June 6, 2025 – Ottawa, ON – The Lifesaving Society Canada is proud to announce the athletes who will represent the country at the 2025 Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships. The event will take place from July 10 to 13 at the Wales National Pool in Swansea, Wales.
Canada will field two teams: the National (Open) Team and the Development Team, each composed of five female and five male athletes. These teams will compete in a variety of pool lifesaving events including manikin tow, obstacle swim, rescue medley, line throw, and simulated emergency response.
Open National Team:
Women:
- Tour Captain: Mercedes LeBlanc, Alberta – Canadian Armed Forces
- Abigail Skinder, British Columbia – Pacific Swim Academy
- Gabrielle Gibbons-Renaud, Quebec – Narval Sauvetage Sportif
- Samantha Burwell, British Columbia – Coastal Lifesaving Collective
- Chloe Chen, Ontario – Rouge Valley Lifesaving Club
Men:
- Colin Conway, Alberta – Surf Central
- Marc-Antoine Bernier, Quebec – Damoclès – Club de sauvetage sportif
- Isaac Thibodeau, Alberta – Cochrane Water Ninjas
- Vincent Lalancette, Quebec – Narval sauvetage sportif
- Jack Dunse, Alberta – Cochrane Water Ninjas
Development Team:
Women :
- Caitlyn Fowler, British Columbia – Coastal Lifesaving Collective
- Megan Walshaw, British Columbia – Pacific Swim Academy
- Sydney Shemilt, Ontario – Saugeen Shores Lifesaving Club
- Danica Fisher, Alberta – Cochrane Water Ninjas
- Martyna Zukowska, British Columbia – Coastal Lifesaving Collective
Men :
- Oliver Johnson, Alberta – Cochrane Water Ninjas
- Ethan Parson, Alberta – Surf Central
- Joseph Skinder, British Columbia – Pacific Swim Academy
- Caebri Smith, Alberta – Cochrane Water Ninjas
- Kaleb Wilford, Alberta – Surf Central
Team Staff:
- Head Coach: Pierre Tabah
- Coach: Chantique Payne
- Coach: Carter Rolson
- Team Manager: Sarah Rich
- National Team Program Manager: Kathleen Finn
- Therapist: Lindsay James
The following athletes were also named as alternates, in no particular order: Anne-Marie Skinder (British Columbia – Pacific Swim Academy), Nicole Burgess (Alberta – Surf Central), Rylee Bashow (Alberta – Cochrane Water Ninjas), Mégane Crevier (Quebec – Club de sauvetage Rive-Nord), Sam Brager (Alberta – Surf Central), Wyatt Webb (Alberta – Surf Central), Serkan Isik (Alberta – Surf Central), Corbin Gilbert (Alberta – Cochrane Water Ninjas).
Tour captain Mercedes LeBlanc reflected on the moment: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent my country through the sport I love.” Her words echo the excitement and pride shared by the entire delegation as they prepare to compete at the highest level of Commonwealth lifesaving.
“Representing Canada on the international stage is a significant achievement,” said Pierre Tabah, Head Coach of the National Team. “Our athletes have demonstrated outstanding skill and determination. We are confident they will represent the very best of Canadian lifesaving in Swansea.”
Canada will also be represented by a group of technical officials who will help ensure the competition runs smoothly. Their expertise and dedication highlight Canada’s active role in the international growth of lifesaving sport.
The Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships are held every two years and bring together top lifesaving athletes from across the Commonwealth. The competition not only tests physical ability, but also promotes water safety and drowning prevention worldwide.
For more information about the championships: https://www.rlss.org.uk/Pages/Site/lifesaving-sport-area/category/commonwealth-lifesaving-championships
Photos and Media: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16tZsHufJS1c0uXRf8nHh-4NRVSPSVc-U?usp=sharing
Photo credits: Lifesaving Society Canada
Interviews with team members or staff can be arranged upon request.
Media Contact:
Stephanie Bakalar
Senior Communications Officer
Lifesaving Society Canada – Ontario branch
stephanieb@lifeguarding.com
Phone (business hours): 416-490-8844
Cellphone (outside business hours): 647-294-4576
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