Membership cards

Junior/Senior Lifeguard awards

Junior/Senior Lifeguard award starting 25th September to the 1/2 October..
Contact Deon 082 950 1318 or Bambi in the office soonest to book your spot.

Vetches

The structure in photograph is the original Vetch’s Pier, built at the entrance to Durban Harbour (then Port Natal) in the early 1860s under the direction of Captain James Vetch of the Royal Engineers.

Why was Vetch’s Pier built?

Its primary purpose was to improve navigation into Durban Harbour by addressing the notorious sandbar that blocked the harbour entrance and prevented larger vessels from entering safely. At the time, many ships had to anchor offshore and transfer passengers and cargo by smaller boats because the entrance was too shallow and dangerous.

Captain Vetch proposed a scheme that included breakwaters extending from the Point and Bluff areas to:

• Concentrate tidal flow through the harbour entrance.
• Increase the scouring action of outgoing tides to remove sand from the bar.
• Create a more reliable and deeper shipping channel.
• Provide a sheltered anchorage area for vessels waiting to enter the harbour.

Why did it fail?
Construction began in 1861, but the design did not adequately account for Durban’s wave climate, currents and surf conditions. Storms repeatedly damaged the structure, large amounts of stone were lost, and the project became increasingly expensive. Work was eventually abandoned before completion.

What happened afterwards?
Later harbour engineers adopted different solutions, including the construction of the North Pier and South Breakwater, together with extensive dredging. These works eventually solved the sandbar problem and allowed Durban to develop into Africa’s busiest port.

What remains today?
Although the original pier failed as a harbour engineering project, the remaining rock foundation became what Durban residents know as Vetch’s Reef or “Vetchies.” Over more than 150 years it developed into an important artificial reef, supporting coral, mussels, fish and marine life, as well as providing a sheltered area for paddlers, divers and lifesavers.
The photograph is particularly interesting because it appears to show the Point area while Vetch’s Pier was still a prominent feature of the harbour entrance works, with sailing ships anchored offshore awaiting favourable conditions to cross the harbour bar. This would likely date from the 1860s or 1870s.

Saving Lives

This is how we roll at Marine SLC, old lifesavers never die, they are always there when needed. Leon (Rubber) du Preez one of our Life Members (1982) still showing what he’s got by firstly identifying someone in trouble and then effecting a rescue in another part of the world.

Club Renovations

The odour in the ladies change room – we have ordered the drainage parts to rectify the problem.

Projects planned for Marine SLC include a neater permanent braai facility for members use to take advantage of the balmy Durban summer and mild winter days.

Thanks to Terry Kinloch for the image rendering, now we just looking for some skilled bricklayers to come to our aid and assist with the building of our new braai.

Worlds Fund Raising

Our youngsters showing drive and initiative to start fundraising for World Champs in PE taking place end of November. This is the Marine spirit we want to see. In 3 quick early fundraising initiatives they have already made R10000. Thank you for supporting them and showing them that hard work and effort gets results.

Competition

The winner – Debbie Gillat won a magnificent Marine SLC Bobums Microfibre towel

Download a copy

The friends. The fun. The challenges. The coaches who always have their backs. And a community that makes them feel right at home.

Marine Surf Lifesaving Club

0649732186

secretary@marineslc.co.za

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