The Cochrane Water Ninjas, representing Canada at the 2025 Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships in Swansea, Wales, have launched a fundraising campaign to help cover associated costs.
Jack Dunse, Isaac Thibodeau, Oliver Johnson, Caebri Smith, and Danica Fisher have all been named to the team, along with alternates Rylee Bashow and Corbin Gilbert.
The championships are scheduled for July 10 to 13.
Dunse says the team has been fortunate to maintain its regular schedule of four 90-minute weekly practices with Water Ninjas head coach Alexx Diep at the SLS Centre. In addition, they’ve received supplementary workouts from a Team Canada coach based in Alberta.
Representing the country comes with a high cost. Dunse says it’s approximately $5,000 per athlete, not including other expenses, and they’re grateful for the support they’ve already received.
“We’ve had a lot of amazing help from businesses across Cochrane that have offered to assist in any way possible,” said Dunse. “It’s an honour to be members of the team representing Canada, and the support we have received has already been absolutely amazing.”
RELATED STORY
They’ve also launched a GoFundMe page in hopes of raising $25,000 to help offset costs.To donate, visit here.
Their fundraising efforts will continue until July 5. The following day, they depart for Wales to prepare for the international competition.
The Water Ninjas will also have a booth at Cochrane’s Canada Day festivities to promote the sport and share details about the upcoming championship.