“A sporting discipline and civic commitment”: in Pont-l’Abbé, the first swimming pool sports lifesaving competition in Finistère is being held on Sunday, December 8

Sunday, December 8, the Pays Bigouden Rescue and First Aid Association (ASSPB) is organizing a “flat water” sports rescue competition at the Aquasud swimming pool in Pont-l'Abbé. A first in Finistère, and a way to put the spotlight on this discipline lacking recognition, comprising many varied events, such as rescue and dummy towing.

The activity is very popular in Australia, where it was created. France is not left out thanks to the French Federation of Rescue and First Aid (FFSS), founded in 1899, and which has more than 80,000 members. In 2024, the country placed third in the world championship held in September in Australia.

“Our primary mission, to save people from drowning”

The event organized on Sunday by the Pays Bigouden Rescue and First Aid Association (ASSPB) is the first official “flat water” competition in Finistère. She is a qualifier for the French championships and the national ranking. “It’s historic,” says Olivier Chouan, president of the association created in 2015, which has 398 licensees and finished 22nd in the French coastal sports rescue championships in 2024. For almost ten years, our primary mission has been to fight against drowning, which remains the leading cause of accidental mortality among under-25s,” he recalls. The work is carried out through training, beach surveillance and civil security. “But we also want to develop lifesaving sports, which is both a sporting discipline but also a lesson in citizenship and respect for the environment. »

Nine invited clubs and six events

The ASSPB has already organized several sports lifesaving competitions at La Torche. This is a first in a swimming pool. Nine clubs from all over France will be present, and six events will be offered, such as the 25 meters with mannequin rescue, the apnea rescue and a more fun event, the rope throwing relay. As the Aquasud swimming pool does not have stands, the public will unfortunately not be able to attend the events. “This is already a big step for the recognition of our activity in Pays Bigouden,” rejoices Olivier Chouan. Even if there is still a long way to go for lifesaving sports to become cultural in our maritime country.”

Contact

Pays Bigouden Rescue and First Aid Association, tel. 06 82 12 82 23, website: www.secourisme29.fr.