Surf Life Saving Tasmania will host the first Pool Rescue event of the year on Saturday 29 June, at the Clarence Aquatic Centre.

The return of the event is an exciting opportunity for SLST Members who are interested in the discipline.

SLST’s Development and Surf Sports Coordinator, Meg Knowles said the event will be open to all members from all skill levels.

“We are excited to be offering our Pool Rescue event again in 2024, following its return last year. The event is open to five different age groups and there is no requirement to have had any previous experience in pool rescue events,” said Knowles.

“SLST is excited to see our members participate in pool rescue. We have invited renowned interstate coach Melinda Jackson to help us run the event to its full potential.”

Providing assistance and guidance to the event will be Queensland-based ​​Pool Rescue Coach, Melinda Jackson.

Jackon has been the Head Pool Rescue Coach for the past seven years at leading Gold Coast club, Northcliffe.

“Pool Rescue, or versions of lifesaving events in the pool, have been conducted around the world since the 1890s,” said Jackson. “Whilst Australia is well-known for its iconic beaches and surf sports, pool rescue continues to gain popularity,”

“The environment is more controlled than our open beaches and competitors test their rescue skills in events such as manikin tows, obstacle swims and tube swims towing patients.

“The distances, complexities and challenges of each race differ to cater for the different ages of the competitors. Pool Rescue also appeals to those athletes who enjoy the technical side of their sport.”

Jackson shared the differences from pool rescue to surf sports would be the controllables.

“You can break each section down into splits and targeted techniques, which is very different to the open ocean events or running on different types of sand. The environment has less of an impact.”

Jackson encourages all Surf Life Saving members to try their hand at pool rescue.

“Give it a go,” she said. “Even though it is in a pool, the racing offers a lot of variety, fun and stimulating challenges from mock rescue, to relay races and individual 50m swim with fins.

“There is something for everyone!”

Members can enter via the link here. 

Further information can be found in the bulletin here. This can also be found is the SLST Members App (Surf Sports àSurf Sports Bulletin à 2024 Tasmanian Pool Rescue Competition - Bulletin).