Umina was top-performing surf life saving club

Umina was the top performing Central Coast club at the 2019 NSW Open Surf Life Saving Championships hosted by Swansea Belmont SLSC at Blacksmiths Beach from March 8 to 10.

It finished in sixth spot, going one better than its seventh place finish in the 2018 championships.

Surf Lifesaving NSW communications officer Ms Elise Hancock said: "Umina's fortunes were given a boost by the performances of Jemma Smith, super strong and focused as always, with wins including the Open Female Champion Lifesaver and the prestigious Open Ironwoman title, Open Ski and along with Mimosa Henderson and Rachel Wood, took out the Open Female Taplin.

"The girls were joined by Bronte Smith to win gold in the Open Female Rescue Tube Rescue event with Jemma also placing second in the Open Female Board race," Ms Hancock said.

New recruit for Umina, Bailey Johns, was also successful at the championships taking out the Under 19 Board Race and second place in the Under 19 Ironman.

"Umina's strength in the lifesaving events is solid with athletes picking up medals in a range of disciplines," Ms Hancock said.

"While these events often receive less profile, they are based on real skills needed by lifesavers to perform rescues and save lives.

"These are the guys you want around if you're ever in trouble," she said.

Other standout performers for Umina included: Matthew Kearney taking out the title of NSW Under-15 Male Champion Lifesaver, Kirsten Miller as NSW Under-17 Female Champion Lifesaver and Bethwyn Caller claiming the Under-15 Female title.

Bethwyn also combined with Jack Sloane to win the Under-15 Mixed First Aid competition.

Source:

Media release, 13 Mar 2019

Elise Hancock, SLS NSW