Surf life-savers take to the pool in regional championships

SURF LIFESAVING –

On Saturday, June 19, Surf Life Saving Central Coast held the inaugural Regional Pool Lifesaving Championships at Peninsula Leisure Centre, Woy Woy, with members from clubs all over the Coast attending for competition.

The Pool Lifesaving format combined rescue techniques and the swimming ability of lifesavers into races simulating real life rescues, providing lifesavers with continuous skill development during the off-season.

Central Coast Director of Surf Sports David Unger said it was fantastic to see so many clubs participating in this event.

“The atmosphere around the pool deck was electric with competitors and coaches all cheering on team mates.”

Standout performances were by Umina’s U15 competitor Davara Marshall who had some incredible performances placing 1st overall in the women events.

In the Mens competition, it was stiff competition between Shelly Beach duo U19 Blake Hessel and Open Tom Simpson both putting on masterclass performances in their events.

In the juniors, competition was tough with great performances in all age groups.

In the U13 females, a fierce battle for queen of the beach between Wamberal’s Matilda Isle and Terrigal’s Mai Elliott produced a display of fantastic skills with both competitors taking out an event each.

In the U13 males Umina’s Ronnie Jordan was dominant taking out his age group in all events while in the U14 males it was Ocean Beach’s Jacob Falconer who outclassed the field with some impressive results.

To encourage participation in pool lifesaving on the Central Coast this Branch Championships was opened to local Royal Life Saving Club Mingara Lifesaving and Hunter Surf Life Saving Branch.

Both organisations have great competitors who challenged the local surf clubs, increasing the intensity of competition.

The Regional Champs have provided local lifesavers with one more competitive practice before the upcoming NSW State Championships to be held on 16th -18th July 2021.

This event will influence the selection of the NSW Pool Lifesaving team to represent the state at the Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships, being held on the Gold Coast 6-8th August 2021.

Source:
Media Release, Jun 22
Surf Life Saving Central Coast