An introduction to Lifesaving Sport

RLSS UK 2011

Presentation Contents

• Introduction• Overview of Lifesaving Sport• Long Term Lifesaver Development• Rookie Festivals• Lifesaving Sport – How to get started

What sport stands for

• Ethics• Fair play• Honesty• Health• Excellence• Character• Education• Courage• Community

• Fun• Joy• Teamwork• Dedication• Commitment• Respect (Laws & Rules)• Respect (Self & Others)• Solidarity

What is Lifesaving Sport?

Lifesaving Sport truly is a sport for life.

What is Lifesaving Sport?• Intended to encourage lifeguards to develop, maintain

and improve their essential physical and mental skills. • Skills to further develop and demonstrate lifesaving

skills, fitness and motivation at a competitive level.• Now an international competitive swimming discipline.

What is Lifesaving Sport?• Governed by International Life Saving federation (ILS).• Recognised as a tier two Olympic Sport meaning that it

is part of the World Games. • Lifesaving is unique because it is the only sport in which

skills are learned for humanitarian purposes and only then applied to competition.

What is Lifesaving Sport?

• Lifesaving is a rapidly growing sport, both in the UK and Worldwide.

• It has established tiers of competition from local to international level.

• There are World Championships, Commonwealth Championships, European Championships and it is part of the World Games.

What is Lifesaving Sport• The application of lifesaving skills• Speed, strength, coordination and team work • Pathways for athletes and officials with the development

of a pathway for coaches.• It involves many thousands of volunteers

Lifesaving Sport is based on• Equity and fairness• Open to all• Inclusiveness• Humanitarian ideals and endeavours

Lifesaving Sport

A split personality

A split personality

Internationally Competitive Lifesaving is separated into two clear divisions: Pool and Open Water Competitions.

Pool Lifesaving :• 10 speed based, one skill based• Races are mainly time related, the focus being on

speed.

Open Water Lifesaving:• Speed based• Incorporates weather conditions and knowledge of a

changeable environment

A split personalityNationally there is an extra element known as a Traditional Lifesaving Competition.

Traditional competitions focus on skill over speed, designed to test a competitor’s ability in events which simulate scenarios a real lifesaver would face.

National Lifesaving Championships

National Lifesaving ChampionshipsThe National Championships have four elements:• Life Support Initiative Test

• Test of First Aid skills• Time limited

• Aquatic Initiative Test• Test of lifesaving skills• Time limited

• Swim and Tow• Speed based event

• Line Throw• Speed based event

National Speed Lifesaving Championships

National Speed Lifesaving Championships

• 100m Manikin Carry with Fins • 100m Manikin Tow with Fins • Obstacle Swim• 100m Rescue Medley • 200m Obstacle Swim • 200m Super Lifesaver

• 4x25m Manikin Relay • 4x50m Medley Relay • 4x50m Obstacle Relay • 50m Manikin Carry • Line Throw

These events are based on speed and include various actions with a variety of equipment; manikin, fins, rescue tubes and obstacles.

What does LTLD stand for?

Long Term Lifesaver Development

Long Term Lifesaver Development• Developed by Dr Istvan Balyi.• Maximises Rookies development. • Encourages a life-long commitment to exercise.• Prepares Rookies for a life in sport (many people enjoy

working hard to improve, even without aspirations to be elite performers). 

• LTLD provides a model to work from.

Long Term Lifesaver Development• Promotes lifesaving as a valuable activity.• Promotes a healthy lifestyle.• Provides opportunities to improve skill and achieve

potential.• Provides a framework for parents, teachers, instructors

and coaches to work together.

Long Term Lifesaver Development• Don’t worry! • All RLSS UK Rookie awards and activities are based on

LTLD.• It really is the framework which junior lifesaving and

Lifesaving Sport is based on.

What do I have to do?As long as you follow RLSS UK

programmes in conjunction with the extra guidance, you will be following

LTLD.

Why Sport?

• Do you have a healthy Rookie section, but relatively few teenagers and adults?

• Do you find that your Rookies often drop out in their adolescent years?

• Are your more competent Rookies running out of awards to complete?

Rookie Festivals

How do Rookie Festivals fit in with Lifesaving Sport?

• Rookie Festivals are the foundation of grass roots level of Lifesaving Sport.

• A soft introduction.• The first step on the competition pathway.• Chance to experience competition in a friendly

unthreatening environment.

Why run a Rookie Festival?

• To have fun• To promote water safety• To promote lifesaving• To keep children / rookies interested• To attract members• To mix with other clubs / branches• To learn new skills

Rookie games teach Rookies to think

ROOKIE FESTIVAL PACK

As a tool to help any club, school or partnership in the delivery of any Rookie Festival

What’s in it for my club?

I’m here to do lifesaving why should we encompass sport?

Why should your club get involved in Lifesaving Sport?Competition:-• provides high profile opportunities to attract new

participants to lifesaving programmes • inspires young people• raise public awareness • improves personal fitness and well being

Competing in such competitions is a great way to motivate and encourage skill development.

Why Chose Lifesaving Sport?• It’s fun & never stops being a challenge• Provides variety in club training• Being able to compete• Develops fitness• Builds confidence• Make friends all over the country

Lifesaving is for everybodyAll ages, sizes and body types

Lifesaving Sport / Rookie Festivals

How do we get started?

How to get started

At your lifesaving / Rookie session • Have ago at some of the skills / events during your normal

lifesaving session.• Visit another club who have already started using Rookie

Festivals and / or Lifesaving Sport skills.• Run an intra club Rookie Festival (divided up your group into

teams and run the rest of session as a festival). • Enter a local Rookie Festival.• Run your own inter club Rookie Festival.• Join the Rookie Facebook group and talk to like minded

people

N.B. Don’t forget festivals can be run for adults as well!

How can I get involved?

At your club• Have ago at some of the events at your club• Run a Rookie Festival (even if it’s for all ages)• Enter a local competition• Visit another club who have sport nights