The Moncton YMCA hosted the 2009 Provincial Pool Lifeguard championship on Saturday, March 7st with teams participating from across the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Team Nova Scotia dominated all events and took the New Brunswick Championship Banner back to Halifax. A close runner up was the Team from Saint John and consistent performances were provided by the team representing the University of Moncton.

The Lifesaving Society is the National Sport Organization for competitive Lifesaving Sport, one of only 9 non-Olympic sports recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Lifesaving Sport is the only sport in which skills are first learned for humanitarian purposes and only then applied in competition.
Competition does not take priority over saving lives. Competition provides high-profile opportunities to attract new participants to lifesaving programs and to promote public awareness of our drowning prevention aim.

Volunteers supporting the event came from across the province including a large contingent from the Moncton YMCA supporting the day’s events as score keepers, judges, victims and administration volunteers.

Lifesaving Sport Physical Events combine the speed of competitive swimming with the techniques of lifesaving. They provide new challenges and training opportunity for all levels of swimmers. Competitors are expected to swim various distances, recover submerged manikins, tow manikins, and utilize special rescue fins during their events.

Situational Events are held to score the Lifeguards in both First Aid and Pool Deck situations. With scoring based on recognition, timing, and quality of skills demonstrated.

The National Pool Lifeguard Championship will take place in Montreal the weekend of May 28, 2009.

To learn more about Lifesaving Sport Events in New Brunswick contact the Lifesaving Society, New Brunswick at www.lifesavingnb.ca or calling 506- 455-5762