Published 23 January 2024
Three days of intense competition and the Western Australia State Team have been crowned champions of the Royal Life Saving Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships 2024.
Competitors travelled from all over Australia to the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre for the Championships, where the ‘do or die’ approach takes on new meaning, as every event has a real-life application and precision is as important as speed and agility.
The Western Australian State Team edged out strong competition from the Victorian and New South Wales State Teams to claim victory winning the Interstate Overall Championship and the Sir Percy Joske Trophy. WA last won this title 22 years ago, back in 2002.
Other highlights for the Western Australian State Team included:
- Interstate Under 16 Championship – Queensland Trophy (1st Place)
- Interstate Open Championship – Phillip Gorey Trophy (1st Place)
- Interstate Men’s Overall Championship – London Trophy (1st Place)
Pool lifesaving is one of the three core disciplines that make up the sport of lifesaving internationally. In addition to ocean and beach disciplines, more commonly known as surf lifesaving, pool lifesaving tests swimming, rescue skills and initiative in a still-water environment.
The Lifesavers of the Meet were Jake Smith, WA State Team (Open) and Mariah Jones, Sunshine Coast Grammar (Open).
It was Jake’s third Lifesaver of the Meet honour in a row, having taken home the award in 2022 and 2023. Jake Smith was also awarded the Men’s Open Individual Championship Trenchard Miller Trophy.
Mariah Jones was also awarded the Women’s Open Individual Overall Championship – Soden Shield and the Women’s Open Australia Cup – Julie Ann Lamont Memorial Trophy.
Royal Life Saving Society – Australia Chief Executive Officer, Justin Scarr said the athletes use their training not only in competition, but also to be teachers, swim teachers, swim club members, and pool lifeguards, supporting the next generation of Australians to stay safe around water.
“As well as the tremendous athleticism on display, I’d like to acknowledge all the volunteers behind the scenes who make this event an important part of the pool lifesaving calendar,” Mr Scarr said.
“Our hosts from Life Saving Victoria did an outstanding job in supporting the event, as did key staff from Royal Life Saving.
“But the event simply wouldn’t happen without the officials who ensure that every event meets the international standard.”
Special mention goes to Cathy Hynd from New South Wales who was awarded Official of the Meet by Chief Referee Jo Teagle, for her role at the event. "Cathy is a quiet achiever, nothing is too much trouble and she is a safe pair of hands who can be relied on without condition to ensure the accuracy of results" Jo Teagle, Chief Referee said.
View the full results for the Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships 2024 here
