MONTREAL, QC – The Lifesaving Society is pleased to announce the appointment of Don Burton as National Lifesaving Team head coach and Patricia Kitchen as team manager.

Don and Patricia were members of Canada’s national team staff for Rescue 2004 in Viareggio and the 2003 Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships in Durban. Don is a fully certified NCCP Level 3 Swim Coach and has coached the Guelph Marlin Aquatic Club for the past six years. Eight of Don’s swimmers have made the National Lifesaving Team. Patricia is the associate director of recreation and facilities at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, and current president of the Lifesaving Society in Ontario. As team manager since 2000, Patricia has seen the team through three world and two commonwealth championships.

Steve Box and Dan Bérubé, who coached Canada’s National Lifesaving Team to international prominence since its conception, have retired.

The National Lifesaving Team will represent Canada at the World Lifesaving Championships Rescue 2006 next February in Australia, and at the Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships in Bath, England the following September.

The Society maintains a National Lifesaving Team of 20-25 athletes. Athletes representing Canada for a specific international competition are chosen from National Team members. Only competitors participating in Canadian championships are eligible for selection to Canada’s National Lifesaving Team.

The Lifesaving Society works to prevent drowning and water-related injury. The Society is the governing body for lifesaving sport – a sport recognized by the International Olympic Committee.