The Summer breeze is here! The World Masters Games 2025 Taipei & New Taipei City Lifesaving events kicked off today at the New Taipei City Fulong Beach. As lifesaving made its debut at the WMG2025, it drew attention from many water sports lovers, as many “beach boys and girls” registered in the events, including Beach Flags and Surf Team Race, hoping to leave their mark on the waves during the early summer.
Lifesaving is to transform the training of drowning rescue ability into a water sport. With frequent switching of surroundings between water and land, it challenges not only physical ability, but also the cognitive skills developed through water play activities. The event is divided into individual and group competitions, including Beach Flags, Run-Swim-Run, Surf Ski Race, Ocean Man/Woman, and 3×1 km Beach Run Relay, Surf Team Race, Ocean Man/Woman Relay. The Rankings will be based on the order of completion, and not on time.
The event is held at a popular tourist spot and attracts attention from many tourists. The competition was run at a relaxed pace with international tourists rooting for the athletes on the shore. The atmosphere was very exciting despite the unstable weather conditions. Chung Yi-Lin from New Taipei City won the gold medal in Women’s Beach Flag 30+. She said it is unforgettable to win the gold, “I’ve never expected myself to participate in the world-class competition. The waves are very strong today, and we are very close to the audience. The cheers are really loud, making it a lot of fun!” Chung also revealed that she has participated in many experience camps held by the WMG2025, such as water polo, diving, archery, handball, volleyball, and lifesaving. “The WMG2025 registered athlete got to sign up for the camps with priority, so I had a full round of the activities.”
Jocelyn “Joce” Laporte from France won the gold in Men’s Run-Swim-Run 55+, collecting his fourth gold medal in WMG2025. He has won gold medals in (55+) men’s 200m backstroke, 400m medley, and recreational 1 km, and he will compete in the 1 km beach run tomorrow, demonstrating his amazing physical skills. “Keep exercising and eating good food, and it will keep your mind and body healthy. I am in a way new to this category, and I am happy to be able to do well.” Joce is a frequent flyer due to his work, but this is his first time visiting Taipei and New Taipei City. “It’s great here, everyone is friendly. It’s a pity that I signed up for too many events and did not have enough time to tour. I hope I will get to do so the next time.” The Surf lifesaving event will continue with high enthusiasm, as Beach Sprint, Surf Race, 1 km Beach Run, and Board Relay will take place on the 28th before the 3 x 1 km Beach Run Relay, Surf Team Race, and Ocean Man/Woman Relay being held on the 29th to wrap up this summer-only water festival. WMG2025 welcomes everyone to visit Fulong Beach to root for the athletes and to enjoy the summer atmosphere.
