APLSC 2026

Frequently asked questions

Who can compete?

The Australian Pool Life Saving Championships (APLSC) welcomes a wide range of competitors—from first-time pool lifesavers and lifeguards to experienced club athletes and members of the Australian Life Saving Team. Competitors from across Australia and international visitors are encouraged to participate.

Is there a team competition?

Yes. Club and state team relay events are included, with team points contributing to overall club and state standings.

Do I need to be a member of a Royal Life Saving club?

This is a Royal Life Saving Society Australia national championship; however, athletes may compete as non–Royal Life Saving competitors. Non-members will be classified as visitors and are eligible for visitor medals.

How do I become a Royal Life Saving competitor?

Join a Royal Life Saving Society Australia affiliated club and obtain the required lifesaving qualification (unless you are under 14: see below). In Western Australia, our club is a leading competitive pool lifesaving club with strong pathways from junior to elite levels.

For more information about joining West Life Saving, please feel free to contact Jen Jones 0414 646 111 or email us on westlifesaving@gmail.com.

How do I find out about the WA State Team?

Athletes aged 12 years and over can trial for the WA State Team following the 2026 WA State Team Pathway below:

• Development sessions: 5 & 12 April 2026

• Trials: 19 & 26 April 2026

• Time: 1:30pm – 3:00pm at Perth High Performance Centre (HPC), Mt Claremont

What events are offered at the APLSC?

The Championships include a full program of pool lifesaving events, including manikin events, rescue tube races, obstacle races, line throw, relay events, and individual swim events across youth, open and masters categories

How do I register?

Registrations will open via the RLSSA event portal. Entry information, deadlines and technical handbooks will be published on the RLSSA website and shared with state associations and clubs.

How do I become a Royal Life Saving competitor?

Join a Royal Life Saving affiliated club and obtain the required lifesaving qualification. In Western Australia, our club is a leading competitive pool lifesaving club with strong pathways from junior to elite levels.

As West Life Saving is not a Surf Life Saving Club, competitors who are members of West Life Saving and a Surf Life Saving Club can compete for West Life Saving without needing to transfer their competition rights.

Competitors who compete for a Surf Life Saving Club will be classified as visitors and only be eligible for visitor medals.

What are the age categories?

A competitor’s age shall be taken as at the first (1^st) of January in the year the Championships are held. The age categories are as follows:

• Under 14 (Minimum age 11 years, maximum age 13 years)

• Under 16 (Minimum age 12 years, maximum age 15 years)

• Under 19 (Minimum age 12 years, maximum age 18 years)

• Open (Minimum age 12 years, no maximum age)

• Masters (minimum age 30 years, no maximum age)

What are the required lifesaving qualifications to enter?

All competitors must, at the closing dates for entries, be holders of the minimum prerequisite award relevant to the age division/s they are competing in as follows:

• Under 16 (Current RLSSA Bronze Star or equivalent)

• All other age divisions (Current RLSSA Bronze Medallion or equivalent)

Under 16 competitors wishing to compete in Under 19 and/or Open events, including relays and SERC teams, must hold a current RLSSA Bronze Medallion or equivalent. The only exception is the Multi-age Fin Relay.

Equivalent awards include: RLSSA Bronze Medallion – SLSA Bronze Medallion; RLSSA Bronze Star – Surf Rescue Certificate or designated SLSA award applicable to the competitor’s age.

There is no required lifesaving qualification for Under 14 competitors.

Under 14 competitors

To compete in the U14 competition competitors must meet the minimum age requirement of 11 years of age as of the 1st January 2026. There is no required lifesaving qualification.

All U14 events will be held on Thursday 25 June 2026, these consist of:

• 100m Obstacle Swim

• 100m Manikin Carry with Fins (Half Full Manikin)

• 50m Manikin Carry (Half Full Manikin)

• 10m Line Throw

• 50m Manikin Tow with Fins

Under 14 competition competitors compete in rubber fins.

There are no Under 14 relays.

As West Life Saving is not a Surf Life Saving Club, Under 14 competitors who are members of West Life Saving and a Surf Life Saving Club can compete for West Life Saving without needing to transfer their competition rights.

Under 14 competitors who compete for a Surf Life Saving Club will be classified as visitors and only be eligible for visitor medals.