Nelson Mandela Bay is in the final stages of preparing for the 2026 Lifesaving World Championships, which are scheduled to open on 25 November. According to Daily Maverick, the event is expected to bring more than 2,500 competitors and their support crews to Gqeberha, injecting an estimated R350-million into the local economy over the 18-day competition. While municipal officials and Lifesaving South Africa (LSA) state that preparations are progressing well, specific challenges at key venues remain under scrutiny.

At the Newton Park swimming pool, which will host a large number of competitive events, repairs are currently under way. Daily Maverick reported that the pool had been drained to address loose tiles, and a fresh coat of paint is required. Specialized timing equipment, including scoreboards, screens, and poolside touchpads, still needs to be procured and installed. Sinebhongo Kwatsha, the city’s political head of sport, recreation, arts and culture, said that while deadlines are tight, the facility remains on schedule, with screens already being installed and touchpad installation pending the finalization of service provider contracts.

On the beachfront, Kings Beach faces distinct challenges. A recurring sewage spill at the parking lot has created a health hazard, prompting community group TidyNMB to call for a coordinated response from the municipality and private sector. Beyond the sewage, officials are addressing security concerns related to overgrown vegetation and lighting. Kwatsha noted that a plan is in place to light the entire coastline from Wells Estate to First Beacon, aiming to improve safety for both residents and visitors. She stated, "It is about creating jobs and giving back to the community."

Community organizations are playing a significant role in these preparations. Ian Millar, chairperson of Summerstrand Neighbourhood Watch, said his team has been working with municipal contractors to trim vegetation around Kings Beach. Millar and associates, along with the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber’s Beachfront Cluster, have also invested in solar lights in the coastal suburb of Summerstrand. Dhaya Sewduth, an LSA board member, acknowledged these efforts, saying the collaboration between the host organization, the municipality, and the local business community has been outstanding. She emphasized that the event will contribute to the local economy through tourism and marketing, reinforcing the metro’s readiness to host the world’s top competitive lifesavers.