Victorian team secures win at Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships

Three days of intense competition and exciting finishes in the line throw and manikin tow events finished with the Victorian state team crowned champions of the Royal Life Saving Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships.

Competitors travelled from all over Australia to the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre for the championships, with the competition’s “do or die” approach having a special relevance, as every event has a real-life application and precision is as important as speed and agility.

The Victorian team edged out strong competition from the Western Australian state team, and the NSW state team to claim victory. NSW had held the title for five events running.

In addition to winning the overall points tally, the Victorian State Team also made a clean sweep of the CPR competition, taking home the Laerdal CPR Trophy after winning the under-16, under-19 and Open divisions.

Pool lifesaving is one of the three core disciplines that make up the sport of lifesaving internationally. In addition to ocean and beach disciplines, more commonly known as surf lifesaving, pool lifesaving tests swimming, rescue skills and initiative in a still-water environment.

The Lifesavers of the Meet were Jake Smith, WA State Team (Open) and Chelsea Jones, NSW State Team (U19). It was Smith’s second Lifesaver of the Meet honour in a row, having taken home the award in 2022.

Special mention goes to Kevin Corry from Victoria who was awarded Official of the Meet by Chief Referee Jo Teagle, for his role at the event.

Teagle explained “Kevin jumped in to switch roles and help with equipment when he heard we were short volunteers.

“He was a great asset to the equipment team and the first to arrive and the last to leave each day. His contribution was key to ensuring the success of the championships.”

Practical Application
Advising that the athletes use their training not only in competition, but also to be teachers, swim teachers, swim club members, and pool lifeguards, supporting the next generation of Australians to stay safe around water, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia Chief Executive, Justin Scarr noted “as well as the tremendous athleticism on display, I’d like to acknowledge all the volunteers behind the scenes who make this event an important part of the pool lifesaving calendar.

“Our hosts from Life Saving Victoria did an outstanding job in supporting the event, as did key staff from Royal Life Saving.

“But the event simply wouldn’t happen without the officials who ensure that every event meets the international standard so our lifesavers can be considered for international level competitions.”

Image: The winning Victorian team at the 2023 Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships.