Run-swim-run
Run-swim-run combines both halves of the sport: athletes run about 200 m past a turning flag, swim around buoys 120 m out, then run about 200 m back to finish on the sand. Masters run 2 × 140 m, and nippers race shorter courses — down to 2 × 75 m runs and 60 m buoys for U9–U10. It is one of the most common races in SA nipper and junior programmes.
How it works
The course runs out past a flag at the water's edge, around the buoys and back to the beach past the flag again. Athletes may not grab the flag and must finish on their feet. Clubs also race a run-swim-run relay as a team event. See run-swim-run rules.
Run-swim-run in South Africa
515 run-swim-run divisions on Flagline so far. Leaders, the top clubs, records and field sizes are on the stats page.
SA Champs 2025/26 · Gqeberha / Thembisa
| Age group | Women | Men | Mixed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Sash H.Umhlanga RocksKendra D.Mandeville Dolphins | Joshua FennEast LondonAiden B.Tuks | – |
| U19 | Xanthe N.Keira V.Clifton | Troy M.CliftonNeil H. | – |
| U17 | Caitlin R.Sienna G.Summerstrand | Leon D.SummerstrandCallan M.Mandeville Dolphins | – |
| U15 | Thandi B.East LondonJanika W.Bloemfontein | Christian V.CliftonFC R. | – |
| U14 | Sarah M.Fish HoekLemka Z. | Pieter V.BloemfonteinShah E.Kings Beach | – |
| U13 | Olivia C.ScottburghLienke B. | Vidar B.Fish HoekTommie W.Bloemfontein | – |
| U12 | Emily R.Fish HoekBeulah V. | Christoff B.TuksBoyd S.Fish Hoek | – |
| U11 | Mikah D.Blake C.Fish Hoek | Blake F.Kings BeachZack G. | – |
| U10 | Clara H.Kings Beach | Felix J.Fish Hoek | Bloemfontein |
| U9 | Georgina P.Clifton | Dylan V.Fish Hoek | – |
Sources
- Lifesaving South Africa — Competition Manual, 17th edition (November 2022)
- International Life Saving Federation — Competition Rule Book, 2025 edition (revised May 2026)
- Llandudno Lifesaving Club — FAQs
Updated 29 September 2026. Spotted something wrong? Email hello@flagline.co.za.