22 May 2026
Serious fun at the 2026 Junior Lifeguard Club State Titles
Building the skills that could one day save lives while having loads of fun can only mean one thing – the Junior Lifeguard Club State Titles!
This annual event gives students from swimming and lifesaving clubs the chance to showcase the skills they’ve been learning, while also building their confidence and developing their skills further through some friendly competition. The event is facilitated each year by Royal Life Saving WA with support from the WA Government.
The 2026 State Titles event took place on Saturday 16 May at Bayswater Waves, bringing together 70 participants from Waterponyz, Debs Dolphins, Stirling Leisure, Wanneroo Aquamotion, Arena Joondalup, Aqualife, Swan Active Beechboro, Bayswater Waves, Central Aquatic Swim Club, Yanchep SLSC and Scarboro SLSC.
“It was a great day filled with enthusiasm and teamwork, with participants showcasing their skills across four key events,” said Eryn McMahon, Royal Life Saving WA Endorsed Swim School Coordinator.
“Participants clearly enjoyed the opportunity to challenge themselves and celebrate their progress. It was especially rewarding to see clubs come together, creating a supportive and energetic atmosphere for all involved.”
The key events our young lifeguards-in-training competed in include:
- Obstacle race: Students swim freestyle and surface dive under the obstacles over a 25m distance.
- Rescue tube tow: Students dive into the water and swim 25m with a rescue tube. They then fix the rescue tube around their partner, and tow them to the edge.
- Manikin tow: Students start in the water and swim to the manikin, which is floating on the surface. They then tow the manikin and swim back to the finish using a technique of their choice.
- Rope throw relay: In groups, a rescuer throws the rope to the first swimmer and then tows them to the edge as quickly as possible. The next person in line then becomes the rescuer.
Royal Life Saving WA Sport Development Officer Fletcher Flynn said it was fantastic to see competitors come together from JLC clubs, surf clubs, and swimming and lifesaving clubs.
“The day showcased not only strong pool lifesaving and junior lifeguard skills, but also great teamwork, confidence, and some impressive rescue efforts across all age groups.
“Most importantly, it was wonderful to see so many happy kids enjoying the event and building skills that could one day help save lives."
If you’re interested in learning more about the Junior Lifeguard Club program, follow the link below!
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