Royal Life Saving highlights the value of lifeguard challenges lifting industry standards

Royal Life Saving Australia has pointed to the role of pool lifeguard challenge competitions run annually by its member organisations and their role in and celebrating the top professional pool lifeguards across their respective states and territories.

The events are designed to test the abilities and knowledge of teams of professional pool lifeguards in a fun and collaborative environment.

Teams of four lifeguards are entered into the events by their employer to participate on behalf of their aquatic facility.

In order to win a podium position, a team must successfully work together to overcome various scenarios that test their teamwork, communication, fitness and lifeguarding skills and knowledge.

The events provide pool lifeguards with an opportunity to practice essential lifesaving skills under the guidance of professional industry examiners. In addition, the skills learned through participating in the Pool Lifeguard Challenge (PLG) greatly assist lifeguards to create safer aquatic facilities throughout Australia.

The teams are challenged in a variety of simulated scenarios, such as managing major incidents, a theory assessment, as well as race events in the pool including rescue tows, line throws and manikin relays.

Explaining that said teams work together to overcome various scenarios that test their teamwork, communication and lifeguarding skills and knowledge, Royal Life Saving National Manager - Lifesaving Development, Brooke Cherfils states “a podium finish at a Pool Lifeguard Challenge provides formal recognition of excellence in pool lifeguarding by the winning facilities.

“The scenarios teams face are both difficult and realistic, and could easily occur at the participants’ own facilities. A variety of twists and complications are also introduced into the scenarios to make the situations even more challenging.”

Western Australia PLG Challenge 2025
17 teams from aquatic centres across Western Australia came together for the 2025 Pool Lifeguard Challenge, hosted by the City of Mandurah’s Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre.

Sponsored by the LIWA Aquatics and facilitated by Royal Life Saving WA, the challenge not only tested critical lifeguarding skills but also fostered ongoing improvement and camaraderie within the industry.

Held in March, the three top teams were:

1. City of Swan - Swan Active

2. City of Canning

3. City of Stirling (Western Australia) Stirling Leisure Centre, Inglewood

Queensland - PLG Challenge 2025
Held at the Sleeman Sport Complex, the three top teams were:

1. City of Gold Coast

2. Sleeman Team 2

3. Sleeman Team 1

Most Valuable Competitor: Brenden Elliott (Gold Coast)

Royal Life Saving Society - Queensland extended its gratitude to Sleeman Sports Complex for providing the event venue and support staff, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia for offering support staff and competitor equipment kits, and the staff from Royal Life Saving Society Queensland who assisted with event officiating and adjudication.

Victoria - Life Saving Victoria PLG Challenge
Held on Thursday 25th July 2024 at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC), 21 teams of pool lifeguards from across Victoria competed to be crowned the best of the best.

The three top teams were:

1. Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre

2. Maroondah Leisure

3. Wynactive - Werribee Outdoor Pool

Operations Team Leader and competitor at Glen Eira Leisure, Samara Keifer, said the team came together in a solid performance, commenting “we put in 2 months of weekly training and had a lot of new people in the environment as well, so everyone was equally dedicated.

“We’ve had a lot of new members in the program this year, so it’s not like we have a team of people with six years’ experience coming in and knowing what game day looks like. We’re lucky to have a dedicated team, and everyone keeps stepping up and bringing the standard higher, and we’ve got good leadership too.”

2025 LSV Pool Lifeguard Challenge
To be held on Thursday 16th October at MSAC, Life Saving Victoria’s 2025 Pool Lifeguard Challenge promises to be an exciting event, offering lifeguards opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Participants will receive real-time feedback on simulated scenarios, enabling them to respond calmly and effectively in emergencies. The event will also encourage discussions on internal training and upskilling, benefiting lifeguards and their teams.

Click here for more information. 

A variety of events are available around Australia for pool lifeguard teams to enter.

To find out if there is an event for your facility to enter, please contact your Royal Life Saving State / Territory Office.

If you would like to express an interest in attending a national event, please contact Brooke Cherfils at the Royal Life Saving Australia (national office) on email: bcherfils@rlssa.org.au

Images: Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre lifeguards celebrate their win at the 2024 Life Saving Victoria PLG Challenge (top), participants in the 2025 Western Australia PLG Challenge 2025 (middle) and winers at the 2025 Queensland PLG Challenge (below).