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: Thursday, 3 October 2025
Registration Closes: Sunday, 29 December 2024
Thank you to Dave Rylance of Victoria who supplied our lead image for APLSC 2025.
See below for tentative Championship Schedule and Functions
VENUE INFORMATION
Venue: Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre (SOPAC)
Address: 9 Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney, NSW 2127
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.
Key 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.
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 (Tentative)
*As of 12 June 2024
DATE | WHAT’S ON |
Tuesday 14th January | Pre-Competition Officials' Workshops (Location TBD) Workshop attendance is free but registration is required. To register fill in the online Registration Form. |
Wednesday 15th January | 2:30-3:30pm: Coaches and Managers Meeting (Accreditation pack collection from 2:00pm) Note: we will be using the same officials' shirts as APLSC 2023 & 2024 - please indicate if you have shirts when registering Meetings will take place at (Location TBD) |
Thursday 16th January | Competition Day 1 |
Friday 17th January | Competition Day 2 |
Saturday 18th January | Competition Day 3 |
EVENT LIST FOR APLSC 2025 (Tentative)
| 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 U16, U19 and Open 200m Super Lifesaver U16, U19 and Open 4x50m Medley Relay Open 8x50m Fin Relay Open 4x50m Pool Lifesaver Relay |
SANCTIONING
The Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships 2025 will be conducted as an ILS-sanctioned competition. Anti-doping testing will be on standby for youth and open world records.
The World Anti-Doping Code came into effect in January 2021. It is the responsibility of athletes, coaches, officials, administrators and support personnel to be aware of and understand their obligations under the Code. Further information and a summary of changes in the 2021 Code can be found on the Sport Integrity Australia website: https://www.sportintegrity.gov.au/what-we-do/anti-doping/2021-world-anti-doping-code
It is recommended that all Royal Life Saving members and APLSC participants complete the Anti-Doping Fundamentals online course (previously Anti-Doping Level 1). This course is free but requires registration to the Sport Integrity Australia e-learning platform (previous Sport Australia / ASADA / Play By The Rules credentials should work at login): https://elearning.sportintegrity.gov.au/login/index.php
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: bcherfils@rlssa.org.au
