Published 15 January 2025

Top lifesaving athletes of all ages from across Australia have arrived in Sydney to compete in this year’s Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships, running from Thursday, 16th January to Saturday, 18th January at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, Homebush.

Following a deadly summer period where already 55 people have lost their lives to drowning in Australia, the importance of the Royal Life Saving Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships has never been greater.

The Championships test each competitor’s abilities in lifesaving through a series of challenge events that simulate real lifesaving situations and emergencies.

Royal Life Saving Society – Australia Chief Executive Officer, Dr Justin Scarr said the athletes use their training not only in competition, but also as pool lifeguards, and swim teachers, supporting the next generation of Australians to stay safe around water.

Events include the Manikin Carry, Manikin Tow, Line Throw, Obstacle Swim and the Simulated Emergency Response Competition (SERC) – a timed event where lifesavers are tested on their initiative, judgement, knowledge and skills. All the events are based on rescuing a person who is in immediate danger.

“Every event 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,” Dr 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.”

The Australian Life Saving Team will compete at the RLSS Commonwealth Pool Lifesaving Championships in Swansea, Wales, this July and the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China, in August.

The APLSC serves as a critical qualifying event for team selection, paving the way for our continued success on the international stage. Beyond the medals and elite competition, the APLSC also highlights the importance of participation and active involvement at all levels, fostering a lifelong connection to lifesaving.

Dr Justin Scarr, CEO, Royal Life Saving Society – Australia, said “We’re delighted to welcome everyone to this year’s Championships. The event is an opportunity to showcase the sport of Pool Lifesaving, and the stage is set for a great competition as state and territory teams battle it out for the Championship title.” he said.

Royal Life Saving will share live Facebook and Instagram updates throughout the championships using the hashtag #APLSC2025.

For more information about Royal Life Saving, visit www.royallifesaving.com.au

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