A perfectly timed summer swell and almost no wind: the stage was set last weekend for the Oceanperf Challenge, a major European event in rescue coastal rescue. Three young CSSM members left Muret to head to the Landes coast and battle it out on Hossegor’s sandbank. Between sprints on the beach, swimming in the sea and board handling, the results confirm the rise of a club that never lets go of the leash.
Competitive Lifesaving: Muret Athletes in Action Under the Landes Sun
The 2026 Oceanperf Challenge brought together more than 800 competitors from 14 nations. Coached by rescue workers professionals from the local station, the heats followed one another in an atmosphere focused on solidarity and emergency response: every start is a reminder that beyond the clock, the spirit of rescue comes first.
Oceanperf Challenge 2026: Key Figures
Before detailing the performances, here is a look at the key figures from the Landes stage.
| Indicator | 2026 Value |
|---|---|
| Total participants | 812 |
| Countries represented | 14 |
| Water temperature | 22 °C |
| Average wave height | 1.2 m |
| Rescue stations deployed | 6 |
CSSM set up its tent just behind the warm-up area. Guided by their staff, Maïana, Jules, and Nathan competed in heats and finals over two intense days.
- Maïana : 24e in youth swimming, personal best time in the 400 m.
- Jules : 9e in beach flags, 11e in swimming.
- Nathan : 3e in board race, 6e in surf race.
Focus on CSSM’s young heroes
At 14, Nathan achieved the best result for Muret with a third-place finish in board race. Taking an outside line, he took advantage of a clever backwash to overtake two competitors in the penultimate shore break. This podium finish validates a full winter spent paddling at Lac de la Ramée and on the Garonne.
Jules stood out in the sand sprint—“beach flags”—where his explosive starts earned him a top-10 finish. As for Maïana, her seven-second improvement in the swim distance confirms that the underwater cardio work done at the Colomiers pool is paying off.
Setting sights on the French Championships
The next step for these budding heroes will be the national event scheduled for September in Biarritz. To optimize their preparation, the club has arranged a training camp at Plage Centrale, supervised by instructors from the local station. Those interested can already view the full event schedule via the French Championships in Hossegor.
Throughout the summer, introductory sessions remain open: information and time slots are available on the Soorts-Hossegor coastal rescue program. The goal: to introduce the public to emergency procedures and tube handling, key to an effective response.
Local impact and rescue culture
Every trip to the Landes coast strengthens the regional aquatic network. Exchanges between clubs reinforce the rescue chain; during downtime, staff share protocols and feedback. A concrete example: using an aquatic drone from the first run to check the channels, an innovation tested following the incident reported in the article surfer rescued by helicopter in Landes.
Beyond the score, it is the collective improvement in skills that leaves a lasting impression. The kids return to Muret with clear reference points: current speed, buoy positioning, and priority management—tools they will share with the younger athletes during club sessions, fostering the solidarity essential when facing the unexpected at sea.
How do I register for coastal lifesaving courses in Hossegor?
Registration is completed online on the CSSM website or directly via the ‘Soorts-Hossegor coastal lifesaving program’ link. A medical certificate issued within the last three months and a 200 m swim test are required.
What equipment should I use to get started in board race?
A 10-foot foam board is sufficient for initial training sessions. The club lends ILS-approved equipment during supervised sessions.
At what age can you join the CSSM junior section?
The junior category is for ages 12 to 14. A water confidence test is required before official enrollment.
What skills are taught during introductory sessions?
Participants learn swim sprinting, rescue tube handling, first aid skills, and how to read rip channels, all of which are essential in an emergency.
Do the Oceanperf Challenge results influence national team selection?
Yes. The event serves as a benchmark for federation selectors to track young athletes’ progress and establish the elite roster for upcoming international events.
