Published 16 January 2024
Top lifesaving athletes of all ages from around Australia are heading to Melbourne for three days of intense competition at this year’s Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships.
While most sporting events have a ‘do or die’ approach, rarely does the sporting prowess on display literally translate to real world life and death.
Following a deadly summer period where already 52 people have lost their lives to drowning in Australia, the importance of the Royal Life Saving Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships has never been greater.
The Championships, which take place from Thursday 18th January to Saturday 20th January at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, Albert Park, test each competitor’s abilities in lifesaving through a series of challenge events that simulate real lifesaving situations and emergencies.
Royal Life Saving Society – Australia Chief Executive Officer, Justin Scarr said the athletes use their training not only in competition, but also as pool lifeguards, and swim teachers, supporting the next generation of Australians to stay safe around water.
Events include the Manikin Carry, Manikin Tow, Line Throw, Obstacle Swim and the Simulated Emergency Response Competition (SERC) – a timed event where lifesavers are tested on their initiative, judgement, knowledge and skills. All the events are based on rescuing a person who is in immediate danger.
“Every event has a real-life application. The manikin tow replicates pulling a person through the water to safety; the CPR challenge tests the competitor’s precision as they work to save a life,” Mr Scarr said.
“Every challenge is preparing these athletes for the next time they have to rescue someone in real life. Many of them have already saved someone in their day jobs, or as volunteers, or just as skilled passers-by who have spotted someone in trouble.”
The stakes are high – competitors at the Championships are preparing for the Lifesaving World Championships to be held on the Gold Coast in September 2024.
Justin Scarr, CEO, Royal Life Saving Society – Australia, said “We’re delighted to welcome everyone to this year’s Championships. The event is an opportunity to showcase the sport of Pool Lifesaving, and the stage is set for a great competition as state and territory teams battle it out for the Championship title.” he said.
To view further details visit the APLSC24 Website Here.
Notes to the editor
The 2024 Championships will be held from Thursday 18th to Saturday 20th January 2024 at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. Media are welcome.
Royal Life Saving will share live Facebook and Instagram updates throughout the championships using the hashtag #APLSC2024.
For media enquiries, please contact Media Key
on 0409 420 112 or 03 9769 6488.
