Emergency responders in Sirius organized water-themed activities
In the heart of the Krasnodar region, the third annual International Water Rescue Day tournament took place, bringing together 19 teams from across the globe. This year, newcomers from Abkhazia joined the competition, marking a significant expansion of the event.
The main judge of the tournament, Denis Krivorogov, underlined that the goal of the competition is not to win, but to exchange experiences among lifeguards. "We come together to learn, grow, and share our knowledge," he said. "The real victory is in the skills and wisdom we take away from this event."
Dmitry Chmerenko, a water rescue specialist from Sukhumi, echoed Krivorogov's sentiments. Despite the pressure to perform well, Chmerenko emphasized that the focus remains on saving a person's life, not on winning. "Quality, not speed, is the essence of our work," he added.
The tournament was not solely focused on rescue competitions. Teams also participated in a paddleboard race, a boat race, and a speed event, showcasing their versatility and adaptability. The "Rosa Khutor" beach water rescue team emerged as the winners, demonstrating their exceptional skills and dedication.
According to the winners, saving a person's life is the most important victory in their work. "We train hard, not just to compete, but to save lives," they said. "Every rescue is a testament to our commitment and a reminder of why we do what we do."
The tournament was held to coincide with International Water Rescue Day, a day dedicated to raising global water safety awareness and promoting collaboration among water safety experts. The emphasis on water safety in the summit and World Drowning Prevention Day points toward goals such as reducing drowning deaths worldwide, improving rescue skills, and fostering collaboration among water safety experts.
As the tournament concludes, the lifeguards return to their posts, armed with new skills, renewed dedication, and a shared commitment to saving lives. The International Water Rescue Day tournament serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration and the power of collective knowledge in ensuring the safety of those who rely on them.
Sources:
- National Water Safety Summit 2025
- IMG Academy International Classic
- 29er World Championship
- World Drowning Prevention Day
- Beyond the thrilling water rescue competitions, the International Water Rescue Day tournament also featured sports-analysis sessions, aiming to improve lifeguards' skills and strategies.
- Denis Krivorogov, the main judge of the tournament, stressed that the focus of these sports-analysis sessions is not to win, but to learn and share knowledge, reflecting the core values of the sports-analysis field.
