Stellenbosch University student Lauren Billson (22) loves the outdoors and while other people might run the other way, this SA lifesaver relishes the challenge of facing sub-10 degree water, massive waves, a flotilla of bluebottles and the possibility of ocean currents.

Lauren, who is busy with her honours degree in Accounting, has been included in the Commonwealth Team that will represent South Africa at the Festival of Lifesaving Championships to be held in Durban from 10-12 August.

Growing up in Port Elizabeth, Lauren started with surf lifesaving (competing at the beach) at the age of 14 and stillwater lifesaving (competing in a pool) at the age of 18 when she became a Matie.

Surf lifesaving includes a wide variety of events including surf swim, run swim run, board races, ironman (a combination of swim, board and surfski) as well as a few rescue simulated races. Stillwater lifesaving events take place in a pool, often with the use of equipment such as fins and rescue tubes. A few events include rescuing a manikin.

"Being a swimmer I mainly compete in the swimming events," she says.

She is also a member of the Maties Swimming Club and has represented the university at galas and the annual USSA competitions.

 "I am honoured and excited to represent my country again," says Lauren, who represented South Africa at the 2016 World Lifesaving Championships, where she came seventh in the surf swim.

This event was an absolute highlight for her.

"It was incredible to be part of this biennial championships, where a large (and ever growing) number of countries came together to showcase their best lifesavers in both the pool and the surf."

Her dream is to represent South Africa at the 2017 International Surf Lifesaving Championships in New Zealand as well as the 2018 World Lifesaving Championships.

"This would depend a lot on my studies as this is my final year and studies have to come first," she adds.

Lauren will join the accounting firm KPMG in 2018 to complete her accounting articles and board exams.

"I've always been a busy girl, running between the classroom, sports field and swimming pool. I must have picked up some time management on the way. Of course some sacrifices have to be made to ensure I get everything done. But I've always preferred being busy."

Lauren trains approximately 15 hours per week, with sessions in the swimming pool as well as the gymnasium.

"I also do a bit of running in the off season and closer to lifesaving season I fit in a technical session a week. This is where I practise my stillwater events. These are quite technical."

For her lifesaving is a lifestyle as well as a sport.

"There is an event for almost everyone and you get to compete against top athletes from all over the world on some of the world's most beautiful coastlines. What's not to love?"

The only drawback is that lifesaving is not a mainstream sport and therefore not well known.

"It's difficult to explain it to someone that has no knowledge of it. There is a huge lack of recognition for some of the world's best athletes."

• Lauren is not the only Billson sibling to represent South Africa. Her elder sister, Carmel, is the team captain, while her younger sister, Natalie, also a student at Stellenbosch University, was included in the Commonwealth National President's team.