Ottawa, ON. - Ottawa’s St. Laurent Lifesaving Team will haul home a heap of overweight luggage when they touch down in Canada upon return from the Masters World Lifesaving Championships (Rescue 2008) in Germany this weekend.

Collectively, the team will bring home an impressive collection of 33 medals comprised from 13 gold, 8 silver and 12 bronze.

St. Laurent team member Carla St-Germain reports that “after three days of beach competitions, the team had already earned an impressive 21 medals; and have now added another three courtesy of pool events, making them the highest performing team on the beach after Day 1, with 24 medals.”

The teams ability to build upon their success and add to their medal count did not diminish as the competition continued, with the St-Laurent Lifesaving Team earning 1 more bronze and 2 more golds in addition to the setting of a new world record by Tony Zezza in the 50m manikin carry. With 27 medals to their collective credit, the team went on to collect a half dozen more during the final day of pool events.

Carla added that “Dan Bérubé joined the likes of Tony Zezza, as a world recorder holder, following the 100m manikin tow with fins event". Upon conclusion of competition, the teams total medal breakdown is 21 medals earned during beach events; and 12 medals earned in the pool.

Ontario’s own Perry Smith took a silver in Line Throw and a Bronze in 100 m Tow with fins. Canadian master Jim Wright (not a St. Laurent team member) has won two bronze and two gold medals for Canada.

Ottawa’s St. Laurent Lifesaving Club members are: (men) Daniel Bérubé (head coach), Tony Zezza (assistant coach), Jacques Morissette, Andy Shelp, Doug Lloyd, Philippe Lemire, Oliver Gomes; (women) Carla St. Germain, Shelley Demkiw, Christine Wagg, Donna Woodman, Christine Sutcliffe, Sue Kelly, Kristy Fleet, Nathalie Vallières Loy (team manager).

The World Lifesaving Championships encompass three distinct championships:

– National Teams, Interclub and Masters.

The World Lifesaving Championships (Rescue 2008) are sanctioned by the International Life Saving Federation. Lifesaving sport – the only sport developed on humanitarian principles – is recognized by the International Olympic Committee and the Commonwealth Games Federation. The Lifesaving Society – Canada’s lifeguarding expert – is the governing body for lifesaving sport in Canada.

About the Lifesaving World Championships

Every two years the International Life Saving Federation organizes World Lifesaving Championships composed of ocean, pool and simulated emergency events for:

National Teams

Interclub Teams

Masters

Open World Lifesaving Championships may also include Surfboats and Inflatable Rescue Boat Championships. The world championships attract over 3,000 athletes and officials. The championships and meetings of the International Life Saving Federation are organized under the “Rescue” series title and scheduled over 14 days.

The Lifesaving Society Canada hosted the inaugural event – “Rescue ‘86” – in Vancouver. Rescue 2008 concludes this week in Germany. Rescue 2010 is slated for Cornwall in the United Kingdom.

Standings and results are posted on the Rescue 2008 website at: http://www.rescue2008.com/Results.59.0.html?&L=1