Published 25 August 2022

We are excited to share that the International Life Saving Federation, through our colleagues at Life Saving Victoria, has submitted an expression of interest for lifesaving to be included as a sport on the program of the 2026 Regional Victoria Commonwealth Games (Victoria 2026).

The EOI has the support of support Surf Life Saving Australia, Royal Life Saving Society Commonwealth, and Royal Life Saving Society – Australia.

We think Lifesaving sport makes a compelling case for inclusion in Victoria 2026. We have reviewed the EOI and are inspired by the case that:

• Lifesaving Sport is the only sport that has direct links to humanitarian objectives
• These objectives link to the United Nations Resolution on Drowning Prevention
• Lifesaving Sport at Victoria 2026 could showcase lifesaving expertise, raise awareness and catalyse action for drowning prevention and lifesaving across the Commonwealth of Nations
• The Lifesaving Sport pool and ocean events are well positioned to attract large audiences, showcase tourism, and inspire a generation, young and old, to take up swimming and lifesaving

Up to five sports will be added to the Commonwealth Games program and the final package of additional sports is set to be announced later in 2022.

We are cheering on our colleagues at ILS, Life Saving Victoria, Surf Life Saving, RLSS Commonwealth, and know that thousands will be inspired by the ambitions to position lifesaving at the Commonwealth Games.

Dr Mitch Hartman
President
Royal Life Saving Society – Australia