Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Club has taken out the 2010 Australian Pool Rescue Championships following an action packed final day of competition at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Outstanding performances from Dev Lahey and Kristyl Smith led the Gold Coast club to the overall title, with Cronulla and Maroochydore rounding out the top three. Lahey and Smith each took home six medals over the two days of competition.

Northcliffe’s Shannon Eckstein was full of praise for his team mates and was impressed with how they performed throughout the championships.

“The whole team really put in this weekend and we’re happy to walk away with the trophy. Dev and Kristyl were fantastic, as were our younger athletes – Lachlan Feather and Jordan Harrison in the under 15’s were particular impressive.”

The championships provided all competitors with a final opportunity to impress Australian selectors as they deliberate over the makeup of the Australian team for the World Life Saving Championship (Rescue 2010) in Egypt later this year.

Eckstein, the former Australian team captain, said the championships were ideal preparation for Rescue 2010 in October and was hopeful of securing a place on the Australian team.

“I’m happy with how I’ve gone this weekend and hopefully I’ve done enough to convince the selectors, but only time will tell,” said the defending World Ironman champion, who won three medals over the weekend.

“There are some great youngsters coming through and the competition for places is pretty intense, which is a great indication of how the sport is progressing.”

Fellow Gold Coast athlete, Stephanie Ballantine, produced several outstanding individual performances over the weekend, ensuring her name will be raised at the selection table. Ballantine, 19, of Surfers Paradise SLSC won two gold and two silver individual medals and impressed all those in attendance.

Australian Head Coach, Brett Dowker, heaped praise on the next generation of athletes coming through, and believes the future is looking bright for Australian lifesaving competition.

“This weekend we have seen a number of the younger competitors perform well, particularly in the under 15 and 17 age groups. We’re really pleased with the depth of talent on display this weekend.”

Selectors will meet over the coming weeks to finalise the team for Rescue 2010, with Australia looking to defend their world number one ranking.