News from SLSA and LSV

Over 400 Surf lifesavers from 49 clubs around the country will compete in Youth, Open and Masters categories over three action-packed days of racing, that will also include the “Interstate Championships”, which sees surf lifesavers compete and represent their state, for national supremacy in the pool.  

Local Gold Coast club Currumbin SLSC will be out to defend their title as reigning Australian champions, they have dominated past events, claiming an incredible sixth consecutive title in the Opens competition when it was last held in 2019. 

Neighbouring club Tweed Heads & Coolangatta SLSC are also preparing and aiming to defend the Australian title they won in the Masters competition in 2019.  

The 2019 Australian Pool Rescue Championships was a record-breaking affair, with almost 60 Australian lifesaving records, as well as four World lifesaving records, broken during the competition. 

Across the 2022 Championships selected individuals will represent their states and accumulated points towards the Interstates Championships point score, with Queensland the current defending champions. 

SLSA National Sport Manager Wayne Druery said that the Australian Pool Rescue Championships focus on the intricate nature of rescues as athletes compete in technical events such as the Super Lifesaver, Manikin Carry and Pool Lifesaver relays.  

“We’re very much looking forward to returning to the Gold Coast after three years off due to COVID-19 to host The Australian and Interstate Pool Rescue Championships,” Druery said.  

“The SLSA Pool Champs are an opportunity for our surf lifesavers to finesse their rescue skills and techniques before the regular patrol season starts, so that they are always rescue ready.  

“The races are very technical and require a lot of training to get them absolutely perfect, this directly translates into their patrols on the beach, ensuring that they have the most up to date skills necessary to save lives,” he added. 

The 2022 Australian and Interstate Pool Rescue Championships commence tomorrow, August 5, and will run to Sunday 7, August.  

Stay tuned to the SLSA Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts for all the updates, galleries, and highlights from the event, and join in the conversation with #PoolChamps2022. 

Events schedule and a list of competing clubs.

Friday 5 August 

07:00am – Warm Ups
08:30am – Opening Ceremony with State teams and clubs
09:00am – Interclub Competition Commences
03:30pm – Interstate Relays Commence 
04:00pm – Interstate Relays conclude

Saturday 6 August 

07:00am – Warm Ups
08:30am – Competition Commences
04:00pm – Competition Concludes 

Sunday 7 August 

07:00am – Warm Ups
08:30am – Competition Commences
03:00pm – Competition Concludes 

Clubs