Royal Life Saving Sport

The Royal Life Saving Society has an established sport participation pathway that provides regular opportunities for lifesavers from community level to elite. The sport of pool life saving tests a lifesaver's skills in rescue, accident prevention and emergency care. A key event is the 'Simulated Emergency Response Competition' which pits a team of lifesavers against a staged emergency. Variations of this activity are used in all Royal Life Saving programs.

In Queensland, the Society conducts a number of Championships (competitions), including the:

• Queensland Pool Life Saving Championships,
• Queensland Short Course Life Saving Championships,
• Primary School Life Saving Championships,
• Secondary School Life Saving Championships, and
• Clubs Carnival

More Information

»» Click here for More information about the Primary School Life Saving Championships »»

^^ Close >^^ ROYAL LIFE SAVING SPORT ~ STATE PRIMARY SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIPS 8m Line Throw - Male & Female Events This event entails the rescue of a patient by coiling and throwing an unweighted line (rope) to a patient in the water 8m from the pool side and pulling the patient back to the edge. The line used will be of RLSS competition standard. Patients will be placed in the centre of each lane; one hand holding their competitor’s line and the other holding the cross line (a line placed across the pool lane indicating the 8 metre mark) which is positioned 8m from the end of the pool. The surplus line will trail in the water over and behind the cross line. At the commencement of the throw, each competitor will stand in an upright position with their heels together and arms by their side facing their patient, with one hand holding the end of the line. On the starting signal, the patient will release their competitor’s line; the competitor will coil the line and throw it to their patient. Provided the line falls within the competitors own lane and within reach of the patient, the patient shall hold the line with the free hand. The patient is not permitted to release their hold on the cross line until the line is grasped. Patients may signal to the competitor when they have taken hold of the line and the competitor will then proceed to haul the patient to the pool edge. The patient’s must be towed on their front and are allowed to assist by kicking on the way back. Time limit of 45 seconds. 100m Individual Medley - Male & Female Events Maximum 4 competitors per school The 100m individual medley of survival strokes will be swum continuously in the following order: 25 metres on the back (use of arms is permissible, providing the action of the arms/hand is symmetrical). 25 metres on the side (use of arms is permissible). 25 metres on the breast. 25 metres front crawl. In (1), (2) and (3) any leg action is permissible, and arm actions must use an underwater arm recovery (which means that no part of the hand can leave the water during the recovery). 100m Individual Life Saving Race - Male & Female Events Maximum 4 competitors per school (plus patients). This event will involve two patients and one rescuer. Competitors must complete the entire race clothed in long sleeve shirt (full buttons, down the front) & long pants (no tights, long pants can be denim jeans or light weight cotton or item of clothing of a similar nature). Patients will be wearing swimming costumes only. The competitor starts with a shallow water dive and swims with breaststroke to the conscious patient at the 25m mark, then touches the wall. The competitor will then collect a non-rigid aid (i.e. tea towel) and tow the conscious patient to the other end of the pool. The rescuer must touch the end of the pool. The rescuer will leave the patient and freestyle swim to the 25m mark, touch the end of the pool. The rescuer will collect a rigid aid (kickboard) from the side of the pool and tow the patient to the end of the pool. The race is complete when the rescuer touches the end of the pool. In this event, there is to be no assistance by the patient. Patients must be towed on their back 4 x 25m Team Survival Relay – Mixed Event Competitors must complete the entire race clothed in long sleeve shirt (full buttons, down the front) & long pants (no tights, long pants can be denim jeans or light weight cotton or item of clothing of a similar nature). The order of the swims shall be: First Swimmer - swim wearing a type 1 Personal Flotation Devive (PFD); 25m Second Swimmer - Breaststroke; 25m Third Swimmer - Survival backstroke; 25m Fourth Swimmer - Sidestroke 25m The 2nd, 3rd & 4th strokes must comply with those strokes as defined in the current edition of the Society’s Swimming & Lifesaving Manual. The PFD swimmer (1st swimmer) and Survival backstroke (3rd swimmer) will start the race in the water with one hand (minimum) holding the end of the pool. The 2nd and 4th swimmer may use a shallow dive. 50m Rescue Race (Non Contact) - Male & Female Events Both patient and rescuer will be wearing swimwear. On the starting signal, the rescuer will swim twenty five (25) metres with a kickboard, touch the end of the pool with at least one hand The rescuer will tow the patient using a non-contact tow to the starting end. The patient must be towed on their back and they may assist by kicking however the patient must stay behind the rescuer. 4 x 25m Fin Relay – Mixed Event Each competitor will swim 25m freestyle with rubber fins. A part of the swim must be on the surface of the water. The touch on the wall must be done above the water prior to next swimmer starting. Other Information The Society reserves the right to: Change or amend competition rules without notice Modify the order of events Clarify any rules which may be inconsistent, unclear An official from a school may clarify any rules with the Competition Referee prior to the start of the Championships Entry to the Primary & Scondary School Championship is open to any school in Qld (either State or Private) Entries normally close at least one week before the event ^^ Close >^^

»» Click here for More information about the Secondary School Life Saving Championships »»

^^ Close >^^ ROYAL LIFE SAVING SPORT ~ STATE SECONDARY SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIPS 200m Individual Medley - Male & Female Age: U13, U15 & Open Maximum 4 competitors per school per event. The 200m individual medley of survival strokes will be swum continuously in the following order: 50metres on the back (use of arms is permissible, providing the action of the arms/hand is symmetrical). 50metres on the side (use of arms is permissible). 50metres on the breast. 50 metres front crawl. In (1), (2) and (3) any leg action is permissible, and arm actions must use an underwater arm recovery (which means that no part of the hand can leave the water during the recovery). 10m Line Throw - Male & Female Age: U13, U15 & Open Maximum 4 competitors per school per event This event entails the rescue of a patient by coiling and throwing an unweighted line (rope) to a patient in the water 10m from the pool side and pulling the patient back to the edge. The line used will be of RLSS competition standard. Patients will be placed in the centre of each lane; one hand holding their competitor’s line and the other holding the cross line (a line placed across the pool lane indicating the 10 metre mark) which is positioned 10m from the end of the pool. The surplus line will trail in the water over and behind the cross line. At the commencement of the throw, each competitor will stand in an upright position with their heels together and arms by their side facing their patient, with one hand holding the end of the line. On the starting signal, the patient will release their competitor’s line; the competitor will coil the line and throw it to their patient. Provided the line falls within the competitors own lane and within reach of the patient, the patient shall hold the line with the free hand. The patient is not permitted to release their hold on the cross line until the line is grasped. Patients may signal to the competitor when they have taken hold of the line and the competitor will then proceed to haul the patient to the pool edge. The patient’s must be towed on their front and are allowed to assist by kicking on the way back. Time limit – 40 seconds. 100m Rescue Race (Non Contact) – Male & Female Age: U13, U15 & Open Maximum 4 competitors per school per event On the starting signal, the rescuer will swim 50 metres with a kickboard, touch the end of the pool with at least one hand The rescuer will tow the patient using a non-contact tow to the starting end. The patient must be towed on their back and they may assist by kicking however the patient must stay behind the rescuer. 4 x 50m Team Survival Relay – Male & Female Age: U13, U15 & Open Maximum 4 teams per school The order of the swims shall be: First Swimmer - Survival backstroke; 50m Second Swimmer - Sidestroke 50m Third Swimmer - Breaststroke 50m Fourth Swimmer - Freestyle 50m The strokes must comply with those strokes as defined in the current edition of the Society’s Swimming & Lifesaving Manual. The Survival backstroke swimmer will start the race in the water with at least one hand holding the end of the pool. The other swimmers may use a shallow water dive. 4 x 50m Fin Relay – Male/ Female Age: U13, U15 & Open Maximum 4 teams per school Each competitor will swim 50m freestyle with rubber fins. Competitors may perform the majority of the lap underwater but must take one full arm stroke above the water during the lap. The touch on the wall must be done above the water prior to next swimmer starting. Other Information The Society reserves the right to: Change or amend competition rules without notice Modify the order of events Clarify any rules which may be inconsistent, unclear An official from a school may clarify any rules with the Competition Referee prior to the start of the Championships Entry to the Primary & Scondary School Championship is open to any school in Qld (either State or Private) Entries normally close at least one week before the event ^^ Close >^^

»» Click here for Sports Results »»

^^ Close >^^ ROYAL LIFE SAVING SPORT ~ RESULTS World Life Saving Championships - Rescue Series Rescue 2014 (large file) Rescue 2012 Rescue 2012 Masters Rescue 2012 Inter Club Rescue 2010 (large file) Rescue 2010 Inter Club Rescue 2010 Masters Rescue 2008 National Teams Summary Rescue 2008 National Teams Detail Rescue 2006 (large file) Rescue 2004 Rescue 2002 Rescue 2000 Rescue 1998 Rescue 1996 Rescue 1994 Rescue 1992 Australian Pool Life Saving Championship (APLSC) APLSC 2016 APLSC 2015 APLSC 2014 APLSC 2013 APLSC 2012 APLSC 2011 APLSC 2010 APLSC 2009 APLSC 2008 APLSC 2007 APLSC 2006 APLSC 2005 APLSC 2004 APLSC 2003 APLSC 2002 State Championships 2011 Queensland State Championships 2012 Queensland State Championships 2015 Queensland State Championships Short Course Championships 2009 Short Course 2010 Short Course 2011 Short Course 2012 Short Course 2013 Short Course 2015 Short Course Queensland Pro-Am 2008 Pro-Am 2009 Pro-Am 2010 Pro-Am 2011 Pro-Am 2012 Pro-Am 2013 Pro-Am 2014 Pro-Am State Primary School Championships 2011 Primary Schools Results and Overall Results 2012 Primary Schools Results and Overall Results 2013 Primary Schools Results and Overall Results 2014 Primary Schools Results and Overall Results 2015 Primary Schools Results and Overall Results 2016 Primary Schools Results and Overall Results State Secondary School Championships 2009 Secondary Schools Results and Overall Results 2010 Secondary Schools Results and Overall Results 2011 Secondary Schools Results and Overall Results 2012 Secondary Schools Results and Overall Results 2013 Secondary Schools Results and Overall Results 2014 Secondary Schools Results and Overall Results 2015 Secondary Schools Results and Overall Results 2016 Secondary Schools Results and Overall Results Australian Pool Life Saving Championships 2013 Overall Results 2014 Overall Results Australian Lifeguard Network - Queensland Lifeguard Challenge 2015 Team Results and 2015 Overall Results ^^ Close >^^

Please contact the Sport Liaison Officer by email (sport@rlssq.com.au) for more information.

Who Can Compete

Any one can compete in any of the Society Life Saving competitions provided that they hold a current Bronze Medallion (some Junior championships do not require this qualification), and are either:

• a member of the Society (link to membership information),
• a member of an Affiliated Club,
• a member of the Queensland Lifeguard League (which is an affiliated club), or
• for primary and secondary school championships, a current enrolled student of that school.

The Sport of Pool Life Saving

Pool Life Saving consists of a number of events, that test a life savers skills at rescue work. Common events include:

• Obstacle Race
• Manikin Carry, with and without fins (a carry is a rescue of a manikin without a rescue tube)
• Manikin Tow with fins (a tow is using a rescue of a manikin with a Rescue Tube)
• Line Throw Rescue (rope)
• Super Life Saver Race (a race combining a number of events into one race)
• Team Relay races

Life Saving Beach Sport

One of the Society's affiliated Clubs (Ithaca - Caloundra City Life Saving Club) hosts an annual Beach Carnival in Caloundra, just prior to Easter each year. The Carnival is aimed at Junior members, however the Club does also conduct some Senior and Masters Events. It is completed in a short course manner in a non-surf environment and includes events such as:

• March Past, with Reel and Line
• Beach Flags
• Beach Sprints
• Rescue Race
• Paddle Board Race

The Beach Carnival is only open to members of an Affiliated Club. Please see the Society's Club Page in respect to joining a Club.

Australian Pool Life Saving Championships

The Australian Pool Life Saving Championships have been conducted in various forms since 1965. Originally held every two years, since 1987 they are now held annually and consist of 3 days of Pool Lifesaving competition with events combining an Under 14 and Senior (Under 16, Under 19, Open and Masters) Competition.

Representative teams are chosen yearly at the Australian Pool Life Saving Championships. These teams - called the 'Aussie Barra's' are named after the Barramundi fish - an aggressive fresh and saltwater fish found in Australian waters.

In addition to the Open Aussie Barras team; a Junior (Under 16) Aussie Barras team and Silver (Under 19) Aussie Barras Team are also selected to attend an annual Training Camp and various selected International Competitions throughout the year.

Life Saving World Championships - 'Rescue Series'

Every two years the International Life Saving Federation organises the Lifesaving World Championships, known as The Rescue Series. The World Championships involve between 2,500 and 5,000 Competitors and Officials and last some 14 days. Members of the Society (as an individual), or members of an affiliated Club, may compete at the Life Saving World Championship. Current and past World Life Saving Championships:

• Rescue 2020, Riccione, Italy, 18 September to 5 October 2020
• Rescue 2018, Adelaide, Australia, 16 November to 2 December 2018
• Rescue 2016, Eindhoven & Noordwijk, Netherlands 1 - 18 September 2016
• Rescue 2014, Montpellier, France, 14 - 30 September 2014
• Rescue 2012, Adelaide, Australia, 7 - 18 November 2012
• Rescue 2010, Alexandria, Egypt, 2 - 17 October 2010
• Rescue 2008, Berlin & Warnemunde, Germany, 18 July to 2 August 2008
• Rescue 2006, Geelong & Lorne, Australia, 10 - 26 February 2006
• Rescue 2004, Viareggio, Italy, 10 - 27 Sept 2004
• Rescue 2002, Daytona, USA 2002
• Rescue 2000, Sydney, Australia 2000
• Rescue 1998, Auckland, NZ 1998
• Rescue 1996, Durban, South Africa 1996
• Rescue 1994, Cardiff, Wales 1994
• Rescue 1992, Shimoda, Japan 1992
• Rescue 1990, Germany 1990
• Rescue 1988, Gold Coast, Australia 1988
• Rescue 1986, UK / Canada 1986

The World Championships include the following events:

• The World Championships for National Teams - Open
• National Teams - Youth
• Club Teams - Open
• Club Teams - Youth
• Masters
• Surfboats
• Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRB)
• Extra Events such as March Past, Long distance Races,etc

Sports Committee

The Society manages its sport activities in Queensland, via a volunteer committee known as the Sport Committee (sometimes referred to as the Competition Committee), which comprises of the following people:

• The State Team Manager
• The State Team Coach
• The Sport Co-ordinator
• The Executive Director
• A representative of the Board of Directors of the Society

The Queensland Sports Committee is responsible for organising the sporting events. Members of the Sports Committee will also assist with organising Athletes, Coaches and Officials to be ready for events, and with the development of Athletes.