KUCHING: The Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) Sarawak Lifeguard Challenge 2023 witnessed the participation of 140 individuals from 15 districts across Sarawak.
The participating APM districts included Sematan, Bau, Kuching, Asajaya, Serian, Lubok Antu, Betong, Sarikei, Sibu, Kapit, Tanjung Manis, Daro, Mukah, Bintulu, and Miri.
Various events were organised during the Challenge, such as beach sprint, beach flag, run swim run, and rescue tube for both men and women. The surfboard relay, however, was exclusively open to men.
The event took place for a single day at Andong Beach Camp Ground in Kampung Santubong on Monday (May 29).
Sarawak APM deputy director Lt-Col (PA) Raja Mohamad Al Hakim Raja Jaafar@Raja Yaakub explained that the purpose of the Challenge was to evaluate the abilities of APM members throughout Sarawak, with the aim of grooming them as future lifeguards.
He revealed that APM rescue stations would be established in three additional locations – Telok Melano, Tanjung Manis, and Tanjung Batu beach in Bintulu. Currently, APM operates only at Damai beach and Miri Esplanade.
“With the three new locations, we need to form a competent and dedicated lifeguard team. Hence, we decided to organise the Sarawak Lifeguard Challenge throughout Sarawak.”
Raja Mohamad mentioned that the Sarawak Lifeguard Challenge was the brainchild of the former state APM director, which he praised as a valuable initiative to nurture more lifeguard officers.
“Through the Sarawak Lifeguard Challenge 2023, we were able to identify certain weaknesses within APM and strive for further improvements. Selected participants from this challenge will be sent to the National Lifeguard Challenge in Langkawi, Port Dickson, which will be held in July,” he explained.
Raja Mohamad hoped that the upcoming National Lifeguard Challenge in Langkawi, Port Dickson, would be a triumph for APM Sarawak, as they emerged as winners in the inaugural edition held in 2019.
“While we have established our proficiency in land-based missions, we still have room for improvement in sea-based operations,” he added.
He expressed his aspirations for APM officers to acquire a range of skills throughout the Sarawak Lifeguard Challenge 2023, including rescue techniques, enhanced endurance, and proficiency in handling sea-related equipment.
