Ambulance crews enter Dragon Boat Race to defend their crown

Ambulance crews at London Ambulance Service are taking to the water for an adrenaline-fuelled afternoon of Dragon Boat racing to be crowned as champions.

The London Ambulance Charity is calling on Londoners to try and take the crown by signing up to the Dragon Boat Race on Thursday 17 July, with participants raising vital funds for life-saving equipment, training communities in life-saving skills and improving the wellbeing of London Ambulance staff and volunteers.

Last year saw the first ever London Ambulance Charity Dragon Boat Race competition, which hosted 11 teams including several local businesses, tech companies, and London Ambulance Service staff. The ambulance crew based in Westminster that emerged as champions will defend their position in this year’s race at Surrey Quays Docks.

John Cridland, Emergency Medical Technician and Dragon Boat Race Captain at Westminster Ambulance Station, said: “It’s time to reclaim our crown and enjoy a lovely day racing down the Quay in the sunshine.

“We had a huge amount of fun last year. It was a great opportunity to spend the day by the water in the sunshine.”

Meanwhile, Paramedic Isaac Wang has his eyes on the top prize. He said: “At Friern Barnet Ambulance Station, we are looking to give back to a great cause and compete to show which ambulance station is really on top.

“The Dragon Boat Festival also holds a cultural significance to a few members of staff from South East Asia and my family back home in Australia. We’re proud to have this celebration.

“I’m excited to be a part of this fundraiser event and keen to get some friendly competition going on between our ambulance crews.

“Some are in it to ease into their pirating career and others to feel the wind on the high seas.”

Dragon Boat Racing is a tradition dating back more 2,000 years ago to ancient China, involving canoes adorned with dragon heads, scales and tails.

Each team of 10 rowers and a drummer setting the rhythm in the distinctly designed dragon boats will complete a series of 200 metre races in order to lift the winning trophy. The sport requires a high level of teamwork and communication, making it an excellent team-building activity or fun for friends and family.

The fastest teams are not necessarily the strongest, but those that can synchronise their paddling and work together most effectively. It’s an inclusive event suitable for all ages and skill levels.

Jess Burgess, Head of Charity at London Ambulance Charity, said: “This promises to be a great afternoon with a summer atmosphere including music, entertainment and food.

“Teams don’t need previous rowing experience to take part – only buckets of energy – so bring your family, friends and corporate teams for some breath-taking action.

“The money our thrill seekers will raise will help fund projects like wellbeing initiatives for staff and volunteers out on ambulances or our staff in our control rooms who care for Londoners in their hour of need.

“It will help us save more lives by training London communities in life-saving skills.”

Five ambulance stations are battling for the top trophy – Westminster, Waterloo, two teams from Friern Barnet and a team from Islington Ambulance Station.

To find out more about the event and how to get involved please visit the London Ambulance Charity website.