Saturday 11th July proved to be a sunny warm day when several members of the Ripley RASCAL’s Life Savers squad took part in the beach competition at Blyth in Northumberland. Although a long way to travel for a competition, our little squad represented themselves admirably, coming 2nd overall in the team competition, the winners being Blyth themselves, who of course had a considerably larger squad.

Highlights of the day were Frazer Crump and Jessica Lockwood achieving 1st place in their age groups, Frazer winning 4 of his 5 races and coming a close 2nd in the other. Jennie & Jason Lockwood each achieved 2nd in their age groups, and Josie Lockwood 3rd in hers. Jessica Cross attained a 1st place in the sea swim, a separate and challenging event that some competitors, on spotting the height of the waves that day, decided not to even attempt!

Anthony & Kimberley Mason also took part, as did Lauchlan Slater. All did well and attained medals for taking part but, being at the lower end of their age groups didn’t manage to get into the top three medals this time around. Last but not least, it was nice to see Anthony & Kimberly’s two younger sisters Emma & Rebecca being able to take part. At just 6 and 7 years old they are usually too young for competitions. Emma achieved a 1st place in the body board event.

All in all everyone who took part had a fantastic day and their enthusiasm has proved infectious as several other life savers have now said that they hope to attend next years event.