A Northumbria University student is bidding to make a splash in South Africa this week after coming to the rescue of her country at the Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships.
Jess Parker is a familiar face on the Northumbria swim team after representing the Swans at the BUCS championships and in the Stan Calvert Cup.
And the qualified lifesaver arrived in Durban this week bidding to bring back gold for England.
“I am excited to represent England as it is a team I have aspired to be a part of for four years,” said Parker.
“I have had a great year so far in lifesaving and I can’t wait to compete in South Africa and continue with my success.
“This would not have been possible without the coaching I have received as part of Team Northumbria's Swim Team. I can't wait to do my university and country proud.”
The new-look Commonwealth Championships aims to encourage participation and lifesaving development and to bring together the lifesaving family.
An individual skill element and a non-competitive sports development section have been introduced in addition to the more tradition Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships.
“Jess is a fantastic student and a talented swimmer and I’m sure she’ll do Northumbria proud,” said the university’s head of aquatics, Louise Graham.
“She is competing in the speed lifesaving category and I know she’ll make the most of her experience over there.”
Following a comprehensive selection process The Royal Life Saving Society UK appointed Matt Jagger as England team manager and selected the squad earlier this summer.
“I am extremely excited to be able to manage the England squad,” he said.
“My role is to make sure that we are prepared and organised and that we perform to our best. However, the emphasis is also on having a really enjoyable trip.”
Joint coach Laura Purcell has been working with Parker this month and added: “It’s a great opportunity for me and I feel honoured to be taking some of the best lifesaving athletes from across the country to compete and represent England!”
The Lifesaving Challenge is for individuals from across the Commonwealth. The Challenge will form the Lifesaving Skills element of the festival, enabling individuals will test their lifesaving skills on an international stage. The event features both male and female categories and is open to all members of the Commonwealth Lifesaving family.
The championship will consist of the following events:
Aquatic Simulated Emergency Response Event
Simulated Emergency Response Event Resuscitation Test
100m Swim and Non Contact Tow
12.5m Line Throw
100m Lifesaving Medley Swim (lifesaving back stroke and side stroke)
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