Record numbers at JLC State Titles
Last Sunday more than 100 Junior Lifeguard Club participants from across the metropolitan area took part in the 2017 Junior Lifeguard Club State Titles at HBF Arena in Joondalup. This was a record number of participants for the event, which is held annually to enable Junior Lifeguard Club members to showcase the swimming and lifesaving activities they practice throughout the year.
The Junior Lifeguard Club program aims to increase children’s participation in swimming & lifesaving activities. It is an aquatic education alternative to traditional swimming lessons for kids who want to combine their passion for swimming with the ability to learn new lifesaving skills. The program is an opportunity for kids to join a club that will advance their aquatic skills, with an emphasis on fun while maintaining strong club feelings and loyalties.
Nine clubs took part in the event, including Wanneroo Aquamotion, Cannington Leisureplex, Ballajura Aquatic Centre, Kwinana Recquatic, Red Sharks Academy (Mount Claremont), Swan Park Leisure Centre, The Swim School WA, Fremantle JLC and South Lake Dolphins Swim Club.
Special mention goes to Cannington Leisureplex, whose team achieved 20 overall champions across the day’s events, followed by Wanneroo Aquamotion with 19 and Ballajura Aquatic Centre with 13.
The events included swimming with obstacles, rescue tube tow, manikin carry & rope throw relay, with participants competing across 10 age groups; Open Male, Open Female, Under 14 Male, Under 14 Female, Under 12 Male, Under 12 Female, Under 10 Male, Under 10 Female, Under 8 Male and Under 8 Female.
3 members of the WA State Pool Lifesaving team also attended to assist with the events and present participants with their medals. Competitors were excited to meet Jake Smith, who has been selected to compete in the Aussie Barras team at the World Championships, Maddi Howe, who was selected in the Junior Barras after her performance at the National Championships early this year, and Jakson Egan who won a silver and 3 bronze medals at the nationals.
The HBF Arena was a fantastic venue for the competition, with a large number of spectators attending to cheer the competitors on.
The Royal Life Saving Junior Lifeguard Club program is proudly supported by the Department of Sport & Recreation. There are 44 clubs across the state and you can find out how to get your child involved at the link below.