Chris Bernard, FLA masters swimmer and coach, and Barbara Thomas, also a masters member and swimming sensation with the club, have been chosen by the United States Life Saving Association (USLA) to represent our country in the World Life Saving Championships.  It is being held in Berlin and Warnemunde, Germany, with Opening Ceremonies starting July 20th in Berlin, and concluding August 2nd in Warnemunde. 

Only 3 lifeguards were chosen from South Florida, and 2 of them are currently with FLA, with the third being former FLA standout Katherine Nolan.  All three are Fort Lauderdale Beach Lifeguards.  Only 10-12 U.S. Lifeguards will be chosen from across the country, and FLA members will represent 20% of those attending. 

To be chosen, the Beach Guards had to go through a series of competitions, ranging from life saving skills, rowing, open water and pool races, and beach running.  Bernard was the first chosen.  His racing skills in the pool were unmatched, but had to work diligently at rowing, open water swimming, and running to get up to speed at all levels of the competition.  Chris is a former University of Florida Star and National Qualifier.  Thomas, however, took advantage of an open slot on the women’s U.S. Team.  Having just come back from school at the University of North Carolina, Thomas is new to the Fort Lauderdale Beach Patrol.  Thomas had missed the qualifying competition due to school responsibilities.  Due to an unexpected cancellation from a member of the team, Thomas got her shot at going.  She had to do a series of swim-offs in order to make it.  Thomas won three out of four races to make the team that will travel to Berlin in late July.

“It is really exciting,” said Bernard.  “You feel like you are a part of 3 or 4 great organizations, and you have a chance to represent all of them.  Barb and I will be competing first and foremost for the U.S. and the USLA, but because of our ties with Fort Lauderdale Beach Patrol and Fort Lauderdale Aquatics, we have an opportunity to represent our great city as well.  It’s an honor.”

For more information on the Life Saving Championships, visit www.rescue2008.com.