Clubbies dive into pool title
THE state’s best surf lifesavers will swap the beach for the pool this weekend to compete in the Queensland Pool Rescue Championships.
More than 500 competitors, from 11-year-olds to masters, will contest a range of patrol and rescue challenges over two days at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre in Southport.
The youngest lifesavers, 15-year-olds and open competitors will be in action in super lifesaver and medley events from 8am today.
Northcliffe Surf Life Saving will be hoping to scoop the top honours for the third year in a row.
Mark Williams, Northcliffe’s manager of surf sports, said the club would be represented by about 60 members this weekend.
“We’ve been training since April and we’ve had a few lead-up events, which is good preparation,” he said.
“There’s a great calibre of talent. Laura Taylor is racing for us this weekend. She got second in the 200m butterfly at the Commonwealth Games, so that really shows how good these guys are.”
Last year’s runners-up, Currumbin Surf Life Saving Club, and Maroochydore are expected to provide tough competition.
Surf Life Saving Queensland sports manager Stuart Hogben said it was “unique to see our lifesavers competing in a pool environment”.
“The events in the pool rescue competition are designed to test a lifesaver’s skill, speed and response. By removing the unknown aspect that the surf can add, you clearly see their lifesaving skills in full action.”