Le Meridien Al Aqah to launch Lifeguard Competition

Le Meridien Lifeguard Championships 2006 is set to take place at Le Meridien Al Aqah in Fujairah, where pool and beach guards from around the United Arab Emirates will battle it out in an exciting and endurance testing event on Saturday, 1 July 2006.

Under the auspices of Le Meridien Al Aqah and the Institute of Qualified Lifeguards – with sponsorship secured from Coca Cola, Evian, Water Safety Products Inc., and the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management – the training event should make for some exciting spectator sport, witnessing teams of the region’s finest lifeguards compete in staged emergency situations and endurance-testing fitness runs and swims.

“Le Meridien Al Aqah is proud to be hosting this important event for regional lifeguards to showcase their skills, which will be run in conjunction with numerous world-renowned lifeguard associations and subjected to their regulations,” said Patrick Antaki, General Manager, Le Meridien Al Aqah.

“Not only is it important to recognize these valuable individuals, but it is also essential to boost water safety awareness across the region, whether in private or commercial pools or simply down at the beach,” he added.

Representatives from governing bodies including the Royal Lifesaving Society of Great Britain (RLSS), Ellis & Associates US, the American Red Cross and the UAE Swimming Association will be overseeing proceedings on the day.

Peter Whittall, a UK national expert in Pool and Beach lifeguard water safety management will also be flying into the UAE to assist in the organisation of the very first national Lifeguard Championships. Peter, a well respected figure in the UK will be representing the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management (ISRM) and the Institute of Qualified Lifeguards (IQL), one of the UK’s leading sports management and lifeguard professional bodies.

“This is a great initiative that will create a positive marketing opportunity for the UAE to sell its commitment to swimming pool and beach safety at its hotels and other resort areas. Lifeguards play a vital role in the water safety and accident prevention,” said Whittall.

“The championships will open new opportunities for the enhancement of lifeguard training and development whilst concurrently displaying to the wider world the high professional standards of the patrol and rescue services being provided at pools and beaches throughout the UAE,” he concluded.

Le Meridien Lifeguard Championship 2006 will take place at Le Meridien Al Aqah, Fujairah on Saturday 1 July 2006 from 10 am onwards.

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