Local lifesavers to compete against California’s best

TWO Torquay surf lifesavers and a local coach are part of the 13-person team heading to complete against California’s top lifeguards next month.

The coming Wieland Shield has been run in partnership between Life Saving Victoria and Los Angeles County Lifeguards since 1967 and is a biannual competition hosted in the US and Australia on alternative years.

Competitors will take part in a range of lifesaving sport disciplines including swim, board, surf ski race, surf rescue relay, beach relay and ironman and woman events.

Torquay lifesavers Ciara Walsh and Harris Henderson have been selected among other competitors from Portsea, Mordialloc and Half Moon Bay.

Coach Matt Henderson said the team would do lifesaving proud both in competition and as ambassadors for Life Saving Victoria.

“The Wieland Shield is a unique and prestigious competition.

“It’s an incredible experience for lifesavers to be part of.

“The team not only gets the chance to test their skills against California’s finest lifeguards in competition but join them in a range of lifesaving exchange activities to share knowledge and skills, enabling them to keep our respective beaches safe.”

Life Saving Victoria presently holds the Wieland Shield perpetual trophy, after winning the last event held at Ocean Grove and Anglesea in 2024 (delayed from 2023 due to COVID).