able to maintain as part of being a RNLI lifeguard, helped with my confidence when training and of course, my sea swimming ability.
‘If you sea swim in the UK you’ll know the importance of needing to acclimatise to the cold and the Freedom Swim is known for its very cold temperatures and choppy Atlantic swell.
‘With the swim starting at 6.30am it was very misty, I couldn't see anything in the water, could hardly see the safety boat. They were using a whistle at times to help guide us.
‘The water was indeed very cold – some of the coldest they’ve recorded in years, so it was important I got my body used to it ahead of race day through exposure during my training.’
In preparation for the swim, Richard trained at a beach in Cape Town city centre, where he was accompanied by National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) lifeguards who are operational in this area. Richard spent many hours training in preparation for the swim, he said:
‘During training I felt really safe because I was swimming at a lifeguarded beach and knew that their training was similar to my RNLI training in the UK.
‘You should always speak to the lifeguards when you’re planning on sea swimming, to ensure they can keep an eye on you when in the water. If you’re sea swimming off season, make sure you take extra safety precautions like wearing the correct equipment and never go swimming alone. Tell someone what your plans are and when you expect to be finished.
‘Sometimes during my training, the lifeguards would paddle out on a rescue board alongside me to check in and make sure I was okay. It was reassuring to feel that support from them and lovely to see the proactive nature of their service.’
Lucy Tislton, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor in the Wirral said:
‘Richard has kicked this year off with such an inspiring challenge and the whole team send him huge congratulations for completing this endurance event. We look forward to him joining us again this summer.
‘2026 is an exciting year for our lifeguard service as we celebrate 25 years since RNLI lifeguarding began. We now have over 1,500 lifeguards covering more than 230 beaches across the UK and Channel Islands, so if you’re interested in finding out how you can join the team – head to our website for more information. We have volunteer and paid positions available.’
Inspired to do the swim after visiting Robben Island and seeing the vast waters that stretched out before him, something switched in Richard’s head and he was set on the challenge. Richard had the swim booked for almost 3 months, but dangerous weather and unsafe sea conditions prevented the event from going ahead. He said:
‘With this event it's not something you can say, “I'm going to do it on this specific date at this time.” There are lots of factors that can change; for example, strong winds from the southeast, or if the water temperature drops below 10°C, the swim is put on hold. Lots of conditions need to align in order for it to go ahead and be safe. You would be lucky to do it on the planned day.’
A significant part of the swim for Richard was to raise vital funds for another charity close to his heart. Richard chose grassroots Cape Town charity Souper Troopers, who help support homeless people take the steps necessary to make sustainable changes in their lives. Richard said:
‘It's about giving people dignity, giving them clean new clothes and showing them a little bit of love. The charity helps to train people for jobs that are in demand, helping them turn their lives around to give them qualifications and opportunities. Many from the charity came to watch me finish the swim, which I found really moving and it meant a lot.
‘I’m now working with Souper Troopers to encourage individuals to enter local sporting events, and I’m looking forward to being back on the beach in the Wirral this summer, donning my red and yellows and helping keep people safe as they enjoy the coast.’
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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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