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 2024 Championships was hosted at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre from Thursday 18th January to Saturday 20th January 2024.
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: TBD for APLSC 2025
Registration Opens: TBD for APLSC 2025
Past Competition Dates: Thursday 18 January - Saturday 20 January 2024
See below for Championship Schedule and Functions
VENUE INFORMATION
APLSC 2025 venue information is yet to be determined. APLSC 2024 location information is below.
Venue: Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
Address: 30 Aughtie Drive, Albert Park VIC 3206
Competition Dates: Thursday 18th January 2023 to Saturday 20st January 2023
Venue Website: https://melbournesportscentres.com.au/venues/msac-aquatics/
Pool depth: 2 metres constant depth
Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre is the home of performance swimming in Victoria. MSAC proudly hosts Victorian Institute of Sport recognised swimmers and other high-performance programs. Swimming Victoria also utilises MSAC for all major swimming competitions in Victoria.
Aquatic facilities include two 50-metre competition pools, a 25-metre indoor lap pool, a multi-purpose pool, our hydrotherapy pool plus a spa, sauna and steam room.
The pool meets all ILS Facility Specifications and APLSC 2024 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 2024
*As of 30 November 2023
DATE | WHAT’S ON |
Tuesday 16th January | Pre-Competition Officials' Workshops For an overview of workshop content, click here. Meetings will take place at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre outdoor marshalling room. Workshop attendance is free but registration is required. To register fill in the online Registration Form. |
Wednesday 17th January | 2:30-3:30pm: Coaches and Managers Meeting (Accreditation pack collection from 2:00pm) Meetings will take place at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre outdoor marshalling room. |
Thursday 18th January | Competition Day 1 |
Friday 19th January | Competition Day 2 7:45am-8:30am: Warm up - Outdoor Competition Pool, Indoor Competition Pool (2 lanes) |
Saturday 20th January | Competition Day 3 |
EVENT LIST FOR APLSC 2024
| DAY 1: THURSDAY 18 JANUARY | DAY 2: FRIDAY 19 JANUARY | DAY 3: SATURDAY 20 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 2024 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
