Alberta and Northwest Territories athletes participate in lifesaving championship

About 400 people from Alberta and the Northwest Territories competed in the 2026 Provincial Pool Lifesaving Championships in Edmonton this weekend.

About 400 athletes from Alberta and Northwest Territories were at the Kinsmen Sports Centre Saturday competing in the 2026 Provincial Pool Lifesaving Championships.

The event combines athleticism with lifesaving techniques and rescue equipment, and includes line throwing, mannequin carry, obstacle swim and rescue medley.

Madison Lalonde, managing director of the Royal Life Saving Society, said many of the competitors are lifeguards and work in pools across the province.

“These wonderful athletes get to practice this amazing humanitarian skill,” said Lalonde.

Mother-son duo Marla and Merrick Branconnier were at the competition from Lacombe.

“I was a lifeguard many moons ago, so it’s kind of near to come back and put some of those skills to use again,” said Marla. “I’m just trying to keep up with him. He’s definitely surpassed me.

The championship wraps up Sunday.