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CF CISM swimmers get their feet wet
By Kristin Wood
 "CF CISM Lifesaving Training Camp 2005: Off to a fast start, during beach flag relays at Mooney's Bay in Ottawa."Photo credit: MCpl R. Chabot, Valcartier Imaging |
The cool water of the Ottawa River was a welcome escape from blistering hot sun, during the Canadian Forces (CF) Lifesaving Training Camp at Britannia Beach in Ottawa.
Twenty-three CF Conseil international du sport militaire (CISM) athletes participated in the first day of the training camp.
“This morning was beautiful,” says Lieutenant Kirri Lean. “It’s really great to get out there as a team and practice with the equipment.”
Drills included paddleboard work, beach sprints, and ski entries. Swimmers demonstrated immense strength, as they tore through the water during surf races, and ran across hot sand, fighting for first place in the sprint races.
 "CF CISM athletes pose for a group photo during the 2005 Lifesaving Training Camp.Front row left to right: Nils French, Lt Kirri Lean, WO Dave Oakie, Victoria Wagner, Steve Box, Mr. Daniel Berubé, Capt Jean Francois Harvey, Martin Launière, Michelle Whitty. Second row: Jon Howard, Alex Bronson, Amanda Bruni, Stephanie Bigelow, Terrie Share, Stephanie Moisan-Vallee, Jillian Lizotte, Marc Andre Trottier-Coupal. Third row: Issa Pare, Tim Johnson, Derrick Pockiak, Nathan MacDonald, Peter Miller, Vicky Menard, Jim Kelly, Garth Sindrey, Marc Prudhomme." Photo credit: MCpl R. Chabot, Valcartier Imaging |
The training camp schedule includes a mixture of beach and pool practice over four days. The camp is very important to the team, as it is influential in the selection of six men and six women for the World Lifesaving Championships in Melbourne, Australia this February.
“Training facilities for the camp are Britannia Beach, Mooney’s Bay beach, and the Nepean Sportsplex pool,” says Steve Box, who along with Dan Berubé, coaches the CF CISM swimmers. “Selection for the team that will compete in Australia is based on overall level of fitness, previous results in competition, and results during the training camp.”
Upon completion of the camp the team will head for Lac St. Jean, Quebec, to compete in the Canadian Surf Lifesaving Championships, a national civilian competition.
“It’s really important with the camp being so close to the meet this weekend that we keep our muscles loose,” says Captain Martin Launière, captain of the team. “Our trainers Dave Oakie and Victoria Wagner are here to help us with that, and to assist in injury prevention. We have a good shot at getting a top three finish this weekend, so we don’t want anyone to risk injury.”
 “Women of the CF CISM lifesaving team tear through the water at Mooney’s Bay, during ski race drills.”Photo credit: MCpl R. Chabot, Valcartier Imaging |
Athletes were in good spirits after a lunchtime visit from Brigadier-General Glenn Nordick, patron of CF swimming, and Brigadier-General Dwayne Lucas, CISM Vice President for the Americas.
“We’re very pleased to have them visit,” says coach Steve Box. “It’s a great demonstration of support for the sport.”
A coordination of efforts from various people has contributed to the organization of the training camp. From plane tickets, to accommodations and training facilities, the attention to detail does not go unnoticed.
“This training camp doesn’t happen by itself,” says Captain Jean François Harvey of CFB Comox, who manages the team along with Lieutenant (N) Tony Zezza of CFB Esquimalt. “A lot of people are involved, our coaches and Lt (N) Zezza spent many hours getting this organized. We really appreciate the support from our patron BGen Nordick, and CFPSA international sports staff Roy Hillier and Lieutenant-Colonel Diana Hope. What you see here today is a result of all their hard work.”
The CF has participated in international sports as a member of CISM since 1985. Annually, CISM holds more than 20 competitions in various host countries. Canada currently participates in basketball, golf, parachuting, running, sailing, shooting, soccer, swimming, tae kwon do, triathlon, and volleyball. Every year, nearly 200 CF athletes compete in CISM championships worldwide. The Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency (CFPSA) oversees the CISM program.
Ms. Wood is a student working with CFPSA.
