Lorne beats the pack at swimming champs

LORNE Surf Life Saving Club has been crowned champions of the pool following the Victorian Pool Lifesaving Championships, held at Geelong Grammar School.

Lorne was one of four Geelong-Surf Coast clubs competing at the June 18 event and cemented themselves as state champions following a strong performance by the club’s Under 11 competitor Holly Read, who won four gold medals.

Under 8 competitor Neve Enticott also took home gold in the obstacle race, tube tow and free race.

The club won the Under 10 mixed manikin carry relay, Under 9 mixed kickboard carry relay, and the Under 9 mixed medley tube relay to further solidify its win.

Jan Juc SLSC finished third.

Life Saving Victoria general manager of sports participation Ryan O’Connor praised the athletes for their efforts in the pool.

“The future of pool lifesaving, both as a sport and rescue discipline is certainly bright when you look at the standard of competition at the Victorian Junior Pool Lifesaving Championships,” he said.

“Pool lifesaving develops rescue techniques and fitness and prioritises the importance of working as a team, which are all skills that are vital to saving lives when on patrol.”

Local athletes will now compete in the Victorian Senior Pool Lifesaving Championships on August 27.