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Top lifesavers from around the nation have commenced competition in the annual Australian Pool Life Saving Championships - being held from Wednesday 11th to Friday 13th January at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre.

Over 160 champion lifesavers are competing in the Championships, vying for selection in Royal Life Saving’s three Australian Representative teams, undertaking events that simulate real situations and emergencies that lifesavers encounter.

Royal Life Saving National Sport Advisor Robert Reid explains “the Australian Pool Life Saving Championships will see lifesavers compete in events including the Manikin Carry, Manikin Tow, Line Throw, Obstacle Swim and the Simulated Emergency Response Competition (SERC) – a timed event where lifesavers are tested on their initiative, judgement, knowledge and skills. 

“All the events are based on rescuing a person who is in immediate danger."

The events take place against a backdrop of 280 Australians having drowned between 1st July 2015 to 30th June 2016 and highly publicised raft of drowning over the Christmas period.

The Australian Pool Life Saving Championships are held every year in a different state across the country. New South Wales held the champion state title for five years before being knocked off the podium by Queensland in 2016. Victoria has a full state team this year and will be looking to battle it out in the pool for the state title.  

Victoria has the largest number of entries of all state and territories, with over 65 people from across the state entered in state and club competition divisions. 

Reid adds “this remarkable event sees the very best pool lifesavers getting together. Lifesavers are heroes across our nation, saving lives every day.

"It is always a very proud moment seeing the amazing dedication. There is a very high standard of competition and athleticism. This event is a moment to stop and shine the spotlight on Aussie lifesaving heroes.

"Pool Lifesaving teaches everyone the skills that have and can save lives. If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to keep fit, meet likeminded people and learn lifesaving skills then we encourage you to join the Pool Lifesaving Sport team in your area."

Athletes, aged from 11 to 76, will also be aiming for selection in Royal Life Saving’s three Australian representative teams - the Open Aussie Barras, the Under 19 Silver Barras and the Under 16 Junior Barras. 

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