If it weren’t for age restrictions, the Jasper River Dragons would have a good chance of heading to the nationals after the provincial meet in Edmonton this weekend.

The Jasper Lifeguard Club has been coming out on top with some top results at lifeguard competitions this year, including a provincial record from their under-nine competitor, Pascale Robinson, in the line throw.

Robinson made the record at a recent Drayton Valley lifeguard competition, while Mikyla Sherlow placed second overall in the 15 to 16-year-old category. But despite Robinson’s record, Sherlow’s second place, and even a second place finish by the club’s 13 to 14-year-old relay team, no one from the club will be advancing to the nationals, as swimmers need to be 16 or older to compete.

“They placed really well. For only having six kids going, they did really, really well. And it was only a junior event, none of the senior swimmers, 16 and over, swim in that one,” said Jo-Ann Sherlow of the River Dragons.

Except for two coaches who are over 16, the rest of the team is under 16, including Mikyla Sherlow, who is 15, but still placing in every competition.

“She’s placed the last two years, and they’ve upped the age limit on her, and she’s still only 15, so they won’t send her,” said Jo-Ann Sherlow.

Regardless of age, Jo-Ann Sherlow said the club has had a successful year and expects some great results from the coming competition, which will be held at NAIT.

After a swim-a-thon last week to raise money for the competition fees for sending 12 kids to the provincials, and to buy new fins for the club, Jo-Ann Sherlow says the team has been practicing hard and the provincial event will be fun.

The River Dragons head to Edmonton for their final provincial meet on Friday, once school is out and will take to the deck at 6:30 a.m. Saturday.