Surf clubs hold pool rescue championships
Nearly 250 athletes from 25 surf life saving clubs across the state took part in the NSW Pool Rescue Championships at the Peninsula Leisure Centre last weekend.
Making its return to the Surf Life Saving NSW surf sports calendar after a two-year Covid-forced hiatus, the championships offered the state's best surf swimmers a test their technical skills in a unique setting.
"Events are based around speed and the ability to use that speed in a rescue, with obstacles and weighted items in place of real-life patients," said Surf Life Saving NSW director of surf sports Mr Don van Keimpema.
"The Pool Rescue Championships is a really unique event.
"It's not like anything else on our calendar and it allows athletes and competitors to really focus on the skills required to save a life.
"It's not necessarily about being the fastest swimmer or the most athletic competitor.
"I think that's what makes it such an interesting event."
"It's so important in the off-season to be keeping active and working on our skills.
"The Pool Rescue Championships provides an excellent platform for volunteers to practice their skills in a competitive environment that we find brings out the best in everyone."
Events included line throw, obstacle races, and manikin and brick carry and relays.
Competing clubs included Ocean Beach and Umina.
SOURCE:
Media release, 20 Jul 2022
Surf Life Saving NSW