Australian Pool Rescue Championships commence at Gold Coast Aquatic Centre

The 2024 National and Interstate Pool Rescue Championships are getting underway today with 490 athletes from 63 clubs, including nine international clubs, competing at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre in Southport.

Running from 2nd to 4th August, the Championships bring together some of the nation’s most skilled swimmers - in age categories from under 12s to 75+ - showcasing and testing a diverse range of lifesaving skills and techniques in events including Obstacle Relay, Line Throw, Manikin Tow, Manikin Carry, Swim with fins and Medley Relay.

Competitors are looking to exceed achievements at the 2023 Championships which saw 58 Australian Lifesaving records broken as well as five world records, with more record breaking expected for this year.

Welcoming the vent, Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate commented "we can’t wait to welcome the exciting Australian Pool Rescue Championships back to our world class Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.

“Not only is pool rescue a great spectator sport, the Championships are also one of the key qualifying events for the national lifesaving teams. What a great way for our elite lifesavers to display the skills that keep them rescue ready for the start of the patrol season.”

Surf Life Saving Australia Sport Manager, Wayne Druery added "the championships not only celebrate athletic excellence but also emphasise the importance of water safety and lifesaving skills.

“Through this event, we hope to showcase and raise awareness about the critical role that lifesavers play in protecting lives and promoting water safety in our communities.”

The Australian Pool Rescue Championships are proudly supported by Experience Gold Coast.

Image credit: Surf Life Saving Australia.