The pool disciplines within surf life saving sport include a variety of events all of which are timed with the fastest time winning.

Record times exist for British, European and World categories as well important individual athletes PB times.

Pool Events

Obstacle

With a dive entry the competitor swims the course passing under the immersed obstacles to touch the finish wall of the pool.

Obstacle Relay

Each competitor completes a dive entry followed by swimming the course passing under immersed obstacles, on touching the turn wall the remaining 3 competitors complete the course until the final competitor touches the finish wall of the pool.

Manikin Carry

With a dive start the competitor swims 25m freestyle then dives to recover a submerged manikin to the surface within 5m of the pick-up line, the competitor then carries the manikin to touch the finish wall of the pool.

Manikin Carry with Fins

With a dive start the competitor swims 50m freestyle wearing fins and then dives to recover a submerged manikin to the surface within 10m of the turn wall, the competitor then carries the manikin to touch the finish wall of the pool.

Manikin Tow with Fins

With a dive start competitors swim 50m freestyle with fins and a rescue tube. After touching the turn wall and within the 5m pick-up zone the competitor fixes the rescue tube correctly around the manikin and tows it to the finish where the competitor touches the finish wall of the pool.

Rescue Medley

With a dive start, the competitors swim 50m freestyle to turn, dive, and swim underwater to a submerged manikin located 17.5m from the turn wall. The competitor surfaces the manikin within the 5m pick-up line, and then carries it the remaining distance to touch the finish wall. Competitors may breathe during the turn, but not after their feet leave the turn wall until they surface with the manikin.

Super Lifesaver

With a dive start on an acoustic signal, the competitor swims 75m freestyle and then dives to recover a submerged manikin. The competitor surfaces the manikin within the 5m pick-up zone and carries it to the turn wall. After touching the wall, the competitor releases the manikin. In the water, the competitor dons fins and rescue tube and swims 50m freestyle. After touching the wall, and within the 5m pick-up zone, the competitor fixes the rescue tube correctly around a manikin and tows it to the finish to touch the finish wall of the pool.

Line Throw

One competitor throws a weighted line to a fellow team member located in the water on the near side of a rigid crossbar located at a 12m distance. The competitor pulls the team member back to the finish wall of the pool.

Medley Relay

The 1st team member has a dive start on an acoustic signal and completes 50m freestyle without fins, when they touch the wall the 2nd team member with a dive start completes 50m freestyle with fins, when they touch the wall the 3rd team member with a dive start swims 50m freestyle towing a rescue tube, when they touch the turn wall the 4th competitor already in the water wearing fins (with at least one hand on the turn wall) dons the rescue tube harness and tows the 3rd team member 50m to complete the race.

Manikin Relay

Four competitors in turn carry a manikin approximately 25m each.

SERC (Simulated Emergency Response Competition)

The Simulated Emergency Response Competition tests the initiative, judgement, knowledge, and abilities of four lifesavers who, acting as a team (under the direction of a team leader) 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.

 

 

Want to know about other surf live saving disciplines? Find out more