By Matthew Sims
Altona and Williamstown life savers have come home with a variety of medals from the Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships in Sydney.
Held over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, state and state development team competitors and individual representatives of the Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club and the Altona Life Saving Club competed.
Local results included:
* Erin Abson – Altona – first place in the 30-34 years female 100-metre obstacle race and first place in the 30-34 years female 100-metre manikin tow;
* Heath Corry – Altona – first place in the under 16 men 100-metre CPR race, mixed under 19 simulated emergency response relay and mixed under 16 simulated emergency response relay, second place in the under 16 line throw rescue and under 19 mixed manikin carry relay and third place in the under 16 100-metre manikin tow, under 16 50-metre manikin carry, under 16 100-metre manikin tow, under 16 mixed medley relay and the under 19 mixed obstacle relay;
* Josh Patterson – state team/Altona/Torquay – first place in the under 19 male CPR race;
* Brydie Logan – Williamstown – fourth place in the under 19 female CPR race; and
* Tom Frisby – Williamstown – fourth place in the open men 200-meter ‘superlifesaver’ race.
Altona Life Saving Club president Lisa Curran said the club was “extremely proud” of Heath and Erin.
“It is members like Heath and Erin that inspire other members in our club to strive for their goals, yet remain humble in their achievements,” she said.
Heath said competing on a national stage and coming home with a range of medals was a “great experience”.
“I received amazing support from my club, Altona Life Saving Club and all the coaches who train us,” he said.
“We swim under obstacles, carry super heavy manakins, have rescue scenarios and are assessed on CPR.”
Ms Abson said it was “nerve-wracking” to compete in the national championships.
“It was lots of fun,” she said.
