Three Cochrane Water Ninjas have been named to the National Lifesaving Team for the World Championship on the Gold Coast of Australia from Aug. 20 to Sept. 8.

Oliver Johnson is among the six members of the Young Men's team selected from athletes across the nation. Caebri Smith and Isaac Thibodeau have both been selected as alternates.

“We are incredibly proud of our Water Ninja’s athletes chosen to represent Canada,” states Patsy Lindsay, assistant head coach, in a news release. "We look forward to continuing our support and cheering them on throughout this journey.”

For over two weeks, a variety of pool and ocean competitions are held in youth, masters and open events at the championship.

In making the announcement on May 7, Pierre Tabah, head coach of Team Canada, said a record number of athletes were seeking a spot on the team. Besides the young men's squad, there's also teams of six named for the men's and women's open and youth women with three alternates for each.

Only two other Albertans were selected, both alternates for the men's open team.

Last year, Isaac Thibodeau was among the Water Ninjas competing at the Commonwealth Lifesaving Championship.

In the meantime, some members of the Cochrane Water Ninjas continue to train for the Canadian Pool Lifesaving Championships being held in Saanich, B.C., June 7 to 9.

Last year, the Water Ninjas placed third overall at nationals and were the Canadian champions in 2022. They recently three-peated as the Alberta champions.

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