The Cochrane Water Ninjas Lifesaving Club has just come off another successful meet and is now gearing up for the provincials.

The Water Ninjas were the overall winners and set five new provincial records at a Camrose meet on Mar. 11.

The club took 46 athletes, with many racing for the first time in the growing water sport. The major swam best personal times.

"Overall, it was an amazing meet for all our swimmers," says Head Coach Marlee Palmer. "It was great to see how much they have improved over the past few months."

She says the performance of rookie team member Csenia Irvin was one of the highlights.

"I think all her races were first place, except a second in a relay. She came out on top of her age group. She's a rookie to the team, doing quite well and picking up all the rules.

"There are quite a few rules in swimming, but there are also quite a few in lifesaving. That transition from a swimming background to lifesaving has worked out well for her."

Palmer is also looking forward to seeing how long-time member Joel Smyke does at provincials.

"Joel is one of the longest-standing members of our team and one of our coaches as well, so it's nice for everyone to see how well he's been doing, and how much commitment he has to the sport. I'm excited to see how he does in a long course at provincials."

She was thrilled to see seven of the club's eight master swimmers compete in Camrose. It's the largest number ever. She says that side of the program is also experiencing healthy growth.

Setting new provincial records were:

  • Joel Smyke (200m super lifesaver) 
  • Aaron Swedlo (100m tow with fins, 100 super lifesaver) 
  • Men's 4x50m medley relay (Brady Malley, Jack Dunse, Aaron Swedlo, Chase Yorke) 
  • Women's 4x25 manikin carry relay (Danielle Billings, April Bushrod, Alana Martens, Csenia Irvin) 

The Water Ninjas are now fine-tuning some skills for the provincials being hosted by Lethbridge on Apr. 2-3. 

All being well, they expect to bring just over 60 swimmers to provincials, the largest number ever. They had 42 members at the last one.

The club also hopes to send its largest delegation to the nationals in Fort McMurray this June. 

"The last time we went to nationals we took four swimmers, so this time we hope to bring 12 to 15."

Master Ninja swimmers

Master swimmers at the Camrose meet were back row, Tony Moores, Any Swedlo, Brad Gilbert, front row: Roxanne Smyke, Allyson Billings, Susan Watkins, and Alex Fisher. It's the largest number of masters participating in a meet.