ISRC 2019 US National Lifesaving Team

I am a graduate student at Duquesne University working towards my doctoral degree  in occupational therapy. This summer I studied the effects of aquatic interventions on older adults function and participation as part of my capstone project. In addition to carrying out my project, I was given the opportunity to work for Sea Colony beach patrol as an ocean lifeguard. Competing in many local competitions throughout the summer, I culminated my season as the second highest point winner for females at the United States Lifesaving Association National Championships. I was invited to join the United States national lifesaving team and compete at the International Surf and Rescue Challenge 2019 (ISRC 19) in Durban, South Africa. The competition will take place September 28th to October 2nd and consist of 3 days of racing. 8 women and 6 men were selected to represent the United States and compete against athletes from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Africa. I am beyond excited to represent Sea Colony Beach Patrol and the United States on the international stage in a sport that I love. All the events mimic skills required to be an ocean lifeguard and rescue swimmers in distress. Lifesaving might be the only sport that also helps other people, which makes it even more satisfying to compete in.

There are many costs associated with traveling overseas to compete in this competition, but it is worth the opportunity to wear the red, white, and blue to represent the United States.