Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships 2024 set to commence at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
Top lifesaving athletes of all ages from around Australia are heading to the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre for three days of intense competition at this year’s Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships.
Following a deadly summer period where already 52 people have lost their lives to drowning in Australia, the importance of the Royal Life Saving Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships has never been greater.
The Championships, which take place from tomorrow (Thursday 18th January) to Saturday 20th January test each competitor’s abilities in lifesaving through a series of challenge events that simulate real lifesaving situations and emergencies.
Royal Life Saving Society - Australia Chief Executive, Justin Scarr said the athletes use their training not only in competition, but also as pool lifeguards, and swim teachers, supporting the next generation of Australians to stay safe around water.
Events include the Manikin Carry, Manikin Tow, Line Throw, Obstacle Swim and the Simulated Emergency Response Competition (SERC) - a timed event where lifesavers are tested on their initiative, judgement, knowledge and skills. All the events are based on rescuing a person who is in immediate danger.
Scarr noted “every event has a real-life application. The manikin tow replicates pulling a person through the water to safety; the CPR challenge tests the competitor’s precision as they work to save a life.
“Every challenge is preparing these athletes for the next time they have to rescue someone in real life. Many of them have already saved someone in their day jobs, or as volunteers, or just as skilled passers-by who have spotted someone in trouble.”
Competitors at the Championships are preparing for the Lifesaving World Championships to be held on the Gold Coast in September 2024.
Looking forward to the event, Scarr added “we’re delighted to welcome everyone to this year’s Championships. The event is an opportunity to showcase the sport of Pool Lifesaving, and the stage is set for a great competition as state and territory teams battle it out for the Championship title.”
Royal Life Saving will share live Facebook and Instagram updates throughout the championships using the hashtag #APLSC2024.
For more information about Royal Life Saving, visit www.royallifesaving.com.au
Images: Action at the 2022 Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships.
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