OTTAWA, ONTARIO – The Lifesaving Society is pleased to announce appointments to Canada’s National Lifesaving Team for the 2008 World Lifesaving Championships. National Team members are: (men) Jason Cross (NS), Jordan Duggan (ON), Nelson Giraldo (PQ), Alex Griffith (ON), Scott Van Doormaal (ON), William Walters (BC); (women) Renata Jaciw-Zurakowsky (ON), Laura Kendall (ON), Chantique Payne (ON), Emmanuella Ruel (PQ), Christie Smith (ON), Allyson Tayler (ON).

Canada’s twelve member team will compete in Berlin and Warnemünde July 20 to August 2, 2008. The team will be coached by Don Burton and managed by Shanna Reid. The team has a new look with hopes of a strong overall performance at the international championships. Canada will compete against 30 other nations in both pool and surf events.

Lifesaving sport is a unique combination of competitive swimming and timed, simulated rescue drills. It is fast paced and demanding. Through swimming, use of rescue equipment, or performing manikin rescue, lifesaving sport tests the athlete’s speed, endurance, agility, coordination and strength.

The Lifesaving World 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.