Waterford lifeguards win bronze with Team Ireland at World Lifesaving Championships

Irish lifesavers have excelled in the World Lifesaving Championships, taking place in Queensland, Australia this week.

Team Ireland’s Senior Team, led by Waterford lifesaver and surfer Tom Breen alongside team-mate and fellow Waterford lifesaver Odhran Savage, proudly secured a bronze medal at the prestigious World Surf Lifesaving Championships in the SERC (simulated emergency response competition).

This tested the exceptional initiative, judgment, knowledge, and abilities of four lifesavers who act as a team to apply lifesaving skills in a simulated emergency situation unknown to them prior to the start.

Posting a team picture on his Instagram, captain Tom thanked “everyone for the support the last few days our campaign here is well and truly underway and hopefully we can keep this momentum going”.

The Youth Team, featuring three Clare lifesavers – Leanna Liddane, Ferdia Hayes and Oisín O’Grady – came fifth in their category narrowly missing a podium place in the SERC, while Clare’s Dylan O’Brien set a new Irish record of 54.13 seconds in the Men 100m Manikin Tow with Fins, coming first in his heat.

Read More: Four Waterford lifeguards head down under for the World Lifesaving Championships

The World Surf Lifesaving Championships bring together the most elite competitors from over fifty countries around the globe, making Team Ireland’s success a testament to the rigorous and comprehensive training programs offered in the country.

These programs are designed to meet and exceed international standards, ensuring that Irish lifesavers are equipped with the skills and knowledge to perform at the highest levels.

Senior and Youth competitors typically become top Lifeguards, patrolling beaches and pools in Ireland and abroad. Training is volunteer based and it is a sport that gives back to a community in terms of a skill that benefits users of waterways nationwide.

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