Lifesaving sport was primarily intended to encourage lifesavers to develop, maintain and improve the essential physical and mental skills needed to save lives in the aquatic environment. Lifesaving competitions consist of a variety of competitions to further develop and demonstrate lifesaving skills, fitness and motivation.
The competitor swims 200m in freestyle during which they swims under eight obstacles.
50m Manikin Carry
The competitor swims 25m in freestyle, picks up a manikin and tows it to the finish.
100m Rescue Medley
After a 50m swim in freestyle the competitor swims under the water to pick up a manikin and carry it to the finish.
100m Manikin Carry with Fins
The competitor swims 50 m freestyle wearing fins and then dives to recover a submerged manikin. The competitor carries the manikin to the finish edge of the pool.
100m Manikin Tow with Fins
The competitor swims 50 m freestyle with fins and rescue tube, the competitor then fixes the rescue tube around a manikin floating at the surface at the edge and tows it to the finish.
200m Super Lifesaver
fter a 75m swim in freestyle and a 25m carry of the manikin the competitor puts on the fins and rescue tube and swims 50m in freestyle followed by fixing the rescue tube around the manikin and towing it to the finish.
Line Throw
The competitor has to coil a rope, throw it out to a team mate and pull them back in.
4 x 50m Rescue Tube Relay
Four competitors swim 50m using a different technique. The first swims 50m in freestyle, the second 50m freestyle with fins, the third pulls a rescue tube swimming in freestyle, and the fourth takes over the rescue tube and swims freestyle with fins towing the third competitor who is holding on to the rescue tube.
4 x 245m Manikin Carry
Four competitors in turn carry a manikin approximately 25 m each.
4 x50m Obstacle Relay
Four competitors swim 50 m freestyle each passing under two (2) obstacles.
Line Throw Relay
Each competitor takes turns to coil a rope, throw it out to a team mate and pull them back in.
The International World Games Association (IWGA) organises the World Games every four years, one year after the Summer Olympic Games. The World Games are often called the "Olympic" Games for the non-Olympic Sports and were first held in Santa Clara (USA) in 1981.
The Games are a Multi-Sport Event where over 30 Sports are organised during a period of 14 Days.
Lifesaving Sports (both pool and beach-surf) are on the programme since its second edition in London in 1985. The lifesaving competition lasts three days: two days in the pool and one day on the beach-surf. The eight best lifesaving teams in the World can participate in these top Games and the selection is made at the World Championships one year before holding the Games.
The Commonwealth Pool Lifesaving Championships is an international event where swimmers from around the Commonwealth take part in lifesaving sport events.
The ILS European Branch organise the Lifesaving European Championships every two years. These Championships comprise both pool and surf-beach events. The Championship is organised in the odd years between the Lifesaving World Championships.
A two-day swimming pool based event attracting hundreds of competitors across all ages and from all around the United Kingdom. Lifesavers compete against the best in the nation to become National Champion. A complete range of Speed events are competed, allowing competitors to achieve National Records and qualify for World Club Championships.
An online league between competitors from all over the country. Individuals can post times in any event, where the time was achieve under the required standards. This means that any athlete can compete with any other athlete from anywhere.
Recognised speeds events are events held using standardised rules at the required standard and registered with head office. Registered events results count towards national rankings and national records.
These are events which are run by regions, branches and clubs. The results at this level do not count towards national rankings, nor can they claim national records.
These are fun based events, where it is the taking part is of primary importance. For more information please visit the Rookie section of the website.
Introduction to Equipment
Lifesaving Sport Rescue Tube
The ILS rescue tube is the standard rescue tube used in speed lifesaving events. The tube is made from yellow closed cell expended foam of approximately 1m in length, and has a length of webbing and a stainless steel clip attached to it. The traditional RLSS UK red 'torpedo buoys' are not suitable or allowed in speed c...
Events Footage
