New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships

Nearly 20 records broken at New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships after two days of competition

The second day of the Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) Pool Rescue Championships held in Auckland has seen multiple New Zealand records broken, across both the junior and senior age divisions.

Athletes from right around New Zealand descended at the AUT Millennium pool on the North Shore today to compete for top honours but they ultimately did more than that with 18 records being broken across Friday and Saturday, with new personal best times constantly being set.

One of those record breakers is the Under-19 mixed obstacle relay team from Fitzroy Surf Life Saving Club who broke the record with a time of 1:54.74. The old time was 1:58.07 so the four-person team broke the old record, also held by Fitzroy SLSC, by nearly four seconds.

However, after Day 2 it is Orewa Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) who leads the overall points encompassing the junior, senior and masters divisions after a strong performance across a variety of events.

With 77 points, Piha SLSC sits in second just ahead of Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service who round out the podium in third with 75 points; just two points behind the second-place holders.

Event manager, Ross Merrett, said it has been a fantastic event so far with the camaraderie of the athletes really shining through.

“We are blown away by the commitment and efforts of all the athletes this weekend, but particularly the friendship they have shown each other. While they might be from different clubs and fiercely competing against each other in the water, they have all been friendly, helpful and caring towards each other which is great.

“It’s also been fantastic to see so many records being broken at this event. We knew coming into this event that the competitors had been working really hard but 18 records is a huge achievement. It really shows the dedication and passion these athletes have for this sport,” added Merrett.

The New Zealand Black Fins team also showed their skills off today as they continue their preparations for the Lifesaving World Championships in Adelaide next month.

In fact, in the Open Men’s 100-metre rescue medley manikin race, two competitors from the national team ended up finishing with the exact same time. Steven Kent and Chris Dawson both completed the race, which involves a 50-metre swim in one direction, turning, and on the return leg picking up a manikin sitting on the pool floor, with a time of 1:01.53.

The event continues tomorrow from 8.00am before finishing in the afternoon. The next major event on the SLSNZ calendar is the New Zealand Representative Challenge on the 28 January at Midway Beach in Gisborne.

Stay up to date with the latest news from this event on the Surf Life Saving New Zealand Facebook page.

Top five points after Day 2
Orewa SLSC, 182
Piha SLSC, 77
Mount Maunganui LS, 75
Mairangi Bay SLSC, 60.5
Omanu SLSC, 58

Ends

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