After a three-year hiatus from competitive lifesaving, 25 year old Amica de Jager has made a sensational return to the sport, claiming a prestigious title at the 2025 National Lifesaving Championships!
South Africa (14 May 2025) — Competitive lifesaving recently welcomed the triumphant return of Amica de Jager following a three-year hiatus from the sport.
Amica, a renowned open water swimmer, delivered a remarkable all-round performance across both Pool and Surf events, securing gold medals in the Run Swim Run, Surf Swim, Board Rescue, and Tube Rescue. She also placed second in the Iron event and delivered strong top-eight finishes in both Board and Surfski disciplines and claimed the prestigious Victrix Ludorum title at the 2025 National Lifesaving Championships!
For Amica, her comeback meant the world to her.
“I was very nervous coming back after such a long break, but I couldn’t have asked for a better Nationals. I loved every second of it,” the champ shares.
The six-day competition showcased her versatility and endurance, including a standout performance in the pool where she achieved personal bests, OPEX (Operation Excellence) times, and helped her club, Clifton Lifesaving, dominate the relay events, winning three out of four.
Known for her ability to straddle two elite sporting codes, the Velocity Trade Ambassador continues to chase excellence in both open water swimming and lifesaving.
“Lifesaving and swimming go hand in hand,” Amica says. “One is individual, the other is team-based — and together they make me a stronger, more complete athlete.”
However, Amica’s campaign was not without its challenges, both physical and emotional, but through strategic recovery techniques including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, consistent rest, and the valuable experience gained from the Western Cape’s Rescue Sport Series, she found her stride.
“The biggest hurdle was believing I could return to form. But the series gave me the confidence and preparation I needed.”
Looking ahead, Amica has her sights set on international waters. She will compete at the Blu Smooth Kromme Descent, before representing South Africa at the 22nd World Aquatics Championships in Singapore.
Later this year, she plans to race on the World Aquatics Open Water World Cup circuit, and hopes to be re-selected for the South African Lifesaving team set to compete at the International Surf Rescue Challenge in New Zealand.
A role model for young athletes, Amica shares the following advice:
“I want young athletes, especially girls, to know that anything is possible. Don’t let others define your limits. Compete hard, love your competition, and make friends along the way — that’s what makes sport truly special.”
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