The Cochrane Water Ninjas Invitational Meet was first off the blocks in Alberta for the 2019-20 junior lifesaving season.

Head coach Marlee Palmer says the Oct. 26 invitational was the first meet for 26 of their newest members. In all, 75 Water Ninjas participated, the largest number ever in a single meet.

"It was a chance for all the brand new kids on the team to get up on the blocks to race and see what it's all about," says Palmer. "Hopefully, it will inspire them to do a few more races throughout the year. I think it went over well."

The Ninjas hosted clubs from Wetaskiwin, Lethbridge, and Calgary. In all, 141 junior lifeguards participated in a total of 454 races in five different events.

"It was a really good opportunity, especially for the coaches from all the teams, to see where we need to focus a little more attention."

The Water Ninjas have grown in leaps and bounds. They now have 89 members, 21 more than last season, plus a waiting list.

More pool time has been provided to accommodate the growth of a sport. Palmer says there's no one particular thing that has sparked its growth. 

"It's not just competitive swimming," she explains. "There are some lifesaving skills involved. Other kids see it as a way to become a lifeguard or as a way to benefit their skills as a lifeguard."

Sometimes they don't even know there's a competitive side to the club, she notes, and it's fun as a coach to take them through the paces.

"I think a lot of it is word of mouth. They have fun, and they enjoy the team atmosphere."

The club has five more meets this season. The next one is next month in Lethbridge.

The season ends for most members in April. It runs longer for those advancing to provincials and nationals.

Last season, the Water Ninjas sent their first swimmers to the nationals.