Speed Lifesaving

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.

Every two years the International Life Saving Federation organises the Lifesaving World Championships, called Rescue Series.

The World Championships include the following competitions:

• National Teams World Championships.
• Interclub Teams World Championships.
• Masters World Championships.
• Optional Open Events World Championships including Surfboats and Inflatable Rescue Boats World Championships.

The World Championships involve between 2,500 and 5,000 competitors and officials and last some 14 days.

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.