Samoa’s first Champion Lifesaving Competition was held last Thursday at the Samoa Aquatic Centre, Faleata. The competition was a success with 24 participants from across Upolu and Savai’i.

Australian High Commissioner, Dr Stephen Henningham said the competition was a great way to highlight the importance of surf life saving skills.

“The skills the participants have learnt will help save lives. They will be able to ensure that both tourists and Samoans can safely enjoy the ocean,” Dr Henningham said.

As part of the competition, participants had to compete in a 50m swim, 100m swim and a rescue swim. Participants were also required to perform CPR and apply first aid.

Eldene O’Shea, an Australian Volunteer, who organised the competition, said he was encouraged by the enthusiasm of the competitors.

“After the competition, the participants said they want to train so they could compete again next year. It was great to see them put into practice the life saving skills I have taught them,” Mr O’Shea said.

“I organised the competition because I wanted the public to see firsthand the importance of surf life saving skills and give the participants a chance to demonstrate the skills they have learnt over the last 10 months.”

Each competitor took home with a rescue tube and first aid kit.  Plaques were awarded to the champion and runner up of each event and the overall champion lifesaver.

The overall champion was Andy Masoe from Va-i-moana resort in Savai’i. Andy was the champion in the 50 and 100 meter swim and runner up in the rescue swim.

“The work I am doing is the start of a three year process.  Two more Australian volunteers will be coming over in May to provide more advanced training,” Mr O’Shea said.

The volunteer program is an Australian Government initiative. Through the program, AusAID supports young Australians to developing countries to promote development and transfer skills and knowledge to our local counterparts.