The Omanu Surf Life Saving Club have just under 100 medals, 49 of those being Gold, after a hugely successful time at the New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships.

A team of 45 athletes, ranging in ages from 11 through to 68, competed in a number of events including obstacles races, tube rescues, manikins carry races and lots of relays at the championships in Hamilton.

The Manikin events see the competitors carrying and towing a 60kg orange manikin various lengths (25, 50m and 100m)

Team manager Mark Weatherall says it was great in these very challenging times that Surf Life Saving New Zealand was able to stage the New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships.

'It's been a really challenging winter for all young people across New Zealand, so to have the chance to come together and race and have some fun was amazing.

'We are all very proud of the Omanu team's efforts, not only with the titles and medals, but with the commitment and heart each and every member of the team demonstrated.”

The Omanu club took home just under 100 medals, this included 49 gold medals, says Mark.

Lilly McSweeney doing the line throw.

The Masters team took out the over 'top masters club” and created some history being the first club to hold both the Masters Pool Rescue Cup and Masters Ocean Cup in the same year – the Ocean cup was won at this years 2020 Surf Life Saving New Zealand Nationals Championships in Gisborne in March, week before lock down.

'Overall - juniors and seniors points added together) - we finished in third place behind Mount Maunganui and Orewa who shared first place.

'If SLSNZ had added the Masters points to the seniors and juniors, Omanu would have finished best club overall – across the three categories – they don't have an award for that yet!”

Mark says the Omanu team is now focussing their efforts of the Ocean and Beach Training as they prepare for the summer ahead.

Next year, the New Zealand Under 14 Champs will be held at the Mount and the 2021 New Zealand Surf Life Saving Championships (Seniors and Masters) to be held at Ohope in March 2021.