The UK's 'Warriors of the Water' prepare to do battle

By Pete Whittall, National  Event Manager, ISRM & IQL National Pool Lifeguard Championships

 

2008 will raise the competition profile far higher than ever before and set it  sail on a battle of all battles when 7 regions, across 8 host venues, representing the whole of the UK and Republic of Ireland take on the strongest, the fittest and the best teams that our proud UK lifeguard profession can deploy. As the saying goes, 'You gotta be in it, to win it'.

 

Picture the scene….. 8 strategically placed venues covering Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the potential for up to 18 teams at each venue taking part, an inspiring battle group of up to 1008 Team Managers and Lifeguards competing for and defending their country, their honour and their profession. The cream of the UK's and Ireland's aquatic soldiers, our 'Warriors of the Water' will commence the challenge of a lifetime in seeking victory to take part in the national final at Birmingham on 1st November. Cardiff, the current champions will be no push over, they have won the championships two years consecutively in 2006 and 2007, Birmingham were the champions in 2005 and Leeds have honoured themselves by having two runners up places in 2005 and 2007. It will be an exciting hard contest….. one in which only the toughest, fittest and most competent teams will survive and go forward to the fearsome final.

 

ISRM & IQL can be proud of the development of this much sort after event, the only one of its kind in the UK for Professional Pool Lifeguards. The regional heats in June will open up the opportunity for greater participation, tougher competition and higher expectation than ever before. As someone who comes from a competitive background and has fought in the heat of battle as a soldier, this will be the lifeguard's sporting equivalent. No mercy can, or will be given. With up to 144 teams, each with 6 lifeguards (3 male and 3 female) taking part, it will test all their human and team psychological, physical and emotional senses and strengths. There are only 24 places to be won in order to take on the challenge of conquering the mighty dragons of Cardiff, the 25th contender.

It doesn't stop there, think of the thousands of supporters, families, friends, work colleagues and local communities that will want to be in the regional arenas alongside their battle bold teams. Their roars of support will lift the very roof that covers each battleground. The industry should be proud of this phenomena, that will be cascading its way throughout the nation, culminating in a magnificent spearhead of tension and triumph in Birmingham, a recognised national centre of sport. Whoever wins this year's competition would have truly gained the deserved title of 'National Pool Lifeguard Champions', and I for one am so proud to be part of this historical moment as the national event manager.

So I ask you… 'Are you ready and have you got what it takes to compete…… then prove it, and get your team entry in……. if you dare'!!!

For more details about the Regional and National Pool Lifeguard Championships contact either:-

Pete Whittall, Event Manager, ISRM & IQL National Pool Lifeguard Championships on 07974 184532 or pete@ltas.co.uk, or

Alex Blackwell, Pool Lifeguard Programme Manager on 01789 773994 or AlexBlackwell@iql.org.uk

Entry forms will be downloadable from both www.isrm.co.uk and www.lifesavers.org.uk