Local clubs thrive in hot LSV competition

LIFE Saving Victoria’s Youth and Senior State Championships, hosted by the Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) at the weekend saw Jan Juc SLSC and Ocean Grove SLSC dominate the overall point scores.

More than 790 youth and senior lifesavers competed in the championships, with Torquay SLSC taking the top spot in the last race of the event – the open men’s taplin – beating raceday favourites Half Moon Bay SLSC in a stellar showdown.

Jan Juc SLSC’s Drew Green won the U19 men’s iron, while Australian high-performance swimmer Jordan Merrilees of Torquay SLSC conquered the men’s restricted surf race event. Anglesea SLSC delivered strong results in the rescue and resuscitation (R&R) competition events, a great outcome for the coastal club. Archie Vernon and Grace Harris of Torquay SLSC were tough to beat in the championships, with Vernon taking out the open ironman and Harris striking gold in the open board and silver in the open ironwoman events.

Life Saving Victoria’s aquatic sports manager Kirsty Clark said the racing conditions were ideal across the weekend, serving up “decent-sized waves” in “nice sunny weather”. The event was supported by major event sponsor Engine, as well as Surf Life Saving Australia’s sponsors Westpac, DHL and Holden.

“None of it would be possible without the dedicated team of volunteers both on and off the beach,” Ms Clark said. “Thank you to everyone who made today (Sunday March 10) such an enjoyable day of competition for everyone.”

To view the full list of results, visit lsv.com.au/clubsmembers/sports/event-results.