Lifesaving sports are full of action and adrenaline, and encourage lifesavers to develop, maintain and improve the essential physical and mental skills needed to save lives in the aquatic environment.
The Lifesaving World Championships, occurring every two years, showcases elite lifesaving sport athletes going head-to-head in competition to take away the World Champion status. At the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships, competitors from all over the world will compete in many lifesaving disciplines, in the ocean, on the beach and in the pool, across 18 days of competition.
To understand what each sporting event involves, click on a discipline below.
The world’s best ocean swimmers will race each other along the pristine Gold Coast coastline in various ocean swimming events. Competitors will test their swim skills and ocean knowledge as they compete in a short-distance swim, there’s nothing quite like ocean swimming with a view! To know what happens in the various ocean swim events, see the descriptions below.
SURF RACE
This team event is run a little differently than a normal team relay. For this event, a team consists of three (3) members and all team members compete at the same time, not in the typical relay format. Similar to the individual Surf Race, all competitors start at the same time along the sand facing the water. All members of the team will sprint a short distance into the water and complete the fast-paced swim of approximately 400m around the same course, outlined by the buoys.
Upon returning to shore, the competitors will sprint to the finish line and be placed in order of finishing. This is when the team point scores are calculated based on each team members placing. In this event, any team can be the winner… it’s all about team consistency!
RUN SWIM RUN
The Run, Swim, Run event is the perfect combination for those competitors that thrive in both water and land disciplines. This individual event includes a medium sized run around a turning flag, followed by entering the water for a swim around the several buoys placed behind the ocean break and returning to shore to complete the same run around the turning flag, with a sprint to the finish line.
The top ocean ski athletes from around the world will come together in a surf sport discipline that is exciting for both competitors and spectators alike. The constantly changing ocean conditions hold the power to make or break a competitor’s race. In an ocean ski race, it is anyone’s race for the Gold medal.
Each surf ski race will see competitors splintering through the barrelling Gold Coast waves, to get beyond the break and pass the buoys, before finding their way back to shore.
To know what happens in the various ocean ski events, see the descriptions below.
SURF SKI RACE
For the Surf Ski Race, the start of the race is like no other. Competitors start in knee-deep water, within seconds of the starting signals, competitors jump into their ski whilst balancing the ever-changing waves. The athletes battle through the waves to reach the line of buoys, approximately 300m from shore, and have the perfect combination of skill and luck to make their way back to shore and cross the in-water finish line. For this race, the competitors need more than just one skill, they need endurance and knowledge of the surf to battle the break and bring home the Gold.
SURF SKI RELAY
Three (3) of the most skilled surf ski athletes will make up each team. The teams will compete in a relay format, each competitor staring in the water, racing around the sting of buoys placed 300m from the shoreline and sprinting a short distance to tag their next team mate starting in the water. This race is full of unpredictable turns and requires a high level of expertise with the surf craft. The Gold Coast waters present the perfect location to power through the distance of behind the break and catch a ride to shore on a wave.
You’ll see the best ocean board riders from around the world go head-to-head in events that are a test of strength, balance and ocean knowledge.
Competitors in the ocean board events have to negotiate with the surf as they race to past the buoys beyond the break, and be the first back to shore. It’s all about knowing which wave is going to ride you all the way to the finish line.
To know what happens in the various ocean board events, see the descriptions below.
BOARD RACE
Each athlete sprints into the water whilst carrying their racing board and mounts the craft whilst balancing the unpredictable conditions and begin the gruelling paddle out to the string of buoys approximately 250m from shoreline. Whilst racing along side the line of buoys, each competitor needs a high level of skill to negotiate the surf and other competitors, to ensure that they don’t get pushed out of line and cut a can, otherwise their race will be over.
The athlete’s ocean knowledge is put to the test again as they go head to head to catch the best wave all the way to shore and sprint across the finish line. This event is open to all ages and will test the best athletes across the world as they compete in the everchanging landscape of the Gold Coast.
BOARD RELAY
Similar to the individual board race, this action packed and gripping team event consists three (3) athletes. In a relay style race, each athlete will complete the course by paddling out approximately 250m from the shore and around a string of buoys, returning to shore and finishing with a short sprint around a turning flag and tapping their team mate on the start line. This relay is centred around each individuals board race, it is all about consistency between team mates and using the knowledge of the surf to catch the best wave into shore.
BOARD RESCUE
The Board Rescue is unlike any team event and consists of only two (2) athletes, both specialising in different disciplines. Based on a rescue, the first athlete (the patient) will swim approximately 120m out to a buoy and signal help to their team mate by raising their hand in the air. Once signalled, the other team member will use their board to paddle out to the patient, pick them up on the board and return to shore.
To win, both athletes need to be holding the rescue board and cross the line first. This event is solely focused on the skill of each athlete to execute their portion of the event and work together to make it back to the finish line safely. This event is one to watch!
The surf sport discipline of ocean rescue not only focuses on the athleticism of competing lifesavers, but it also tests their knowledge and vital skills required to excel as a patrolling member.
Ocean rescue events typically involve lifesavers competing in a simulated rescue or accident scenario, in which their management of the scenario is assessed. This event is perfect for those who love to mix their knowledge and skill from every aspect of lifesaving.
To know what happens in the various ocean rescue events, see the descriptions below.
RESCUE TUBE RESCUE
This event consists of 4 persons – a patient, a Rescue Tube swimmer and two rescuers. The rescue tube swimmer swims out behind the buoy line to secure the rescue tube around the patient and then tow the patient back to the beach. On return to the beach, two rescuers must drag or carry the patient past the finish line. This event is based on rescue scenario’s and requires great knowledge and skill of rescue techniques.
RESCUE TUBE RACE
Based on the tube rescue technique, this individual race begins with the athletes sprinting to recover their rescue tube, secure the belt and proceed to swim out to their designated buoy, placed in a row behind the break. Once the athlete reaches the buoy, the race is concluded when they place their arm over the buoy and raise their arm in the air. This race is all about the detail and is actin packed from start to finish.
Watch the best pool rescue swimmers in the world compete against each other in the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre’s Olympic sized pool in various events in an attempt to test their lifesaving rescue skills. This competition is designed to enhance lifesavers’ rescue skills and accuracy.
This discipline provides a level playing field across the world, as competitors only need a pool to compete and train. You’ll be able to see competitors in events such as a manikin carry, an obstacle course and a tube rescue.
To know what happens in the various pool rescue events, see the descriptions below.
100M OBSTACLE SWIM (MASTERS)
The competitor swims 100m in freestyle, during which he/she swims under four (4) immersed obstacles. The immersed obstacles are placed 12.5m from each end of the pool so that a competitor swims under 2 obstacles each lap.
200M OBSTACLE SWIM (MASTERS)
The competitor swims 200m in freestyle, during which he/she swims under eight (8) immersed obstacles. The immersed obstacles are placed 12.5m from each end of the pool so that a competitor swims under 2 obstacles each lap.
50M MANIKIN CARRY
The competitor swims 25m freestyle and then dives to recover a submerged manikin to the surface within 5m of the pick-up line. The competitor then carries the manikin to the finish edge of the pool.
100M RESCUE MEDLEY
The competitor swims 50m freestyle wearing fins and then dives to recover a submerged manikin to the surface within 10m of the turning edge. The competitor carries the manikin to the finish edge of the pool.
100M MANIKIN CARRY WITH FINS
The competitor swims 50m freestyle wearing fins and then dives to recover a submerged manikin to the surface within 10m of the turning edge. The competitor carries the manikin to the finish edge of the pool.
100M MANIKIN TOW WITH FINS
The competitor swims 50m freestyle with fins and a rescue tube. After touching the turning edge, the competitor fixes the rescue tube around a manikin floating at the surface at the edge and tows it to the finish.
200M SUPER LIFESAVER
The competitor swims 75m freestyle and then dives to recover a submerged manikin. The competitor surfaces the manikin within 5m of the pick-up line and carries it to the turning edge. After touching the wall the competitor releases the manikin. In the water, the competitor dons fins and a rescue tube within 5m of the turning edge and swims 50m freestyle. After touching the wall, the competitor fixes the rescue tube around a floating manikin within 5m of the turning edge and tows it to touch the finish edge of the pool.
LINE THROW
In this timed event, the competitor throws an unweighted line to a fellow team member located in the water approximately 12m away and pulls this “victim” back to the poolside.
4X25M MANIKIN RELAY
Four competitors in turn carry a manikin approximately 25m each.
4X50M OBSTACLE RELAY
Four competitors swim 50m freestyle each passing under two (2) obstacles.
4X50M MEDLEY RELAY
The first competitor swims 50m freestyle without fins. The second competitor swims 50m freestyle with fins. The third competitor swims 50m freestyle pulling a rescue tube and after having touched the wall, passes the harness of the rescue tube to a fourth competitor who wears fins. The third competitor, playing the role of “patient,” holds the rescue tube with both hands, while being towed 50m by the fourth competitor to the finish.
SIMULATED EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMPETITION (SERC)
The Simulated Emergency Response Competition tests the initiative, judgment, knowledge, and abilities of 4 lifesavers who, acting as a team, apply lifesaving skills in a simulated emergency situation unknown to them prior to the start. This competition is judged within a 2-minute time limit. All teams respond to the identical situation and are evaluated by the same judges.
In the various beach track events, you will see the world’s fastest and most agile lifesavers go head-to-head on the sand. This discipline involves different events such as beach flags, beach sprint and team relays.
To know what happens in the various beach track events, see the descriptions below.
BEACH FLAGS
From a prone, lying down starting position on the beach, competitors rise, turn and race to obtain a baton (beach flag) buried upright in the sand approximately 20m away. Since there are always fewer batons than competitors, those who fail to obtain a baton are eliminated.
BEACH SPRINT
Competitors take their positions in their allotted lanes. At the starting signal, competitors race the 90m beach course to the finish line. The finish is judged on the competitor’s chest crossing the finish line. Competitors must finish the event on their feet in an upright position.
BEACH RUN
2 km: Competitors race 2000m on the beach in four 500m legs
1 km: Competitors race 1000m on the beach in two 500m legs
BEACH RELAY
Teams of 4 individuals (3 in Masters) compete in baton relay fashion over a 90m beach course. To start, 2 (1 and 2 members in Masters) competitors take positions in their allotted lane at each end of the course. After the start, each competitor completes a leg of the course with a baton held in either hand and passes the baton on at the conclusion of the first, second, and third legs to the next runner.
This is an event not for the faint hearted. Surf boat races are a test of skill and determination, as teams from around the world go head-to-head in their surf boats past the breaking waves and the buoy, to return to shore before the other crews.
Consisting of five competitors, a surf boat crew has four rowers and a sweep, who controls the boat via a sweep oar and provides instructions to the rowers.
To know what happens in the surf boat race, see the description below.
SURF BOAT RACE
Boat crews stand in knee-deep water holding their boats about 23m apart. After the starting signal, crews’ row around the assigned turning buoys positioned approximately 400m from the start and return to the beach. The finish is determined by any part of the hull crossing the finish line from the seaward side, between the designated flags.
IRB (Inflatable Rescue Boat) Racing is often referred to as the ‘motor sports of surf lifesaving’. This high-octane lifesaving sport will see IRB crews from around the world racing against each other to be the first back to shore. All competitors in this discipline share a need for speed, but at it’s core, this discipline is all about the simulation of rescue situations and how the crew members perform.
IRB crews typically include a driver, a crewperson and a patient. The aim of these events is to be the first in line to rescue the patient in the water and deliver them back to shore safely.
To know what happens in the IRB events, see the descriptions below.
IRB RESCUE
Teams are comprised of 1 patient, 1 driver, and 1 crew member. The patient is positioned on the seaward side of the designated buoy. The driver and crew member are on the beach side of the start/finish line, adjacent to their beach position indicators. On the starter’s signal, the crew launches their IRB, proceeding through the surf to pick-up their patient, round their buoy, and return to shore to finish the event.
IRB MASS RESCUE
Teams are comprised of 2 patients, 1 driver, and 1 crew member. The patients are positioned on the seaward side of the designated buoy. The driver and crew member are on the beach side of the start/finish line, adjacent to their beach position indicators. On the starter’s signal, the crew launches their IRB, proceeding through the surf to pick-up their 1st patient, round their buoy, and return to shore. Upon reaching the shore the driver exits the boat, as does the crew, then the patient. The driver will proceed up the beach and round the allotted beach turning marker. Whilst the driver is completing this the crew and patient turn the IRB around so that it is facing to sea. The IRB shall then be relaunched and proceed through the surf to pick up their 2nd patient, round their buoy, and return to shore to finish the event.
IRB TEAM RESCUE
Teams are comprised of 1 patient and 2 crews (1 driver and 1 crew member per crew). The patient is positioned on the seaward side of a designated buoy. Both crews are positioned on the beach side of the start/finish line, adjacent to their beach position indicator. On the starter’s signal, the first crew launch their IRB and proceed through the surf to the patient. On the inside of the turn as the IRB rounds the buoy, the crew member jumps overboard on the seaward side of the buoy. The driver completes the buoy turn and returns to shore alone. Meanwhile the crew member of the second crew moves into the water. The first driver stays in contact and in control of the IRB until the second crew member secures and takes control of the IRB. The first driver runs up the beach and crosses the start/finish line to tag the second driver who proceeds to the IRB. The second crew re-launch the IRB, proceeding through the surf, to pick-up the patient and the first crew member, round their buoy, and return to shore to finish the event.
IRB RESCUE TUBE
Teams are comprised of 1 patient, 1 driver, and 1 crew member. Patients are positioned at their respective patient buoys, set approximately 25m on the seaward side of the turning buoys. Crew members are positioned on the beach side of the start/finish line, adjacent to their respective beach position indicators. On the starter’s signal, competitors launch their IRBs, proceed through the surf and turn around their respective turning buoy. The crew member dons the rescue tube harness. After the IRB has rounded the turning buoy, the crew member with harness donned and the rescue tube held in a secure grip, enters the water and swims past the turning buoy to their patients. The crew member secures the rescue tube around the arms of the patient and tows the patient back to the IRB. Once the crew member makes contact with the IRB or driver, he or she may board before the victim. The driver may assist the crew member and/or victim into the IRB. Patients may assist themselves in boarding the IRB. After the “victim lift” into the IRB has commenced, the driver drives the IRB around the team’s respective turning buoy and returns to shore to fin.
The Oceanman/Oceanwoman event, also known as the Taplin event, is the ultimate test of speed, skill, courage and endurance. This gruelling event combines most of the lifesaving disciplines in ocean swimming, running, ocean ski paddling and ocean board paddling.
To know what happens in the Oceanman/Oceanwoman events, see the descriptions below.
OCEAN MAN / OCEAN WOMAN
Competitors cover a 1,200m course that includes an ocean swim leg, a board leg, a surf ski leg, and a beach sprint finish. Conditions of racing for each leg are as generally required for the individual conditions of that discipline, including the rules governing the component disciplines: ocean ski races, ocean board races, ocean swim races, beach sprints.
OCEAN MAN / OCEAN WOMAN RELAY
Teams of 4 competitors (1 swimmer, 1 board paddler, 1 surf ski paddler, and 1 runner) cover the course in a sequence of legs determined by draw at the start of each world championship programme. The run leg is always the final leg. If the ski leg is first, competitors shall start with a typical in-water start.