Australian Pool Life Saving Championships underway in Hobart

Australia's elite swimming pool lifesavers have began competition in the Australian Pool Life Saving Championships at the Hobart Aquatic Centre.

More than 150 competitors from across Australia are participating inhe annual event, being held from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th January 2015

Representative teams are chosen yearly at the Australian Pool Life Saving Championships. These teams - called the 'Aussie Barra's' after the Barramundi fish - an aggressive fresh and saltwater fish found in Australian waters.

In addition to the Open Aussie Barras team; a Junior (Under 16) Aussie Barras team and Silver (Under 19) Aussie Barras Team are also selected to attend an annual Training Camp and various selected International Competitions throughout the year.

Explaining that teams also compete in simulated emergency rescues, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia National Sport and Events Officer Emma McMullen told the ABC "a scenario we set up with a number of different drowning victims and then teams come out, assess the situation and rescue patients accordingly."

Lifesavers are awarded points for the way they handle the emergencies.

More than 150 competitors from across Australia have travelled to the southern capital for the event.

The Australian Pool Life Saving Championships have been conducted in various forms since 1965. Originally held every two years, since 1987 they are now held annually and consist of three days of Pool Lifesaving competition with events combining an Under 14 and Senior (Under 16, Under 19, Open and Masters) Competition.

Live Facebook and Twitter updates are available throughout the championships.