For the first 25 metres it looks like any other swimming competition, until the competitor suddenly disappears below the surface, re-emerging several seconds later with a mannequin in tow.
Lifesaving competitions are held throughout the world, but you don’t have to go far to find one locally. The Halton Hills Lifeguard Club has been offered by the Town since 2010. It began as a pilot project through the Lifesaving Society, but has since expanded.
“It’s such a fun, unique program,” said Melissa Willson, recreation coordinator, aquatics for the Town of Halton Hills. “It’s a twist on learn to swim.”
The program is open to anyone between the ages of seven and 16 who has passed their level three swimming. It will build on those abilities, teaching valuable skills that can be used in lifesaving.
The club meets twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays for 10 weeks. The final session is an in-house competition where participants can put what they've learned to the test.
As swimmers continue to develop their skills, there are several opportunities available. They can pursue it as a competitive sport.
“There’s a lot of team building,” Willson said. “It’s a nice team environment, there are things you can do individually, and there are relay events where you work together.”
Events include swimming under obstacles, throwing a line to a swimmer and pulling them to back to the pool deck, retrieving submerged mannequins, and swimming with a mannequin in tow.
Jordan Stott, an early participant in the program, went on to make the Canadian lifesaving team and competed at the world championships in the Netherlands and Germany, setting a Canadian record in the line throw event.
Others who have completed the program have gone on to become lifeguards for the Town, or stayed with the program as instructors.
“Quite a few have got their lifesaving sport certification and now coach swimmers in the program,” Willson said. “It’s nice to see it come full circle.”
Some simply strive to improve their personal best times while learning valuable skills.
Registration for the spring session opens Mar. 5, with the first session in April. The cost is $119.20 for 10 sessions, which includes the in-house competition. For more information about the program, call Willson at 905-873-2600, ext. 2730 or email [email protected].
