The Western Australian State Team wrapped up another standout campaign at the Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships from the 25–27th June 2026, proving once again that WA is a force to be reckoned with.

After holding onto the national title for two years, WA narrowly missed out on top spot this time around, finishing second overall just behind New South Wales. But there was still plenty to celebrate, with the team showing skill, determination and a huge amount of team spirit across three big days of racing and lifesaving challenges.

Competing on home soil at the Perth High Performance Centre, the WA team made the most of the rare opportunity to perform in front of family, friends and local supporters.

WA delivered strong results across the competition, with the State Team taking home 36 individual medals, including 8 gold, 18 silver and 10 bronze, along with 9 gold and 4 silver in relay events.

The Under 19 team led the way with a first-place finish in the Interstate Championship, while the Under 16s and Open team both performed strongly to finish second in their divisions.

Several WA athletes had standout performances, including:

Ellie Neervoort (U16): Silver 200m obstacles and 50m manikin carry, Bronze in 100m manikin tow, 200m superlifesaver and CPR, 2nd place Women’s U16 Individual Overall Championship.

Emmee Bevan (U16): Gold in 100m manikin tow, Bronze in 200m obstacles

Monty Stork (U16): Gold in 200m superlifesaver, Silver in 50m manikin carry and 50m rescue medley.

Charlie Czaplinska (U19): Gold in 100m manikin carry, Silver in 200m obstacles and CPR, Bronze in line throw, 3rd place Women’s U19 Individual Overall Championship.

Eleanor Flowers (U19): Gold in 200m super lifesaver, Silver in 100m rescue medley and 50m manikin carry, Bronze in 100m manikin tow and 200m obstacles.

Mitchell Tuckey (U19): Gold in 100m manikin carry, Silver in 200m super lifesaver and line throw, Bronze in 50m manikin carry, 100m manikin tow and 200m obstacles, 2nd place Men’s U19 Individual Overall Championship.

Jake Smith (Open): Silver in 50m manikin carry, 200m super lifesaver, 100m manikin tow, 100m manikin carry and 100m rescue medley, 2nd place Men’s Open Individual Overall Championship.

Harrison Hynes (Open): Gold in 100m manikin carry, 50m manikin carry and 100m rescue medley, Silver in 200m obstacles and 200m super lifesaver, 3rd place Men’s Open Individual Overall Championship.

Edie Jackson (Open): Silver in 200m super lifesaver.

Well done to Ellie, Emmee, Charlie, Mitchell, Jake and Harrison who were also recognised as part of the 2026 “Team of the Meet”!

WA also had three clubs in the mix, with West Life Saving joined by Surf Life Saving WA teams Secret Harbour and Coogee Beach. West Life Saving had a impressive run, finishing with 17 individual medals, including 9 gold, 2 silver and 6 bronze.

Notable West Life Saving results included:

Hiroko Cording (45-59): Gold in 50m manikin carry, 100m obstacles, 100m manikin tow and 100m manikin carry, 2nd place Women’s Over 45 Individual Overall. Championship.

Anzu Haywood (U14): Gold in 100m obstacles, 50m manikin tow, 100m manikin carry, 50m manikin carry, 1st place Women’s U14 Individual Overall Championship.

Michael O’donnell (45-59): Bronze in 100m manikin tow, 100m manikin carry, 50m manikin carry and 100m obstacles, 3rd place Men’s Over 45 Individual Overall.

Leo Stork (U14): Gold in 50m manikin tow, Silver in line throw and 100m manikin carry, Bronze in 50m manikin carry and 100m obstacles, 1st place Men’s U14 Individual Overall Championship.

Royal Life Saving WA’s CEO Peter Leaversuch said hosting the Championships was a proud moment for the whole WA lifesaving community and a chance to highlight the skill and teamwork behind pool lifesaving.

“We were honoured to host the Australian Pool Lifesaving Championships which were much more than a sporting competition. With every event reflecting a real-world rescue technique, it was a showcase of skills, teamwork and dedication.”

Royal Life Saving WA congratulates all the athletes, coaches, officials and support staff who helped make the event such a resounding success.

A special thank you to the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport for its continued support of pool lifesaving in WA.

WA may not have taken the overall title this time, but the team walked away with plenty to be proud of and a strong foundation to build on heading into next year’s championships.