Challenges included rescuing ‘drunk’ teenagers who were having difficulty swimming, various relay races, plus swimming and towing contests.
There were five different events, including two simulated emergency response competitions (SERC), which are pre-written scenarios in which actors act out an accident that has taken place. Teams have two minutes to deal with the situation, administer first aid and summon the emergency services. Judges score the teams as they compete one after the other.
Warwick’s A team emerged victorious, with the University of London taking the silver and Loughborough A swimming into third place. Bristol’s A team achieved sixth place overall, which was their highest ever placing thanks to a strong performance in the dry SERC, where they had to help actors who had ‘injured’ themselves at a scooter and skating display.
Alice Charteris, treasurer of the University of Bristol Lifesaving Club (UBLSC), said: “It was the first time Bristol has hosted the competition and it went really well. The Lord Mayor of Bristol came along and we were all pleased to see such a good turnout and standard of competition.
“We train twice a week and it was encouraging to finish in sixth. It was a great achievement for Bristol’s A team and we’ll be looking to build on this in future competitions. The competitions are a really good opportunity to practise skills and meet and socialise with the other university clubs.”
The teams represented 10 universities - Bristol, Birmingham, Swansea, Nottingham, Loughborough, Warwick, the University of London, St Andrews, Plymouth and Warwick. They were also joined by Keynsham Lifesaving Club.