Life savers compete in Melbourne

A group of members from Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club attended the Australian Pool Rescue Championships in Melbourne early last month.

Club president Mr Scott Hannell said the group performed well placing 13th out of 29 clubs from across the country with a total of more than 260 competitors.

"This year the championships were conducted in Melbourne and Ocean Beach sent a team of five competitors, two officials and eight supporters to a very cold and chilly Melbourne Aquatic Centre," Mr Hannell said.

"The pool was situated outside and even though the pool itself was heated the outside temperature was cold and the competitors and officials were tested in these conditions.

"Team members Blake Arahill, Keelan Bridge, Shane Ross, Elyssia and Alessandra Gasparotto took to the water and it was pleasing to see an Under-14 and Under-13 competitor line-up in the Under-15s and match it with those older than them."

Mr Hannell said positions were "up for grabs" in Australian teams including the high performing Under-21 team that will contest the championships in New Zealand.

"Keelan being eligible to nominate for these teams put in a sterling performance and will certainly be watched by selectors if not this year then next," Mr Hannell said.

"Keelan Bridge added to his state medals with two gold medals and one silver medal.

"Shane Ross with his first time in pool events also performed well and brought home gold with Keelan in the line throw.

"Elyssia with a couple more years before selection performed well adding to her state pool medals picking up a silver and bronze.

"Alessandra who was competing against girls two years older was well placed in most events.

"With those times she will be certainly be receiving medals in the two years she has left in that age division.

"Blake as the solo Under-15 was again competing up against those older than him and performed above expectations and did well for the experience."

Mr Hannell thanked Ocean Beach members Sue Bridge, Ken Ross, Mark Arahill, Dennis Gasparotto, Di Moate, Graham Lees, Brooke and Mykayla Carr who attended the event as supporters as well as official Ben Smith.

"Dave Thompson, the newly appointed general manager of Surf Sports, and member of Ocean Beach was also in attendance at his first championships in his new role," Mr Hannell said.

"It is also worth noting Keelan Bridge (athlete) and David Unger (official) have been selected to the Surf Lifesaving Australia development team to tour New Zealand later in the year."

Press release, 29 Jun 2010 Scott Hannell, Ocean Beach SLSC