Pacific Lifesaving Club

Pool Lifesaving

Pool Lifesaving combines swimming, rescue techniques, speed, endurance and practical lifesaving skills in a competitive pool environment. Athletes race through events based on skills used by lifesavers and lifeguards, including obstacle swimming, manikin carries, rescue-tube towing, fins and line throws. Training develops strong swimmers while building confidence, teamwork and the ability to respond effectively in rescue situations.

Pool lifesaving competition at the Gold Coast
Speed, Rescue Skills and Competition

Pool Lifesaving Events

Athletes combine swimming ability with the specialized rescue techniques and equipment used throughout competitive lifesaving sport.

01

200m Obstacle Swim

A 200m swim where athletes pass underneath 8 submerged obstacles in total while racing against the clock.

02

100m Rescue Medley

A technical event involving a 50m swim, 17.5m underwater, the rescue of a submerged manikin, and a 32.5m manikin carry.

03

100m Manikin Tow with Fins

Athletes swim with fins and a rescue tube for 50m, secure a floating manikin with the rescue tube and tow it 50m.

04

100m Manikin Carry with Fins

Athletes swim with fins for 50m, pickup a submerged manikin and carry it 50m.

05

50m Manikin Carry

Athletes sprint 25m, retrieve a submerged manikin and carry it 25m.

06

Line Throw

An athlete throws a rescue line to a teammate 12.5m away and pulls them quickly back to the wall.

07

Pool Lifesaving Relays

Team events for four athletes that combine swimming, fins, rescue tubes, manikins and other pool lifesaving skills.

Pool Lifesaving Pathway

Train. Compete. Save Lives.

Progress through our pool lifesaving programs while developing swimming ability, rescue skills, fitness, confidence, teamwork and competitive experience.

Junior pool lifesaving athletes sitting beside the pool
01

Junior

  • Develop foundational pool lifesaving and rescue skills
  • Build swimming ability, confidence, teamwork and familiarity with lifesaving equipment
Senior pool lifesaving athletes together in the pool
02

Senior

  • Advance pool lifesaving techniques through structured training
  • Improve speed, endurance, rescue ability and competitive event skills
Youth National pool lifesaving athletes preparing on starting blocks
03

Youth National

  • Train and compete at a high level of pool lifesaving
  • Prepare for major competitions while developing advanced racing and rescue skills
Ages 15–18
Open National pool lifesaving athlete carrying a rescue manikin
04

Open National

  • Train and compete at the highest level of pool lifesaving
  • Prepare for national and major lifesaving competitions and advanced training
Ages 18+
Join Pacific Lifesaving Club

Ready to start training?

Choose the program that matches your experience and begin developing your pool lifesaving skills.

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