Lifesaving Sport Awards
Each year, the Lifesaving Society awards sport merit awards to athletes, coaches, officials, and clubs who have distinguished themselves during the past season of sport lifesaving, in order to highlight the excellence of their work. The winners are announced at the Lifesaving Society Annual Forum!
2023-2024 SEASON Sport Lifesaving NOMINATIONS
MALE LIFEGUARD OF THE YEAR
- Vincent Lalancette
- Sarkis Kazarian
- François Houle
For his outstanding performance at the CQS, achieving a perfect score of 100 points and winning four out of six events, demonstrating his talent and determination.
For surpassing, despite his young age, senior athletes, showing that he is a formidable competitor.
For his remarkable results at the CQS, dominating the senior category, showcasing his incredible potential and fully justifying recognition for his accomplishments.
Winner: Vincent Lalancette
FEMALE LIFEGUARD OF THE YEAR
- Laurianne D'Ambroise
- Jacmelle Thérien
- Claudine Courteau-Godmaire
For her participation in all competitions of the year, showing great performances and constant improvement at the regional, provincial, and national levels.
For her 3rd place, considering her transition to the open category.
For her remarkable performance and 6th place in her first participation at the Canadian Championships.
Winner: Laurianne D'Amboise
JUNIOR LIFEGUARD OF THE YEAR
- Xavier Domenech
- Ezekiel Lacasse
- Élliot Perron
For showing exceptional resilience and impressive commitment by overcoming initial apprehensions to dive into sport lifesaving, achieving remarkable results in his first season.
For progressing from a reluctant young lifeguard to an accomplished athlete in just a few months, finishing first overall in the 13-14 age category at the CQS in Montreal, and winning a gold medal in the duo rope throw event.
For a career marked by significant athletic and personal progression, perfectly illustrating determination and teamwork, making this athlete an inspiring role model for other young lifeguards.
Winner: Élliot Perron
CLUB OF THE YEAR
- Narval
- CSRN
- Dam'eauclès
For demonstrating exceptional commitment throughout the year by actively participating in all lifesaving competitions in Quebec and Canada, either through the presence of athletes or officials.
For actively contributing to the promotion of sport lifesaving in its community by publishing articles on athlete performances and integrating lifesaving elements into local training.
For its remarkable performances, winning the senior banner at the CQS, and several medals, including 16 at the CQS and 3 at the Canadian Championship, highlighting continuous improvement of its athletes.
Winner: CSRN
OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR
- Étienne Belec
- Dominic Julien and Nathalie Hachez
- Joel Charbonneau
For their dedication and professionalism that have greatly contributed to the advancement of sport lifesaving towards the goal of including this sport in the Australian Olympic Games.
For constant involvement as officials and organizers, both at the regional and provincial levels, and active participation in the Canadian Championship, improving the efficiency of competitions with the introduction of new operational methods.
For volunteering at the Olympic Games, whose valuable learnings have already helped perfect sport lifesaving, as evidenced by the creation of bilingual emails and innovative initiatives for the CQS.
Winners: Dominic Julien and Nathalie Hachez
COACH OF THE YEAR
- Suzie Thinkler
- Denis Caissy
- Rebecca Malépart
For her exceptional commitment to young athletes, offering her time and energy to mentor and inspire them, while sharing her smile and humor that make training enjoyable and motivating.
For her unwavering dedication, reflected in the excellence of the results achieved by the youth during competitions, proof of her expertise and ability to prepare them optimally.
For her remarkable volunteer work, significantly contributing to the growth and success of many young athletes in our region.
Winner: Suzie Thinkler
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
- Nicolas Calicola-Laviolette
- Jacmelle Thérien
- Domenic Coppola
For being selected among 700 candidates to participate as a volunteer lifeguard at the Paris Olympic Games, highlighting his exceptional talent and dedication to lifesaving.
For standing out, at only 19 years old, through his commitment by offering lifesaving training in Amos and actively participating in sport lifesaving with the Val-d'Or club, despite the absence of an official club in his town.
For his remarkable journey and involvement in lifesaving in Abitibi, demonstrating his passion and professionalism.
Winner: Domenic Coppola
PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
- Vincent Lalancette
- Nicolas Calicola-Laviolette + Sarkis Kazarian
- Iryna Korobkina + Zoé Krisko
For demonstrating remarkable improvement in his performance, moving from sixth place at the CQS last year to fourth place this year, proving his commitment and determination to progress.
For his positive and encouraging attitude that inspires his teammates and other swimmers, whether from his club or not, always sporting a smile and celebrating every success enthusiastically.
For winning the gold medal in the rope throw, not only at the CQS but also at the Canadian Championship, demonstrating impressive consistency and perseverance.
Winners: Nicolas Calicola-Laviolette & Sarkis Kazarian
SPORTSMANSHIP
- Rosanne Trépanier
- Mélodie Beauchamp
- Nathan Lampron
For her exceptional commitment in all competitions, with her regular presence being an example of sports dedication.
For her positive nature and radiant smile, even in the toughest moments, which illustrate her sportsmanship and determination to overcome challenges.
For her relentless encouragement of her teammates, showing not only her own motivation but also her unwavering support for collective success.
Winner: Rosanne Trépanier