Five Cochrane Water Ninjas to represent Canada at RLSS Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships

Five swimmers from Cochrane's Water Ninjas are excited to be representing Canada during the RLSS Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships.

Five swimmers from the Cochrane Water Ninjas have been selected to represent Canada at the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships.

18-year-old Jack Dunse was one of the swimmers selected.

“I’m super pumped to be here. It’s been a long training session to get to this point, but I’m super excited,” said Dunse.

The competition takes place in Swansea, Wales, July 8-13, and welcomes the top athletes in the sport from Commonwealth nations.

This will be 17-year-old Isaac Thibodeau’s third tour with the national team.

“It’s just so much fun to get to bond with all these athletes who love the sport as much as we do and just get to compete at super fast races at high levels,” said Thibodeau.

The RLSS Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships take place every two years.

The competition aims “to encourage participation in lifesaving sport and further development of lifesaving practices, as well as bring the lifesaving family together,” according to the RLSS website.

Events include manikin tow, manikin carry with fins, rescue medley, line throw, line throw relay and manikin relay.

Danica Fisher, 17, is the lone female from the Water Ninjas to crack the squad.

“I’m really excited, especially with four other teammates,” said Fisher.

“It’s definitely a big deal and it’s great for Cochrane.”

In addition to Fisher, Dunse and Thibodeau, the Water Ninjas’ Oliver Johnson and Caebri Smith will also represent Canada.

In total, only 20 swimmers were selected to wear the Maple Leaf.

“It definitely shows how strong the Cochrane team is,” said Fisher.

“I feel our team is very connected—everyone gets along.”

For Dunse and Thibodeau, it’s an example of iron sharpening iron.

“It’s absolutely incredible. I think it shows the skill and work effort that we as Water Ninjas put in,” said Dunse.

“It’s a testament to our club’s dedication, our coaching staff and everything we’ve had over the years,” said Thibodeau.

“Being able to train together in this club is really incredible. To be able to race against each other and train every single day, it pushes us to be the best version of us.”

In addition to the five athletes selected, two more from the Water Ninjas were chosen as reserves.

To help cover costs for the trip, a GoFundMe page has been launched.

The athletes depart for Wales on July 6.