The Water Safety Ireland National Surf Lifesaving Championships showcased Ireland's top life-saving athletes on September 9th in Youghal, Co. Cork.
Over 200 competitors from ten counties competed throughout the day in various events, with Wicklow Ladies dominating in the Senior Overall category and receiving the prestigious President's Cup. The favourable weather conditions contributed to the team's victories in the Senior Ladies Openwater event and the Senior Overall category, while Clare won the Senior Men's Openwater event. The championships tested the core life-saving skills of speed, strength, endurance, and equipment handling.
Waterford dominated throughout in the Masters category, securing both the Masters title and the Overall combined Masters competition, featuring Openwater and Stillwater competitions. The sport's growing popularity boasts a following of over 4,000 active participants throughout Ireland, including leading lifeguards.
Simon McGarrigle, the Water Safety Ireland Sports Commission Chair, praised the competitors, coaches, referees, and volunteers for their pivotal roles in making the championships a huge success. The National Surf Lifesaving Championships bring together Ireland's top lifesavers in one place to compete at the highest level and increase their lifesaving skills through sport. The competitors patrol beaches and pools throughout Ireland and abroad throughout the year, meaning these championships have a positive impact on communities throughout the country.
The national squad recently returned from the European Junior Lifesaving Championships in Poland with an impressive haul of 24 medals, and Ireland's Senior national squad is gearing up to compete in the European Senior Lifesaving Championships in Belgium from September 16th to 21st. The 2024 season will begin with the Pool Rescue National Championships at the University of Limerick in mid-February, and anticipation for the event is already building throughout the country.
