Lexi Santer

Duquesne swimmer Lexi Santer has been selected to represent the US Lifesaving team on the high performance squad at the 2015 International Surf Rescue Challenge in Australia.

The competition, which is held every two years, is a gathering of the world's top lifesavers and originally started in 1939 as the Trans-Tasman Series between Australia and New Zealand.

In 1999 South Africa joined the event and the Tri-Nations Challenge was formed. Since 2005 the event has grown and this year the participating countries are Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Korea, New Zealand, USA and Japan.

The 2015 International Surf Rescue Challenge is being held in in Maroochydore Beach on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Three tests will take place; test one on September 3 followed by tests two and three on September 5 and 6.

Events include Ironman, surf race, surf ski, board relay, beach flags, beach sprints, tube rescue, beach relay and taplin relay.

"This is an awesome opportunity to represent America and compete and train at a high level," Santer said. "I will be able to participate in multiple events including paddling, swimming, and other races. They selected me for my performance in open water swimming and I think it would be a really great trial of my ability."

"We are very excited and proud of Lexi to be able to represent The United States and Duquesne swimming at the International Surf Rescue Challenge in Australia," said Duquesne swimming coach David Sheets. "Not only will she have a great opportunity to train and compete with the best beach guards in the world, she will gain a great life experience in the process."

A native of Wilmington, Delaware, Santer spends her summers as a lifeguard for the Ocean City Beach Patrol.