11/09/2020

Due to the impacts of COVID-19, Royal Life Saving Society – Australia (RLSSA) has taken the decision to postpone the Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships, which were set to be held at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra from the 15 to 17 January 2021.

RLSSA National Sport Advisor, David Macallister, said that the decision was based first and foremost on the health and safety of the lifesaving sport community, including competitors, volunteers, staff and their families.

“The Championships are a highlight of the year for RLSSA members; undoubtedly, many of our athletes and volunteers will be disappointed, especially those that have been able to return to the pool in preparation for January.

“The pandemic continues to evolve on a daily basis in Australia, and without a means of accurately predicting the COVID-19 environment in the short to medium term, planning for events and activities that are COVID-safe and adhere to restrictions is extremely difficult, and places undue risk on our members, the community and the organisation.

“With State/Territory border closures in place and much of the east coast impacted by restrictions around community sport, events and venue use, the ability to conduct a National Championships is limited with many athletes and volunteers unable to train and travel interstate.

“While the pandemic has brought much uncertainty and disruption to Australia’s sporting community, it is great to see many organisations and businesses innovating in their sport delivery to keep athletes, coaches, volunteers and staff engaged and we will certainly explore similar options for lifesaving sport.

“It’s also a good time for members to be brushing up on their skills and knowledge as we head into the warmer months, whether that be updating their CPR and First Aid qualifications, completing their Bronze awards or upskilling by completing the online Coach and Officials courses available on the Sport Hub.”

A final decision regarding the 2021 Championships will be made in early December.

The Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships test competitors’ abilities in lifesaving through a series of challenging events that simulate real lifesaving situations and emergencies. These 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. The Championships attract competitors and volunteers from across Australia, rotating location each year.

For more information please contact Caitlin Turner, Senior Project Officer – Lifesaving Sport and Development via email cturner@rlssa.org.au or telephone (02) 8217 3154.