They came, they splashed, they conquered.
The City of Victoria’s Crystal Pool lifeguard team stole the show at this year’s Vancouver Island Regional Lifeguard Competition, claiming top spot overall and dominating multiple event categories on Saturday, July 12.
Dubbed “Good Times on a Tot Dock,” the Victoria squad outpaced five other teams from across the province in a day packed with simulated rescues, first aid challenges and high-octane fitness tests.
The event – held at Crystal Pool – drew more than 70 volunteers, officials and supporters, with competitors from Vancouver to Campbell River diving headfirst into the action.
Victoria’s crew didn’t just win – they nearly swept the board.
They claimed first in individual and team first aid, aced the pool scenario event, and showed cool-headed instincts in high-pressure rescue simulations.
Only Panorama Rec’s “Speak Now” team managed to break up the monopoly, grabbing wins in the fitness and priority action categories while securing second place overall.
West Vancouver’s “Canadians” rounded out the podium in third.
But the day wasn’t just about medals and stopwatches.
Organizers say the competition is helping revive the lifeguarding scene after a years-long pandemic pause, offering a boost to recruitment and sharpening vital safety skills.
"Lifeguard competitions are a fantastic way to build interest and celebrate lifeguarding as a profession," the city said. "These events also support recruitment efforts and provide participants critical professional development opportunities that enhance public safety in our communities."
It was the second regional showdown since the COVID-era hiatus, and the first in Canada to include assistant lifeguards in the mix – a move organizers hope will build a stronger pipeline of poolside talent.
This year’s '70s-themed contest also tipped its cap to Crystal Pool itself, which opened in 1971.
The win marks a repeat victory for the Crystal Pool team, who also topped the Island competition in 2024 and placed second at provincials.