Published 20 January 2023
While most sporting events have a ‘do or die’ approach, rarely does the sporting prowess on display literally translate to real world life and death.
But for the competitors at this week’s Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships, the skills they use and the precision with which they are applied are all about saving lives on the pool deck and across inland and coastal waterways.
Following a deadly summer period where already 38 people have lost their lives to drowning in Australia, the importance of the Royal Life Saving Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships has never been greater.
Royal Life Saving Society – Australia Chief Executive Officer, Justin Scarr said the athletes use their training not only in competition, but also to be teachers, swim teachers, swim club members, and pool lifeguards, supporting the next generation of Australians to stay safe around water.
“Every event here has a real-life application. The manikin tow replicates pulling a person through the water to safety; the CPR challenge tests the competitor’s precision as they work to save a life,” Mr Scarr said.
“Every challenge is preparing these athletes for the next time they have to rescue someone in real life. Many of them have already saved someone in their day jobs, or as volunteers, or just as skilled passers-by who have spotted someone in trouble.”
Athlete Rosie Lennox from Victoria is competing in her 12th Royal Life Saving Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships.
“I first became involved with Royal Life Saving at 11 years of age and immediately fell in love with the inclusive community nature of competition and the real-world importance of vital life saving skills,” Ms Lennox said.
“Through my participation in Royal Life Saving sport, I have been fortunate enough to travel to all corners of Australia as well as participate in numerous touring national teams.
“Having grown up on the Sunshine Coast, I was always made aware of the dangers and risk associated with being in and around water, but I am also acutely aware that not all Australians are afforded this same privilege.
“I can’t wait to be back on pool deck with my ‘mates from other states’ sharing in a sport we all love.”
The Australian Life Saving Team were the first nation to win both Open and Youth Overall Point Scores at the same Lifesaving World Championships after comprehensive performances by both teams at the 2022 Lifesaving World Championships in Riccione, Italy.
Royal Life Saving will share live Facebook and Instagram updates throughout the championships using the hashtag #APLSC2023.
The Australian Pool Life Saving Championships 2023 are proudly supported by Laerdal.
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