Lifesaving / Sauvetage Canada congratulates the 2010 Canadian champion clubs, athletes and record holder from its annual lifeguard emergency response and pool lifesaving competitions.

The Mississauga Lifeguarding Club won the 2010 Canadian Lifeguard Emergency Response Championship (CLERC), held in Brampton, Ont., on May 22-23. The CLERC evaluates teams of four lifeguards who respond to simulated emergencies that test their first aid, lifeguarding and priority assessment skills. Clubs are recognized for placing in each event and the top team receives the triathlon award. An overall championship, awarded to the Mississauga Lifeguarding Club, recognizes the club whose teams collectively earned the most points. The Ottawa Valley Lifesaving Club placed second in the club championship, with the University of Waterloo Lifeguarding Team placing third.

The Alberta / Northwest Territories Lifesaving Team took top honours in Montreal June 5-6, winning the club championship at the Canadian Pool Lifesaving Championship (CPLC). Lifesaving sport is a unique combination of competitive swimming and timed, simulated rescue drills. It is fast paced and demanding. The events are designed to test the athlete’s speed, endurance, agility, coordination and strength in the pool. Medals are awarded for each gender and in two age groups and in masters for 10 different events. The top individual female and male athletes are also recognized with medals. The Halifax Regional Municipality Guardians took second in the club championship, with Montreal’s Sea Devils Club coming in third.

A new Canadian record of 11.79 seconds was set at the CPLC in the women’s line throw event by the Guardians’ Audrey Prayal-Brown and Rachael Betuik. Prayal-Brown bested the previous record, which she’d reached in 2009, by 1.12 seconds. In the line throw, a lifesaver throws a rescue rope to a victim in the water and then pulls the victim to safety.

“Congratulations to all competitors,” Lifesaving / Sauvetage Canada sport commissioner Patricia Kitchen said. “Also thank you to our hosts, the City of Brampton and Lifesaving Society, Ontario Branch and Lifesaving Society, Quebec Branch. We also recognize the volunteers who supported these competitions. We look forward to the CSLC, Canadian Surf Lifesaving championships to be held in Toronto, Aug. 28 and 29 at Bluffers Beach”

Complete results for all events from the 2010 CLERC and CPLC are posted at www.lifesavingsport.ca.

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.

For more information contact Patricia Kitchen, Lifesaving / Sauvetage Canada sport commissioner at Ph:519 884-0710 x2384 or E-mail: pkitchen@wlu.ca