Cochrane's Water Ninjas are Alberta champions in Calgary.

Cochrane's water ninjas demonstrated their superior skills in the water after taking home the provincial champion banner at the 2024 Alberta and Northwest Territories Pool Rescue Championships and Junior Games on April 5 and 6.

Fifteen Alberta lifesaving sports clubs gathered at the Brookfield YMCA in Calgary for the event. Lifesaving Sport tests sportsmanship along with lifesaving techniques and the use of lifesaving equipment. All skills are first learned to save lives and then become competitive sports.

Run by the Lifesaving Society of Alberta, it sees athletes compete in events such as the manikin carry, hurdle relay, line throw and lifesaving medley, all of which challenge lifesaving skills.

Ninjas won 23 gold, 21 silver and 26 bronze medals. In addition, they broke five provincial records with assistant head coach Patsy Lindsey saying the team did extremely well.

“Based on previous meetings and experiences, we knew they were ready to perform; they showed up in every way and scored 2,486 points to take first place overall,” said Lindsay.

Head Coach Alex Diep noted that some of these Ninjas were dipping their toes into provincial level competition for the first time and was proud of their accomplishments.

“I am proud of them for their performance in this event; many walked away with PBs and several long-standing club records were broken. It's been amazing to witness their growth and progress throughout the season and this weekend really showcased their journey,” Deep said.

Although the provincial meet marks the end of the regular season, the water ninjas will continue to hone their skills at the Canadian Pool Rescue Championships in Victoria in June.

Last year, the team finished second in the competition, with four athletes selected to be part of Team Canada at the Commonwealth Rescue Championships last September.

They hope to have some of the water ninjas selected for the national team to compete in the 2024 World Lifesaving Championships on Australia's Gold Coast in August.

DJ Ulriksen, SLS Center Aquatic Manager, said the Aquatic Ninjas' achievements reflect the caliber of lifesaving training offered at the Jayman BUILT Aquatic Centre.

“Many of these athletes who have won awards for excellence in the sport of lifesaving are lifeguards and swim instructors that the community sees on deck at our facility,” Ulriksen said.

Water Ninjas Life Saving Sport Club regular season runs from September to mid-April. In June, there will be trials for swimmers from 5 years old to adult masters.