\nOriginally from Thembeni, Ernest has lived in the area all his life and has been working at Willard Beach since 2014, first as a seasonal lifeguard before becoming permanent a few years later. His love for the ocean started when he was young, although his parents weren\u2019t exactly thrilled about his adventurous streak. \u201cThey\u2019d always ask why I went near the sea because it was dangerous,\u201d he laughs. \u201cBut I just love it \u2013 I\u2019ve always felt happy around the ocean.\u201d<\/p>\n
From school to surf rescue<\/strong> A passion born from perseverance<\/strong> Off duty? Still at the beach<\/strong> What\u2019s in Ernest\u2019s beach bag?<\/strong> We chatted to a Ballito lifeguard who\u2019s keeping our beach safe and inspiring others with his passion and perseverance. If you\u2019ve spent any time at Willard Beach, chances are you\u2019ve seen Ernest Phungula \u2013 cheerful, calm and always keeping a close eye on the ocean. As one of Ballito\u2019s lifeguards, Ernest is a familiar face […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":115,"featured_media":38814,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[479,20],"tags":[12147,12144,12146,12145,7674,12148,11015,10792,948,712,2533,6843],"class_list":{"0":"post-38809","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-people","8":"category-personalities","9":"tag-athlete","10":"tag-ballito-lifeguard","11":"tag-beach-safe","12":"tag-ernest-phungula","13":"tag-hero","14":"tag-ironman","15":"tag-lifeguard","16":"tag-rescue","17":"tag-running","18":"tag-surf","19":"tag-swimming","20":"tag-willard-beach"},"yoast_head":"\n
\nErnest first got into lifeguarding in Grade 11 after seeing his neighbours do it. \u201cMy favourite part is meeting people from all over. Every day is different, and I love that.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/ballito-umhlanga\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/06\/Ernes-206x400.jpg\")
Ironman on the side<\/strong>
\nAs if spending long days in the sun and sea wasn\u2019t enough physical activity, Ernest is also an Ironman athlete \u2013 and he\u2019s just completed his second Ironman event. \u201cIt\u2019s not easy,\u201d he admits, \u201cbut I love it. It keeps me fit for lifeguarding, and I really enjoy pushing myself.\u201d His days are packed with training \u2013 running, swimming, and cycling according to a strict schedule set by his coach, Glenn.<\/p>\n
\nHe first got into the sport after a casual training session invite. He borrowed a bike and gave it a go \u2013 and never looked back. \u201cNow I can\u2019t imagine stopping \u2013 I\u2019ve definitely found my passion!\u201d<\/p>\n
\nWhen he\u2019s not on duty or training, Ernest\u2019s still where he\u2019s happiest \u2013 by the sea. \u201cEven on my off days, I come to the ocean. My friends always ask why I\u2019m not resting at home \u2013 but this is where I want to be.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nErnest shares his beach must-haves:
\nSunscreen:<\/strong>
\n\u201cNon-negotiable! I\u2019m in the sun all day.\u201d
\nWater bottle:<\/strong>
\n\u201cHydration is key, especially when I\u2019m training.\u201d
\nWhistle:<\/strong>
\n\u201cAlways ready for action.\u201d
\nRunning shoes:<\/strong>
\n\u201cIf I\u2019m squeezing in a jog after work.\u201d
\nPositive mindset:<\/strong>
\n\u201cEvery day at the beach is a good one.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"