The 2026 Pool Lifeguard Challenge brought together 14 teams from aquatic centres across Western Australia today for a busy day of friendly competition and professional skill development.

The annual Pool Lifeguard Challenge is organised by Royal Life Saving WA and proudly sponsored by LIWA Aquatics. The event provides lifeguards with the opportunity to test their training and skills in a range of team-building activities alongside peers from aquatic centres across WA.

This year’s competition was held at Stirling Leisure Inglewood, with teams from Kwinana Recquatic, Cockburn ARC, Canning Leisureplexes, Stirling Leisure, Swan Active, Bayswater Waves, Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre, Fremantle Leisure Centre and Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre.

The day kicked off with a series of strategy and skill-based events, with teams rotating through multiple stations. These challenges focused on teamwork, communication and decision-making under pressure. First aid and CPR scenarios required teams to correctly recognise and manage common medical situations using volunteer patients, while interactive team games like Tetris Tumble highlighted collaboration and effective communication for a winning strategy.

A brand-new virtual reality challenge also tested lifeguards’ observation and reaction skills within simulated aquatic environments, offering a realistic and engaging way to assess supervision and scanning abilities.

After lunch, teams also faced a range of aquatic challenges. These included a manikin tow relay, obstacle relay and object recovery relay, all designed to test efficiency and teamwork in the water.

Throughout the competition the teams demonstrated strong skills, professionalism and support for each other.

Duncan Hutton, LIWA Aquatics Board Member and Facilities Manager and Operations Coordinator at Stirling Leisure Inglewood, said the day was about recognising pool lifeguards.

“Thank you for the work you do every day to protect communities across WA,” he said. “Lifeguards play a vital role in keeping people safe, active and confident in aquatic spaces. They are at the frontline of drowning prevention, supervision, emergency response, and public confidence around water. It’s a highly skilled profession requiring fitness, technical knowledge, strong communication and the ability to make calm, critical decisions under pressure.”

Congratulations to Fremantle Leisure Centre for their standout performance and well-earned first place! A strong effort from Canning Leisureplexes Team 1 and Stirling Leisure Scarborough saw them take out second and third place, respectively.

Royal Life Saving WA and LIWA Aquatics would like to congratulate all teams who took part in the 2026 Pool Lifeguard Challenge. Events like this play an important role in supporting ongoing skill development and reinforcing the high standards expected of lifeguards across Western Australia.

We look forward to the return of the competition in 2027!