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 2025 Championships were hosted at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre from Thursday 16th January to Saturday 18th January 2025.
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.
The 2025 Interstate Overall Championship was an incredibly close contest, with Western Australia claiming the Sir Percy Joske Trophy for the second consecutive year.
Key Dates & Location for 2026
Dates: Thursday 25 June - Saturday 27 June 2026
Location: Perth High Performance Centre, Western Australia
Registration Opens: 15 March 2026
Early Bird Registration Closes: 30 April 2026
Late Registration Closes: 31 May 2026
Team Manager Entries Due: 31 May 2026
VENUE INFORMATION for 2026
Venue: Perth High Performance Centre
Address: 100 Stephenson Ave, Mount Claremont, WA, 6010
Phone: (08) 9441 8222
Venue Website: https://www.venueswest.wa.gov.au/venues/perth-hpc
Perth PPC is built to cater for high performance use, members and casual users swim in the same world class facilities as elite swimmers. The aquatics facilities include three 50 metre pools, a dive pool and a water polo pool - all fully compliant with World Aquatics standards. Our venue offers space for learning to swim (kids & adults), casual lap swimming, competition training and events.
Over the years, they have proudly hosted major events such as the 2022 Diving National Championships, 2022 Artistic Swimming National Championships, 2019 Water Polo Intercontinental Cup and the 1998 World Aquatics Championships.
The pool meets all ILS facility specifications and APLSC 2026 will be conducted as a sanctioned competition.
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.
Call for Technical Officials Opens: 15 March 2026
Call for Technical Officials Closes: 15 May 2026
All officials who register and have a current Working With Children Check (or equivalent from home State or Territory) will be allocated a role at the Championships.
Key Officials
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 2026
Updated 28 January 2026
DATE | WHAT’S ON |
Wednesday | Officials Workshop - TBD 9:00am-12:00pm Location: TBD Registration: Free but registration required. Register via the online form here. Coaching Workshop Time : TBD Location: TBD Registration: Free but registration required. Register via the online form here. Meetings & Accreditation Pack Collection 2:30-3:30pm: Coaches & Managers Meeting (Accreditation pack collection from 2:00pm) 3:45-4:30pm: Officials Meeting (Accreditation pack collection from 3:00pm) Location: Meetings will take place at Perth HPC in the Champions Club |
Thursday | Competition Day 1 |
Friday | Competition Day 2 |
Saturday | Competition Day 3 |
EVENT LIST FOR APLSC 2026
There will be two demonstration events this year: 100m Manikin Lifesaver and the 4x50m Rescue Tow Relay. The days and times of these events will be decided by the Chief Referee.
NOTE: Point Score Events are bolded below. Please note the changes from last year.
| DAY 1: THURSDAY 25 JUNE | DAY 2: FRIDAY 26 JUNE | DAY 3: SATURDAY 27 JUNE |
|---|---|---|
| U16, U19, Open 200m Obstacles U14, Masters 100m Obstacles U16, U19, 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, Masters 100m Manikin Carry U16, U19, Open 4x25 Manikin Carry Relay U19, Open 100m Rescue Medley U16 50m Rescue Medley U16, Open CPR Competition U16, U19, Open SERC | U16, U19, Open, Masters 50m Manikin Carry |
SANCTIONING & ANTI-DOPING
The Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships 2026 will be conducted as an International Life Saving Federation (ILS) sanctioned competition. Anti-doping testing will be on standby for youth and open world records.
According to the World Anti-Doping Agency and the ILS, modifications to the World Anti-Doping Code came into effect 1 January 2025. Information and resources about the changes are on the APLSC Competition Handbook page.
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.
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: sport@rlssa.org.au
