Two girls win nine pool medals

Two 14-year-old members of Umina Beach Surf Life Saving Club won nine medals between them in the recent NSW Pool Rescue Championships held at the Peninsula Leisure Centre recently.

"Competing for the first time in an event of this nature and against the best clubs across the state, Teigan Miller and Helen Krucler amassed enough points between them over the two days to place Umina 13th out of more than 29 clubs in the club point score," publicity officer Mr Carl Krucler said.

"When most clubs consisted of more than 10 competitors the results are surprising.

"They each gained medals in many events and at times in events against competitors in an older age group."

Overall Teigan won seven medals including gold for Under-14s female 50 metre freestyle, two silver for Under-14s female 100 metre obstacle swim and Under-14s female 50 metre swim with fins and four bronze medals for the Under-14s 100 metre manikin carry with fins, Under-15s super lifesaver, Under-15s 50 metre freestyle and Under-15s line throw.

Meanwhile, Helen gained two bronze medals in the Under-15s female 50 metre manikin carry and Under-15s female line throw.

"On top of these results, the girls placed in the top six in many events to gain the club valuable points for the club point score," Mr Krucler said.

"This was the first time either has competed at this level in a competition of this type.

"In these events, they must demonstrate ability to carry a manikin filled with water and so weighing in excess of 40 kilograms at times above the water line so that it doesn't drown all the while trying to complete the course in the fastest possible times.

"Other events required them to swim then duck dive under barriers placed across the pool, or put fins on their feet halfway through a race and complete the event with the fins on.

"The club hopes this amazing achievement will encourage more members to participate in subsequent years and congratulates both girls on these fantastic results."

Press release, 24 Sep 2010 Carl Krucler, Umina Beach SLSC