Surfing lifesaving competitions are being conducted in many parts of Queensland all around the year. Gold Coast, which is known for its vibrant beach lifestyle, hosts surfing lifesaving competitions in many different beaches. Surf lifesaving has been a part of Gold Coast’s exuberant beach sports and it was also considered as cultural activity. The sport, which has originated in Australia, is now being conducted in different parts of the world like US, New Zealand, South Africa and Ireland.

History of Surf Lifesaving

Before its acknowledgement as a competition, surf lifesaving originated in the coastal region of Australia during the 1900s. The primary reason behind the formation of surf lifesaving clubs is the drowning at Australian beaches. Before 1902, swimming in daylight was banned and hence lifesaving clubs were not needed. After the relaxation of the law, surfing emerged into an excellent beach activity. Besides being a favorite sporting event, surfing involved plenty of dangers associated with it and hence there was a need for lifesaving clubs.

Surf Lifesaving Clubs & Competitions

The first known surf lifesaving club was “Bronte Surf Life Saving Club”, which was formed in 1903. At present, there are plenty of lifesaving clubs in different beach areas in Australia. Surf lifesaving started to evolve into a sport when different training sessions were conducted for lifeguards at the beach area. The lifesaving techniques used by lifeguards became the game rules and there are many events to determine the skill of an individual. Surf lifesaving includes plenty of events like Ironman competition, long boat rescue, board events, first aid & CPR, Surf Ski and other beach events.

Ironman competition includes various activities like swimming, board event, skiing and running. As of now, Ironman champions are considered as superstars by Australian public. Boat races are being conducted to evaluate the rescue potential of a lifeguard. Besides rescuing, a lifesaver should be aware of various first aid techniques and resuscitation. Other rescue competitions such as skiing, board riding, swimming and Inflatable Rescue Boat, or IRB, Racing are also conducted for lifesavers.

A champion lifesaver is the one who excels in all formats of the lifesaving competitions. Various lifesaving competitions are being conducted every year in Gold Coast. Most of these competitions, which attract lifesavers from different parts of the world, are sponsored by the lifesaving clubs in Australia. From the day of formation of surf lifesaving clubs, lifesavers have done a great service by rescuing plenty of lives in Australian beaches.