Lifesavers lap up centenary

Surf lifesaving clubs from across the State will descend on Albany this weekend.

Albany Surf Life Saving Club is hosting the 2017 Surf Life Saving WA Country Carnival with more than 600 competitors taking part in a host of events.

However, the weekend has added significance with the club also marking its 100th anniversary, which includes a centenary open water swim, with entries open to the public.

Club president Rob Mason said the weekend would be a milestone for the club.

“It is an important event for our club,” he said. “We have past members from the 1950s and 1960s, who will take part in the march on Saturday, which will be something special.

“The club has had its ups and downs since forming in 1917 — this weekend is marking 100 years since we formed.”

Celebrations kick off with a family move night at Middleton Beach on Friday, with food stalls and the club’s bar open to the public.

Competition starts on Saturday with surf boats at Muttonbird Beach and the open water swim at Middleton Beach.

Beach events headline the afternoon at Middleton Beach on Saturday with the competition wrapping up with water events including surf race, boards, skis and ironman on Sunday.

The march, which will include all clubs and other community groups, will take place at 3pm on Saturday.

With sunny skies forecast for the weekend, it will be ideal conditions.

“I’d encourage the public to come along to events, in particular the march on Saturday and movie night on Friday,” Mr Mason said.