The European Lifesaving Championships held at Aberavon beach earlier this month has been hailed a success.
The 2 week championships saw teams from across Europe converge on Aberavon Beach front and The Wales National Pool at Swansea for an intense schedule of competitions. Lifeguards competed in events including beach relay and board rescue.
Visitors flocked to Aberavon Beach to see the best lifesaving athletes in Europe go head to head in the European National Team Championship during the first week, before returning in week 2 for the European Interclub Championship that saw Aberavon’s own lifeguard club compete.
This year’s events saw excellent results for both national and local teams alike. Great Britain took 4thin the event standings, with the men taking first place and women in second for the ocean events. In the Interclub Championships Aberavon Surf Life Saving Club achieved a fantastic 23rd place overall.
Cllr Ali Thomas OBE, Leader of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council said: “It’s fantastic that we can highlight all we have as a region to visitors from across Europe.”
“With last year’s event held in Montpellier, Aberavon joins illustrious company and I am sure we have shown our guests that we can rival the best in Europe. I am delighted to have seen so many people line Aberavon Beach and with development works progressing well, I look forward to seeing more visitors in the future.”
Ray DiFrancesco, owner of beachfront café Remos said: “The last two weeks have shown that Aberavon Beach is a great place to hold top events such as this one.”
“The long stretch of beach is a perfect setting for swimming and water sports competitions. Events are important for raising the profile of Aberavon Seafront and benefiting local businesses. With investments such as the new leisure centre and the adventure family golf course, this will hopefully encourage more events and visitors to the area.”
Aberavon Seafront has recently undergone major development with works almost at completion on a new leisure centre, and funding announced for new attractions, including a 12 hole adventure golf course.
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