POOL LIFESAVING EVENTS
Pool lifesaving events can be run as a competition similar to swimming carnivals, with various individual and team events across age groups. Pool lifesaving events can be categorised into two types: speed and initiative.
SPEED EVENTS
Speed events are a test of speed, strength and technique, involving a variety of swimming and lifesaving skills including competition and survival strokes, contact and non-contact rescues, and use of rescue equipment. Many speed events utilise a manikin (also known as a rescue dummy, or bob) to simulate a real patient. The aim of speed events is to be the first to the finish wall, but with the right technique to avoid disqualification. Speed events also include relays involving various swimming and rescue skills, equipment and sequences.
INITIATIVE EVENTS
Emergency response events also known as initiative tests involve an aquatic emergency scenario that competitors must respond to within a time limit. Initiative events include the Simulate Emergency Response Competition (SERC) and CPR competition (also known as dry SERC). Initiative events can be run in an individual or team format, with competitors scored on their overall response to the emergency scenario