into the United States Lifesaving Association South Atlantic Regional Championships being held in Jacksonville, Florida, this week.

A seven-man team led by well known triathlete Huw Morris and swimmer Stanley Harris left yesterday to compete for the first time in such a competition.

Today will see participants challenge one another in three events including swimming, paddle-boarding and rescue skills.

Points won by individuals are put towards an overall team total and the team with the most points wins. There are also individual winners, but team member Beau Franklin said that winning is not a realistic goal at this time.

"We expect to gain international experience, learn new techniques as well as develop ties with other international organisations,'' said Franklin before leaving. "The sport is very popular overseas in countries like the US and Australia where it attracts up to 40,000 spectators and we want to help develop it in Bermuda.'' With sponsorship from the Bank of Bermuda, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Department of Youth and Sport, the local team -- known as the Bermuda Chapter -- are using this meet as preparation for the 1994 World Championships to be held in Great Britain.

The Bermuda contingent returns on Sunday, July 26.

The team (pictured right): Huw Morris, Paul Hitchens, Stanley Harris, Jason Hansford-Smith, Jaimie Pedro, James Morrison, Beau Franklin.

BERMUDA'S LIFEGUARDS -- Hoping to gain new skills.