Some of Canada’s top lifeguards are competing in the National Lifesaving Society’s annual surf lifesaving competition at Parlee Beach in Shediac this weekend.
One-hundred sixty-five competitors from six provinces are showing off their skills in a variety of events such as beach relays, sprint board rescue and surf ski race.
The competition is an opportunity to pit the best against the best, but for organizers, it’s more than just a chance for competitors to hone their skills.
“You’re networking, you’re getting better, you’re making friendships that last a life time and I think the biggest piece is the leadership opportunity that it offers,” Lisa Hanson Ouellette, a representative with the National Lifesaving Commission, said.
“You start as a competitor, you become a coach and then an official. You help each other out.”
Jason Cross has been competing in these championships for 32 years and now coaches the national team.
He is taking 24 competitors to the world championships that will be held in the Netherlands in September.
“I really like that even as you get older, you can get better,” Cross said. “There’s a lot of strategy involved in terms of reading the waves, the conditions, the currents and even expertise with the craft. Even the young that are fit can go to a pool and win a race in flat water but they come to the beach, it takes a number of years to be able to perform.”
The competition lasts until Aug. 28 at Parlee Beach and is open to the public.
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