The Cochrane Water Ninjas first appearance at Lifesaving Nationals is one for the books.

Four members of the local club left their mark at the championship in Markham, ON over the weekend by clocking some impressive times. Two of them, Kevin Knopf and Joel Smyke, have been selected as alternates for the national team. Not to be understated, Ben Woronuik and Matt Johnston also had strong individual showings and all four competed together in the relay events.

The four lifesavers competed in a total of 18 events and had some high placements and produced best personal times in most events, says Water Ninjas coach Marlee Palmer.

Kevin Knopf placed fifth overall in the boys15-19 age group. He was top eight in all his events, most notably placing fourth in the 100m carry.

Joel Smyke had personal best times in all events. Among them was a fifth-place finish in the 200 super lifesaver event.

Ben Woronuik also recorded personal best times in all events and among the highlights was a fourth-place finish in line throw.

Matt Johnson also had a fourth-place finish in line throw and recorded best personal times in all events.

In relays, the four combined their skills to place fourth in the medley and sixth in both the obstacle relay and mannikin carry.

"Overall for a team of four boys at their first major competition, I couldn’t be more proud," says Palmer. 

Knopf says it was a great experience competing in a sport he loves. He's been involved in the lifesaving for about four years now, along with teammate Smyke. Both Johnson and Woronuik are newer to the sport.

"I think it was a very good experience. I think it gave us all the opportunity to go up against some best times and to just have a good time and meet some people."

His favourite event is the medley relay that he participated in with his teammates.

"It's a difficult event, but it's very worthwhile. All four of us competed in that and we all did very well."

The Canadian National team will be competing for the Commonwealth Championship in Leeds, UK in November.

Knopf says he's going to continue training in case he gets the call to represent Canada at the Commonwealth Championship. Even if he isn't, the Cochrane High student wants to keep competing.

"I definitely hope to keep competing even at the university level because it's just a very fun sport."

At the start of the 2018-29 season, the club grew by 20 members to reach 68, the maximum number they can support with their time slot at the pool.

"The number of returning members has been quite high," Coach Palmer told Cochrane Now in April shortly after 46 Water Ninjas travelled to Spruce Grove, AB to participate in the provincials. "The sport is getting a little more known in the Cochrane area which is great because then it helps build the sport across Alberta. A lot of other teams are building, too."

Knopf is impressed with the growth in the popularity of the sport he considers his favourite.

"A year ago if you told me we would have 60 people on the team I'd have said you're crazy. But here we are."

While there is a waiting list to join, Palmer says people shouldn't be discouraged from making inquiries. She can be contacted at mpalmer@slsfsc.com.