Competition

Our competitors train year round to stay fit for  the rigours of surf rescue and this enables them to compete against the best. Regular competition is held at local, branch, regional and state level throughout the season, culminating in the Australian Championships.  

Annually in January, over three thousand competitors flock to Manly Beach for our own Manly Life Saving Carnival, the biggest carnival outside the Australian Titles. This spectacular event brings thousands of visitors to witness beach and water events. Competiton is fierce as some of  the fittest and the best lifesavers from around Australia come together to maintain a tradition of good sportsmanship and fair play as befits these heroes of the surf.

Competition events are developed around core lifesaving skills and techniques and all competitors agree through their club to compete under a Code of Conduct laid down in the SLSA Surf Sports Manual October 2004. Please click here to download the manual. 

COMPETITION  enquiries, should be addressed to the Competition Manager.

For carnival and special event dates go to our competition events page or to  SLNSW Surf Sports calendar 

Many surf lifesavers engage in regular competition to maintain their skills and fitness. These competitions, or surf carnivals, are held at club, regional, state, national and international levels. Competitors aged eight to 108 can take part.