Watch the best pool rescue swimmers in the world compete against each other in the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre’s Olympic sized pool in various events in an attempt to test their lifesaving rescue skills. This competition is designed to enhance lifesavers’ rescue skills and accuracy.
This discipline provides a level playing field across the world, as competitors only need a pool to compete and train. You’ll be able to see competitors in events such as a manikin carry, an obstacle course and a tube rescue.
To know what happens in the various pool rescue events, see the descriptions below.
The competitor swims 100m in freestyle, during which he/she swims under four (4) immersed obstacles. The immersed obstacles are placed 12.5m from each end of the pool so that a competitor swims under 2 obstacles each lap.
The competitor swims 200m in freestyle, during which he/she swims under eight (8) immersed obstacles. The immersed obstacles are placed 12.5m from each end of the pool so that a competitor swims under 2 obstacles each lap.
The competitor swims 25m freestyle and then dives to recover a submerged manikin to the surface within 5m of the pick-up line. The competitor then carries the manikin to the finish edge of the pool.
The competitor swims 50m freestyle to turn, dive, and swim underwater to a submerged manikin located at 20m distance for men and 15m distance for women.
The competitor surfaces the manikin within the 5m pick-up line, and then carries it the remaining distance to the finish edge of the pool.
The competitor swims 50m freestyle wearing fins and then dives to recover a submerged manikin to the surface within 10m of the turning edge.
The competitor carries the manikin to the finish edge of the pool.
The competitor swims 50m freestyle with fins and a rescue tube.
After touching the turning edge, the competitor fixes the rescue tube around a manikin floating at the surface at the edge and tows it to the finish.
The competitor swims 75m freestyle and then dives to recover a submerged manikin. The competitor surfaces the manikin within 5m of the pick-up line and carries it to the turning edge. After touching the wall the competitor releases the manikin.
In the water, the competitor dons fins and a rescue tube within 5m of the turning edge and swims 50m freestyle. After touching the wall, the competitor fixes the rescue tube around a floating manikin within 5m of the turning edge and tows it to touch the finish edge of the pool.
In this timed event, the competitor throws an unweighted line to a fellow team member located in the water approximately 12m away and pulls this “victim” back to the poolside.
Four competitors in turn carry a manikin approximately 25m each.
Four competitors swim 50m freestyle each passing under two (2) obstacles.
The first competitor swims 50m freestyle without fins.
The second competitor swims 50m freestyle with fins.
The third competitor swims 50m freestyle pulling a rescue tube and after having touched the wall, passes the harness of the rescue tube to a fourth competitor who wears fins.
The third competitor, playing the role of “patient,” holds the rescue tube with both hands, while being towed 50m by the fourth competitor to the finish.
The Simulated Emergency Response Competition tests the initiative, judgment, knowledge, and abilities of 4 lifesavers who, acting as a team, apply lifesaving skills in a simulated emergency situation unknown to them prior to the start. This competition is judged within a 2-minute time limit. All teams respond to the identical situation and are evaluated by the same judges.
LWC24 acknowledge the original inhabitants of this area, including the Yugambeh people and family groups within, and recognise their connection to the land, waters and resources in the area now known as the Gold Coast. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
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