All eyes will be on the Gold Coast in 2024 when they host the biggest competition in life saving sport worldwide, the Lifesaving World Championships (LWC).
Every two years the International Lifesaving Federation organises the LWC – an event that showcases excellence in lifesaving sports and rescue; attracting the most talented and skilled lifesaving athletes to compete for the title of World’s best.
The action-packed event, hosted by Surf Life Saving Queensland, will run for three weeks between the 20 August and 8 September 2024.
During this time, up to 7,000 athletes, including Olympian and World Champions, from youth to masters, and an additional 12,000 supporters from 50 countries will descend upon the Gold Coast to take part in the competition.
Surf Life Saving sport showcases the skills and physical abilities required to save a life through different competition events on the beach, in the ocean and in the pool.
With the pool events being held at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre at Southport and the ocean events at Kurrawa Beach, LWC 2024 promises to be one of the biggest international sporting events held in Queensland since the Commonwealth Games of 2018.
The event program will include a spectacular Opening and Closing ceremony, rescue demonstrations, and a festival zone with entertainment for spectators and locals to enjoy.
SLSQ Project Director for the Lifesaving World Championships 2024, Mr Ron Rankin AM, recognised the important role government has played in ensuring the event returns to Queensland for the first time since 1988.
“The LWC 2024 would not be possible without the support of the Queensland Government, City of Gold Coast, and government bodies, including Tourism and Events Queensland and Major Events Gold Coast, who have contributed vital funding and in-kind support to ensure the Gold Coast and Queensland reap the economic benefits of this event,” said Mr Rankin AM.
“2024 will be an even bigger and more significant event than previous Championships as it will also bring together all nations that are members of ILS to conduct a General Assembly of Nations which includes regional meetings, commission meetings, civic reception, and Grand Knights dinner.
“Recognising the importance of this event and building strong relationships within our region, SLSQ will also provide some financial assistance to 25 developing nations, particularly in the Asia Pacific Region, to help them attend the event and General Assembly of Nations focused on drowning prevention in their jurisdiction.”
The Queensland Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement, the Hon Stirling Hinchliffe MP, also announced an additional $250,000 in funding from the Queensland Government towards the Gold Coast hosting the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships.
“This event will attract up to 7,700 competitors, volunteers and officials and another 12,000 support crew, coaches, family and friends, generating $15 million in economic benefits,” said Mr Hinchliffe.
“With 50 competing nations and events live streamed around the globe this will follow hot on the heels of the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup as an event that will showcase Queensland as a premier destination for major sporting events.
“Lifesaving is one of the sports putting up its hand for inclusion in the Olympics so what better time and place to showcase the very best surf sports athletes in the world than at Kurrawa Beach and the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre from 20 August to 8 September 2024.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said: “Another day and another major announcement for our city. The Lifesaving World Championships are the pinnacle of this sport globally. It is fitting we will host the action as well as the key events that support the world championships.
“The Gold Coast will do Australia proud as host as we roll out 55kms of golden carpet to welcome athletes and officials in 2024.’’
