TRIGG Island Surf Lifesaving Club member Jake Smith, who earned a spot in the national squad, is encouraging more people to become lifesavers and prevent loss of lives in the water.
The 19-year-old was selected in the Australian Life Saving Team squad for the World Life Saving Championships 2018 campaign.
He was one of three WA competitors selected in the 47-member squad.
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READ NOWHe will also represent the 10-member Aussie Barras national team for the Commonwealth Championships of Lifesaving in Durban, from August 11 to 12.
Smith said he hoped to be selected to compete in the World Games 2017, German Cup 2017 and International Surf Rescue 2017 before the world championships.
“I am hoping to go to as many international events as I can, taking into consideration my training and uni commitments,” he said.
“I train nine times a week with the Western Australian Institute of Sport and Swimming WA High Performance Squad at Craigie Leisure Centre and HBF Arena in Joondalup under the direction of Bud McAllister.
“Unlike other states, pool lifesaving training is only available for a short time of the year in WA however I am hoping to do some interstate lifesaving competitions and training to enhance my skills.”
Smith said he was confident of making the final national team.
The St Mary’s Anglican School swim coach said swimming and lifesaving provided him with competition and employment opportunities.
“Water related activities are such a significant part of the Australian way of life and as such I believe it is important to be able to swim and have rescue skills,” he said.
“I love surf club and am a member of the Trigg Island Surf Life Saving Club; surf is such a great sport/activity to be involved in as it incorporates people of all ages and abilities in a huge variety of activities.
“I am also a member of Royal Life Saving Society WA whom does so much to prevent the loss of life and promote safe participation in water related activities.”
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