Lifeguard skills require stamina and strength

Saugeen Shores Lifesaving Club (SSLC) hosted the 3rd Annual Junior Lifeguard Sunset Competition, that is sanctioned by the Lifesaving Society, on July 21st and 22nd at Port Elgin Main Beach.

Although smaller than many urban clubs, SSLC has made a name for itself in competition.

The competition uses the Ontario Competition Manual for all events: Canadian Iron Guard, Board Race, Surf Swim, Beach Run, Beach Flags, and is strictly monitored by qualified volunteers.

Among those participating were athletes from Quebec, Toronto, Ajax and Guelph.

Shanna Reid, Saugeen Shores Aquatic Supervisor, says that the competitions are a stepping stone for the Provincial competition that Reid is hopeful will return to Port Elgin in 2019.

The Surf Ski-Swim-Paddle Board mixed competition requires stamina, speed and strength as well as tolerance to cold, especially since Lake Huron ‘turned over’ the night before the competitions and the water temperature dropped to approximately twelve degrees (12C).

Three of the Senior Girls Team, Ali Ferguson, Carlin Reid and Scano Hewa-Bautiwatage are on the National Team and will be going to the Worlds in Australia in November.

Lining up for the Surf Ski leg of the competition

(C) 1st place – Sebastien                Reimer (Guelph), 2nd place – Ali Ferguson (L) and Braden Reid in 3rd (R)

                                                                Senior Girls Surf Ski