Three lifeguards from Ottawa will have the opportunity of a lifetime to oversee the care of athletes participating in water sports at the Olympic Games in Paris later this month.

John Rapp and the father-daughter duo of Stefan and Karianne Cliché were selected from over 800 applicants who responded to an open call in a newsletter from the Quebec Lifesaving Association to contribute to the safety of athletes at the Paris 2024 Games. The lifeguards will be among 12 volunteers selected in Canada.

Rapp said in an interview, "We're a bit surprised but very excited to be on the team."

The trio left for France over the weekend to participate in an intensive five-day training program before the games, where they will have to obtain French lifeguard certification and training at various water venues.

"I think it will be an incredibly amazing experience, and I am very excited to be on the world stage," said Karianne Cliché.

In return for their work, the volunteers will receive paid flights and accommodation, and they will have the opportunity to wear Team Canada colors with the Olympic athletes.

Stefan Cliché said, "I can't wait to work with the Belgian team and the French lifeguards and the German team and all my new colleagues that I will discover."

The volunteers will be called upon to oversee events such as triathlon, swimming, and rowing, which may mean overseeing events taking place in the Seine River, where the Olympic open water swimming competition will be held.

Concerns have been raised about the cleanliness levels of the river, as tests showed acceptable levels of bacteria in the water for the first time last week.

Officials insist that backup plans are in place in case the water is deemed unsafe.