European Lifesaving Championships in Alicante

THE European Championships for Lifesaving started on Alicante’s Postiguet beach, with Spain (at the time of writing) lying second in the competition.

Over 20 countries took part, with 320 participants, plus their supporting entourages, and in all it was estimated that around 1,000 attended the event, filling the relatively small beach, next to the tram station of the same name on the entrance to Alicante city centre.

The events included swimming, skiing (a boat like canoe), table, which is a two metre long rescue board, and a straightforward sprint race across the beach.

“The only flaw I found having the event here on the Costa Blanca is the minimum level of waves, but that is offset by the warmth of its waters and the absence of major pests of algae and jellyfish,” said Meredith Abascal, of the Spanish team.

Bad for lifeguard competitions, but perfect for bathers. The competition was sponsored by Alicante Diputacion (Provincial Government) as a showcase for the city.

 By Paul Deed