2008 Australian Pool Life Saving Championships

The competition saw national and international lifesavers compete in a number of dramatic lifesaving contests including events simulating real situations.

The competition saw national and international lifesavers compete in a number of dramatic lifesaving contests including events simulating real situations. NSW narrowly managed to hold supremacy as the overall winners, Queensland team came a close second and Victoria third.

“It has been an exciting time for Queensland to host the 2008 National Pool Lifesaving Championships. This was made especially exciting with the inclusion of the International competitors from China, Korea and New Zealand.

There were some exceptional performances from all competitors at the Championships with many doing their personal best. The venue was perfect and I believe all Competitors, Officials and Spectators enjoyed their time in Sunny Queensland,” said Ken Chandler, Executive Director Royal Life Saving Queensland.

Concluding on the weekend, the Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships are an annual event conducted by Royal Life Saving. Events held at the Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships determine the competitor’s ability in lifesaving with events.

Competing in events including manikin tow and rescue, line throw, and obstacle relay competitors have had the opportunity to display their skills as they vie for a place on the Royal Life Saving National Squad.

“11 Championship records in all age groups were broken over the 4 days of competition which shows the continued development of pool lifesaving in all states and territories in Australia., said Penny Hodgers, National Sport Development Officer Royal Life Saving.

“RLSSA invited some International teams to the event and having them come and compete provided an International flavor and standard of competition,” added Hodgers.

The Championships also served as the final event of the Lifesaving Grand Prix Series conducted by Royal Life Saving.

The first two events of the series were held in 2007 in Werribe, VIC (April) and Sydney (July). Prize money of $1000 was awarded to the overall Male and Female Grand Prix Championship winners from the series. The winners of these prizes as overall champions of the Grand Prix Series were Andrew Bowden (NSW) and Sarah Windsor (QLD).

The Junior and Silver Aussie Barra team was selected from the performances at the Lifesaving Championships. These male and female team members will represent Australia as development teams which will attend a development camp in preparation for further international competition.

Full competition results can be found at www.royallifesaving.com.au