March 17, 2025
Expressions of Interest [now closed] for veterans and family members for the Lifesaving World Championships 2026
Expressions of interest are now closed.
Invictus Australia will again support competitors to take part in the Lifesaving World Championships in 2026. The Championships will now be held in Port Elizabeth – Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa, instead of the previously announced location of Morocco. The International Life Saving Federation (ILS) has advised that this change is due to delays in the construction of the competition pool in Morocco.
While the city is officially known as Gqeberha, the ILS has approved the use of “Port Elizabeth – Nelson Mandela Bay” for international recognition and phonetic clarity.
The Championships are scheduled to take place from 25th November to 13th December 2026 (planned previously for September), a period chosen to ensure consistent wave conditions, favourable weather, and suitable water temperatures.
The Lifesaving World Championships is the biggest competition in lifesaving world-wide featuring elite and masters’ competitors. After success in 2022 in Riccione, Italy and the Gold Coast in 2024, Australia will again form a team of current and former serving military veterans and defence family members to take part in this event.
This event offers a range of events from pool rescue to beach sprints and specialist craft events in the ocean. A notable competitor contribution is expected to be required. This will be confirmed once the funding allocation is released.
Invictus Australia has now closed expressions of interest for this activity.
Eligibility
To be eligible to participate as part of this team, competitors must be from the defence community (veteran or family member) and be financial and proficient members of a Surf Life Saving Club.This means holding the required Bronze Medallion award level and meeting patrol commitments as required by their club, branch, state, and/or SLSA.
If you are interested and not yet eligible, there is enough time to join your local Surf Lifesaving Club, undergo training and award qualifications and fulfil patrol requirements to participate.
In the lead up to the event there will be coordinated training opportunities. Further information about the event and Invictus Australia’s support will be communicated to in the near future to those who register below.
Invictus Australia will also be calling for nominations for Team Manager and Coach positions to support this team at a later date.
photos from lifesaving world champs 2024
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