News
Eastern Region Surf Lifeguards return to Baywave Aquatic Centre for the 2018 Eastern Region Pool Championships
Wednesday, 26 September 2018Over 160 athletes are set to take part in the second day of the 2018 Eastern Region Pool Championships this Saturday, following the first day earlier this year in August.
Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service currently leads the overall points score with 158 points, over 50 points clear of Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Club on 101 points in second. Whakatane Surf Life Saving Club and Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club are on 69 and 66 points, respectively, making up the top four.
The event provides a valuable opportunity for the 162 competitors to prepare for the national New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships being held from the 12th to 14th October at AUT Millennium in Auckland, along with developing their skills as surf lifeguards.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand Interim Eastern Region Sport Manager Scott Bicknell says, “The Eastern Region Pool Championships serve as an important development event for our current surf lifeguards and aspiring lifeguards, as they continue to develop important lifesaving skills for the upcoming patrol season.”
Events include the 100m Rescue Medley, 50m Brick Carry without Fins, 200m Super Lifesaver, 50m Manikin Carry without Fins, 50m Swim with Fins, 50m Rescue Medley, 4x50m Medley Relay and 6x50m Mega Relay.
Scott added: “This year's national Pool Rescue Championships are particularly important as it provides a crucial lead into the 2018 Lifesaving World Championships, which are to be held in Adelaide later this year.
“Consequently we expect to see stiff competition from the New Zealand Black Fins, Junior Black Fins, and other top New Zealand club competitors as well as teams from Australia, as they continue their build up to the Lifesaving World Championships. This makes the Eastern Region Pool Championship another valuable opportunity for preparation for athletes across the region.”
The second day of these championships will also be held at the Baywave Aquatic Centre. It marks the first time the event has been held in a 25m Pool as the normal venue, Te Rapa Waterworld, is currently closed for maintenance.
Eastern Region Pool Championships:
Date: Saturday 29 September 2018 from 8.00am
Venue: Baywave Pool, Mt Maunganui
Address: Corner Girven Road & Gloucester Rd, Bayfair, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 3116
Spectator Cost - $2
For more information and results, visit this page.
For more information, please contact:
Alana McIsaac, Media & Communications Manager
Phone 027 515 7157
Email media@surflifesaving.org.nz