Lifesaving is a sport aiming for high performance with a primary mandate of humanitarianism.
The International Olympic Committee and the Commonwealth Games Federation recognize the sport, driven by a drowning prevention mission. There are scores of annual competitions across Canada and Alberta.
And on May 7, the town hosted its first-ever lifeguard competition at the Innisfail Aquatic Centre.
“This is the very first time. It's good staff training and it ups the skills of the staff and it kind of makes things more real life,” said Dawn Murray, aquatic centre supervisor. “It's good experience and if this goes well I would like to open it up to other pools to come in. We are just doing a tester with staff only, and next year we will see if this helps us and we will make a bigger one.”
The competition, featuring 12 local lifeguards split up into three teams, was held inside and outside the centre, and was judged by a team of volunteers.
“This is definitely associated with the pool and the citizens that come and swim at the pool, because this is for the lifeguards to do their job and to do it well,” said Janice Jones, the town's marketing and administrative coordinator and a judge for the competition. “All the training is for the lifeguards. The other people here are the volunteers, victim and judging volunteers.
Outside the aquatic centre, the lifeguards had to use their skills during a simulated crash between a truck driver suffering a heart attack and two cyclists. In the pool, the lifeguards faced tests with a double DNS (distressed non-swimmer), evacuation of false fire alarm, and a locker theft.
“They are showing pretty good for their very first one and not knowing what to expect,” said Murray, noting Lifesaving Society representatives came down from Edmonton to help out.
Kelly Carter, executive director of the Alberta and Northwest Territories branch of the Lifesaving Society, said Innisfail's inaugural competition was important because it “encompasses the multi-disciplines of lifesaving sport.
“It really emphasizes the humanitarian mandate that lifeguards have. This is a great practical experience for them, not to just practise the physical skills but also their practical skills in regards for first aid and public communications,” said Carter. “It makes them more confident in what they do every day and makes them have a real sense of community when we see the number of volunteers that are out here today participating in this.”
He noted the lifesaving sports competitions take place from September to June, with the 2016 Canadian Pool Lifesaving Championships held this month in Edmonton. Kelly said Innisfail lifeguards are always encouraged to compete.
“They are invited for sure,” said Carter. “Any lifeguard in Alberta or across Canada is invited to participate in the lifesaving competitions that take place.”
Kelly Carter
"It really emphasizes the humanitarian mandate that lifeguards have. This is a great practical experience for them, not to just practise the physical skills but also their practical skills in regards for first aid and public communications."
