Published 24 June 2026

Hosted by Royal Life Saving from 25–27 June 2026 at Perth High Performance Centre (HPC), the Championships will bring together athletes of all ages from across the country to test their speed, skill and lifesaving ability in a series of events designed to simulate real-world rescue scenarios.

Importantly, the Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships also serve as a selection event for athletes seeking to represent Australia at the 2026 Lifesaving World Championships, to be held in Port Elizabeth – Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa, from November to December 2026.

Royal Life Saving National Manager – Lifesaving Development, Brooke Holland, said the Championships showcase the unique combination of athletic performance, rescue skills and teamwork that defines the sport of Pool Lifesaving.

"Pool Lifesaving is a sport with purpose. Every event is based on skills that have real-world applications and help prepare people to respond in aquatic emergencies," Ms Holland said.

"Unlike many sports, Pool Lifesaving develops practical rescue and emergency response skills that contribute to safer communities and support drowning prevention efforts across Australia."

Competitors will contest a range of events including the Obstacle Swim, Manikin Carry, Manikin Tow, CPR, Line Throw and the Simulated Emergency Response Competition (SERC), where lifesavers are tested on their initiative, judgement, knowledge and practical rescue skills in realistic emergency scenarios.

Many competitors are active pool lifeguards, swim teachers and lifesavers who apply these skills in their communities every day. Some also contribute internationally, sharing their knowledge and experience to help build lifesaving capability in communities around the world.

The Championships will also showcase the next generation of lifesaving talent, with emerging athletes competing alongside experienced national representatives and world-class competitors.

"While we're excited to see many of our experienced athletes return, this year's Championships will also showcase a new generation of lifesavers stepping onto the national stage. Across the country we're seeing strong participation from emerging athletes, creating an exciting mix of experience, development and future talent," Ms Holland said.

Adding to the excitement, Western Australia enters the event as the defending holder of the Sir Percy Joske Trophy after claiming the Interstate Overall Championship title in both 2024 and 2025.

"We are very excited to compete at home for APLSC in front of family and friends and to defend the overall title. It's also a wonderful opportunity to showcase lifesaving in WA," said Rebecca Hartman, WA Team Head Coach.

Last year's competition was decided by the narrowest of margins, highlighting the depth of talent across Australian Pool Lifesaving and setting the stage for another fiercely contested battle in Perth.

The return of the Championships to Perth marks the first time Western Australia has hosted the national event since 2020 and provides an opportunity for local athletes to compete on home soil while showcasing the strength of the state's lifesaving community.

"This event represents an important step on the pathway to international competition and the opportunity to wear the green and gold at the Lifesaving World Championships," Ms Holland said.

"The Championships provide an opportunity to celebrate the dedication, skill and commitment that exists within our lifesaving community. We look forward to welcoming athletes, officials and supporters from across the country to Perth and showcasing the very best of Australian Pool Lifesaving.

Notes to Editor

Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships 2026
Dates:     25–27 June 2026
Venue:    Perth High Performance Centre, Perth, Western Australia

The Championships feature athletes from across Australia competing in events that test rescue skills, fitness, teamwork and emergency response capability.

The Championships will feature high-energy rescue races, obstacle events, CPR challenges and simulated emergency scenarios, providing strong visual opportunities for media coverage.

Western Australia enters the Championships as the defending Interstate Overall Champion and current holder of the Sir Percy Joske Trophy.

The Championships return to Perth for the first time since 2020.

The event serves as a key selection opportunity for the Australian Lifesaving Team ahead of the 2026 Lifesaving World Championships in Port Elizabeth – Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa.

Media are welcome to attend.
For more information visit: www.royallifesaving.com.au/educate-participate/sport/aplsc

Media Enquiries:
Monique Sharp, National Manager Events and Marketing Royal Life Saving Australia Phone: 0403 428 616
Lauren Nimmo General Manager, Advocacy and Research Royal Life Saving Society WA Inc. M: 0421 307 600