World Lifesaving Championships & International Life Saving Federation Conference

A strong Canadian delegation is in final preparation for Rescue 2008 in Berlin and Warnemünde, Germany, July 16 – August 2, 2008.

Jeanie Hutton (Lifesaving Society President, Canada), Dr. Steve Beerman (Current ILS Medical Committee Chair and Past National President of Canada), and Joan Duncan (Director for the America’s Region, ILS Board Member and Past National Vice President of Canada) spearhead the Canadian delegation which includes Jeff Arthurs (Athlete Representative and current ILS Athlete Committee Co-chair) and Patricia Kitchen (Canadian Sport Commissioner). Lorraine Wilson-Saliba (Lifesaving Sport Director, Ontario
Branch) is Chef de Mission.

The following Canadians have been appointed as officials for the world championships: Sarah Ingleton (ON), Sara Jennex (NS), Michelle Lipkus (ON), Troy MacArthur (NS), Elise Matthey-Jacques (PQ), Mike Melenchuk (NS), Shanna Reid (ON), Hugo Rodrigues (ON), Perry Smith (ON), Rebecca White (ON), Lorraine Wilson-Saliba (ON).

Under the leadership of national coach Don Burton and team manager Shanna Reid, the following athletes will compete in the National Teams Championship: (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 Taylor (ON).

The Canadian Forces competes in the Interclub Championship under the leadership of coaches, Daniel Berube and Steve Box and team manager, Tony Zezza. Ottawa’s St. Laurent Lifesaving Club competes in the Masters championship with: (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 Lifesaving Society – Canada’s lifeguarding expert – has been saving lives in Canada for over 100 years through its training programs, Water Smart® drowning prevention campaign, and safety management services. Over half a million Canadians participate annually in the Society’s swimming, lifesaving, lifeguard and leadership programs. The Society is the governing body for lifesaving sport – a sport recognized by the IOC and the Commonwealth Games Federation.