Hundreds to compete in beach lifesaving event

Hundreds of people of all ages will descend on a beachfront to compete in a lifesaving competition.

About 300 people are taking part in the Eastern Regional Lifesaving Competition hosted by Waveney Surf Life Saving at Southwold, Suffolk, until Sunday.

Throughout Friday, children aged between seven and 13 will compete in the sea and on the beach in a range of disciplines before those aged 13 and above compete on Saturday and Sunday.

Nick Ayers, competition organiser and chairman of Waveney Surf Lifesaving Club, said it was set to be an "action packed" few days.

"It's all about fun, it's about getting into the water, having a go, putting everything to play that you've practiced across the season and years," he said.

"It's a real family orientated sport, it really draws in everybody from the community."

Competitors will take part in a range of events including swimming and board paddling races as well as beach sprints and board rescues.

Mr Ayers hoped the event, which has been running since 2018, could help promote the sport and raise its profile for other big sporting events.

"Brisbane [2032 Olympic Games] is happening in a few years so anything we can do now to really promote the sport, promote surf lifesaving, and hopefully it'll be part of the Brisbane games in the next few years," he added.

Caroline Harker and her sons, William, 12, and Hugo, 8, are competing in the event.

This will be Ms Harker's first time competing in the Masters category.

"I'm a bit nervous, but really excited," she said.

"I just love it. I've always been in the sea and loved it, but now I can actually swim properly in the sea and that has changed my life, so I'm very excited about the competition tomorrow."

William and Hugo both said they were "excited" and said it was "amazing" to be competing.

William got into lifesaving after initially wanting to become a lifeguard and he inspired his brother to do the same.

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