For pool lifesaving competitions, regional and provincial competitions are held in a “short course metre” (i.e. 25-metre pool), while national and international competitions are held in a “long course metre” (i.e. 50-metre pool). Depending on the type of pool used, the individual and team events might be modified. All events are based on the International Lifesaving Manual (a.k.a. ILS manual), and new manuals are created to deal with discrepancies and modifications at the regional, provincial, and national level.
Obstacle Swim
With a dive entry, the competitor swims under a number of immersed obstacles to touch the finish wall of the pool. Sizes and number of obstacles may vary dependent on age category.
Throwing Accuracy/ Line Throw
At the junior level, the competitor throws an unweighted line to hit a floating target 3 times within a 2-minute time limit. At the senior and masters level, the competitor throws an unweighted line to a fellow team member located in the water at 12.5-metre distance. The competitor pulls this “victim” back to the finish wall of the pool within 45-seconds.
Object Carry/ Manikin Carry
With a dive entry, the competitor swims 25-metres to retrieve an object, bring to the surface, and carries the object to touch the finish wall of the pool, for a total distance of 50-metres. The retrieved item may vary dependent on the age category. Specifically for seniors and masters, the item is a manikin where it needs to be carried face up
Manikin Tow with Fins
With a dive start, the competitor swims freestyle with fins and rescue tube to retrieve a half-filled floating manikin. The competitor fixes the rescue tube correctly around a manikin and tows it to the finish line.
Manikin Carry with Fins
With a dive start, the competitor swims freestyle with fins to retrieve a submerged manikin. The competitor carries the manikin to the finish line.
Super Lifesaver
This is a seniors and masters event where it is the “manikin carry” and the “manikin tow with fins” completed in sequence.
- With a dive start, the competitor swims freestyle, and then dives to recover a submerged manikin.
- The competitor surfaces the manikin and carries it to the wall.
- After touching the water, the competitor releases the manikin and dons fins and rescue tube.
- The competitor swims freestyle with fins and rescue tube to retrieve a half-filled floating manikin.
- The competitor fixes the rescue tube correctly around a manikin and tows it to the finish line.
For more detailed description of individual events, please refer to the most updated International Lifesaving Manual at http://www.lifesavingsociety.com/lifesaving-sport/rule-books.aspx
