Conducted in various forms since 1965, the inaugural Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships (APLSC) were held in 1987 in Alice Springs and remain a highlight of the Australian lifesaving sport calendar, rotating to a new State or Territory each year.
The 2025 Championships will be hosted at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre from Thursday 16th January to Saturday 18th January 2025.
The APLSC brings athletes, teams, volunteers and staff together from across Australia for three days of competition both in the water (speed events) and out of water (initiative tests and CPR). While many compete for Championship titles, the APLSC also provide a unique opportunity for our Royal Life Saving members to come together in celebrating their extensive contributions to the lifesaving movement and friendships made along the way.
Individuals and teams vie for prestigious Championship trophies from Under 14 to Masters divisions, with each trophy named after a pivotal member of Royal Life Saving (UK and Australia) who helped support and teach others the importance of rescue skills that we still practice today.
From first-time pool lifesavers to lifeguards, from 'clubbies' to the Australian Lifesaving Team, the APLSC draws lifesavers from across Australia.
To participate in the Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships, competitors must hold a Bronze Star (15 years and under), Bronze Medallion or equivalent lifesaving award (Surf Rescue Certificate, Surf Bronze) and be a current financial member of Royal Life Saving or Surf Life Saving Australia.
Key Dates
Competition Dates: Thursday 16 January - Saturday 18 January 2025
Registration Opens: Monday 23 September 2024
Early Bird Registration Closes: Sunday 22 December 2024
Late Registration Closes: Sunday 5 January 2025
Team Manager Entries Due: Sunday 29 December 2024
The call for ALL Officials has been extended. See Officials page for registration details.
Thank you to Dave Rylance of Victoria who supplied our lead image for APLSC 2025.
See below for Championship Schedule and Functions
VENUE INFORMATION
Venue: Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre (SOPAC)
Address: 9 Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney, NSW 2127
Phone: (02) 9714 7500
Venue Website: https://www.sydneyolympicpark.nsw.gov.au/aquatic-centre
Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre was the major venue for the 2000 Summer Olympics and has since been the home of performance swimming in New South Wales.
Aquatic facilities include a ten lane 50-metre competition pool (2m-3m in depth), an eight lane 50-metre training pool, a utility pool suitable for diving, water polo and synchronized swimming, as well as spas, sauna and a steam room.
The pool meets all ILS Facility Specifications and APLSC 2025 will be conducted as a sanctioned competition.
Officials
The Pool Lifesaving Championships wouldn't be possible without the volunteers who ensure the event runs smoothly. Whether it is timekeeping, judging, or providing assistance to the teams every volunteer gives their all during the championships.
Call for Technical Officials Opens: Monday 23 September 2024
Call for Technical Officials Closes: Extended - Click here to Register!
All officials who register and have a current Working With Children Check (or equivalent from home State or Territory) will be allocated a role at the Championships. Early Technical Official registration will assist the Key Officials in assigning roles pre-competition.
Key Officials
Chief Referee: Joanne Teagle, LSV
CPR Coordinator: Mary Collins, LSV
SERC Coordinator: Brione Rundle, RLS SA
Equipment Coordinator: Brendan Watts, RLS SA
CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE for APLSC 2025
Updated 13 December 2024
DATE | WHAT’S ON |
Tuesday | Senior Officials Workshop 3:00pm-6:00pm Location: Sydney Olympic Park - Shane Gould Room Registration: Free but registration required. Register via the online form here. |
Wednesday | Technical Officials Workshop 9:00am-12:00pm Location: Sydney Olympic Park - Shane Gould Room Registration: Free but registration required. Register via the online form here. Meetings & Accreditation Pack Collection 2:30-3:30pm: Coaches & Managers Meeting (Accreditation pack collection from 2:00pm) 3:45-4:30pm: Officials Meeting (Accreditation pack collection from 3:00pm) Location: Meetings will take place at SOPAC in the Shane Gould Room |
Thursday | Competition Day 1 |
Friday | Competition Day 2 |
Saturday | Competition Day 3 |
EVENT LIST FOR APLSC 2025
| DAY 1: THURSDAY 16 JANUARY | DAY 2: FRIDAY 17 JANUARY | DAY 3: SATURDAY 18 JANUARY |
|---|---|---|
|
U16, U19 and Open 200m Obstacles U14 and Masters 100m Obstacles U16, U19 and Open 4x50m Obstacle Relay U19 CPR Competition U14 Manikin Tow U16, U19, Open, Masters 12.5m Line Throw U14 10m Line Throw U16, U19, Open, Masters 100m Manikin Tow U14 50m Manikin Carry |
U16, U19, Open and Masters 100m Manikin Carry U16, U19 and Open 4x25 Manikin Carry Relay Open 100m Rescue Medley U16 and Open CPR Competition U16, U19 and Open SERC | U16, U19, Open and Masters 50m Manikin Carry We are no longer doing the DEMO EVENT: 100 Super Lifesaver NB: The Lifesaver Relay is a point score event this year. |
SANCTIONING & ANTI-DOPING
The Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships 2025 will be conducted as an International Life Saving Federation (ILS) sanctioned competition. Anti-doping testing will be on standby for youth and open world records.
According to the World Anti-Doping Agency and the ILS, modifications to the World Anti-Doping Code come into effect 1 January 2025. Information and resources about the changes are on the APLSC Competition Handbook page.
RECORDS
Royal Life Saving recognises both RLSSA National Life Saving Records and Australian Pool Life Saving Championship Records for individual and relay speed events. Click here to view the current records (link coming soon).
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further information about the event will be posted as it becomes available.
For any urgent questions, please contact Brooke Cherfils, National Manager - Lifesaving Development at the RLSSA National Office: sport@rlssa.org.au
