LSV Sport

Building Skills, Fitness and Lifesaving Communities

At Life Saving Victoria, sport is more than competition. It plays a vital role in developing fit, skilled, rescue-ready lifesavers and strong, connected club communities across the state.

LSV Sport provides opportunities for members of all ages and abilities to test their lifesaving skills in a wide range of environments including beach, surf, pool, and simulated rescue scenarios. The sport pathway is inclusive and flexible, designed to link local participation with high-performance development.

Whether competing, coaching, officiating, or supporting others, lifesaving sport provides a valuable way to stay active, improve essential skills, and contribute to safer communities.

Get Involved

Lifesaving sport is open to everyone. Whether you are looking to compete, coach, or volunteer, there is a place for you. To get involved, contact your local club or reach out to the LSV Sport team for more information.

Participation Pathways and Development

LSV Sport supports not only athletes but also coaches, officials, and team managers. Opportunities are available at all levels, from local club events through to state and national championships. Development pathways are designed to encourage safe, inclusive and rewarding participation for all members.

Why Sport Matters

Lifesaving sport keeps active members engaged and prepared for patrols and emergency response. It builds individual capability, supports club retention, and strengthens the visibility of lifesaving in the community.

Sport Calendars

What's on?

2025/2026
LSV Summer Sport Calendar

The LSV Summer Sports Calendar outlines the key lifesaving sport competitions and events delivered across Victoria during the summer season. These events provide members with opportunities to develop fitness, teamwork and lifesaving skills across beach, surf and ocean disciplines. 

*Dates, locations and event details are updated as confirmed throughout the season.

For all carnival programs, please head to the LSV Club Gateway. For all results, click here.

Summer Beach Carnivals
  • Battle of the Beach #1 - Sunday 16 November 2025
    Location: Altona LSC
  • Battle of the Beach #2 - Sunday 1 February 2026
    Location: Mordialloc LSC
Summer Junior Carnivals
  • Junior #1 - Saturday 6 December 2025
    Location: Ocean Grove SLSC
  • Junior #2 Nipper Fest - Thursday 8 January 2026
    Location: Fisherman’s Beach (Torquay)
  • Junior #3 - Sunday 18 January 2026
    Location: Mt Martha LSC
  • Junior #4 - Saturday 31 January 2026
    Location: Mordialloc LSC
  • Junior #5 - Sunday 15 February 2026
    Location: Ocean Grove SLSC
Boating Activity Notice
Summer Youth / Senior Carnivals
  • Youth / Senior #1 - Battle of the Waves - Saturday 15 November 2025
    Location: Jan Juc SLSC
  • Youth / Senior #2 - Sunday 7 December 2025
    Location: Ocean Grove SLSC
  • Youth / Senior #3 - Sunday 11 January 2026
    Location: Anglesea SLSC
  • Youth / Senior #4 - Battle of the Waves - Saturday 24 January 2026
    Location: Jan Juc SLSC
  • Youth / Senior Carnival #5 - Sunday 8 February 2026
    Location: Point Leo SLSC
Boating Activity Notice
Summer Adaptive Carnivals
  • Adaptive #1 - Sunday 16 November 2025
    Location: Altona LSC
  • Adaptive #2 - Sunday 7 December 2025
    Location: Ocean Grove SLSC
  • Adaptive #3 - Sunday 18 January 2026
    Location: Mount Martha LSC
  • Adaptive #4 - Sunday 1 February 2026
    Location: Mordialloc LSC
  • Adaptive #5 - Sunday 15 February 2026
    Location: Ocean Grove SLSC
  • Adaptive State Champs - Friday 20 February 2026
    Location: Lorne
R+R Carnivals
  • Junior #1 - Saturday 6 December 2025
    Location: Ocean Grove SLSC
  • Senior #2 - Sunday 7 December 2025
    Location: Ocean Grove SLSC
  • Senior #3 - Sunday 11 January 2026
    Location: Anglesea SLSC
  • Junior #4 - Saturday 31 January 2026
    Location: Mordialloc LSC
  • Geoff Waters OAM R&R Memorial Carnival - Sunday 8 February 2026
    Location: Point Leo SLSC
VSRL Surfboat Carnivals
  • VSRL #1 - Saturday 15 November 2025
    Location: Port Campbell SLSC
  • VSRL #2 - Sunday 7 December 2025
    Location: Ocean Grove SLSC
  • VSRL #3 -Battle of the Bay - Saturday 13 December 2025
    Location: Warrnambool SLSC
  • VSRL #4 - Saturday 10 January 2026
    Location: Fisherman’s Beach (Torquay)
  • VSRL #5 - VSRL Open - Saturday 17 January 2026
    Location: Anglesea SLSC
  • Victorian Masters’ Championships - Sunday 18 January 2026
    Location: Anglesea SLSC
  • VSRL Carnival #6 - Sunday 1 February 2026
    Location: Jan Juc SLSC
  • Victorian Surfboat Championships - Saturday 28 February 2026
    Location: Lorne SLSC
Boating Activity Notice - Port Campbell
Boating Activity Notice
Lifesaving Events
  • Champion Lifesaver - Saturday 24 January 2026
    Location: Jan Juc SLSC
  • First Aid Competition (All Age Groups) - Sunday 25 January 2026
    Location: South Melbourne LSC
  • Champion Patrol - Monday 26 January 2026
    Location: South Melbourne LSC
Summer Championship Carnivals
  • Victorian Endurance Championships - Saturday 25 October 2025
    Location: Mentone LSC
  • Victorian Masters Championships - Saturday & Sunday 7-8 February 2026
    Location: Point Leo SLSC
  • Victorian R & R Championships - Sunday 15 February 2026
    Location: Ocean Grove SLSC
  • Victorian Youth / Senior Championships - Friday to Sunday 20-22 February 2026
    Location: Lorne SLSC
  • Victorian Junior  Championships - Friday to Sunday 6-8 March 2026
    Location: Warrnambool SLSC
Boating Activity Notice
Club Led Carnivals
  • Battle of the Bay - Saturday 13 December 2025
    Location: Warrnambool
  • VSRL #3 - Saturday 13 December 2025
    Location: Warrnambool
  • Jim Wall Iron Classic - Sunday 4 January 2026
    Location: Torquay SLSC
  • World Ocean Series - Saturday 7 February 2026
    Location: Lorne SLSC
Special Carnivals
  • Victorian Police & Emergency Services Games - Friday 10 October 2025
    Location: LSV, Port Melbourne
  • Victorian School Surf League - Tuesday 17 February 2026
    Location: Fisherman’s Beach (Torquay)
Victorian School Surf League Handbook
2025/2026
Winter Sport Calendar

The LSV Winter Sports Calendar outlines the key lifesaving sport competitions and events delivered across Victoria during the winter season.

*Dates, locations and event details are updated as confirmed throughout the season.

For all carnival programs, please head to the LSV Club Gateway. For all results, click here.

Winter IRB Carnivals
  • IRB #1 - 11 & 12 April 2026
    Location: Sandringham LSC
    Back-up Location: Ocean Grove SLSC
     
  • IRB #2 - Sunday 26 April 2026
    Location: Mordialloc LSC
    Back-up Location: Anglesea SLSC
     
  • IRB #3 - 9 & 10 May 2026
    Location: Anglesea SLSC
    Back-up Location: Point Roadknight
     
  • IRB #4 - 23 & 24 May 2026
    Location: Ocean Grove SLSC
    Back-up Location: Fisherman’s Beach (Torquay)
     
  • U23 & Masters Victorian IRB Championships - Saturday 6 June 2026
    Location: Port Fairy SLSC
    Back-up Location: Nunns Beach (Portland)
     
  • IRB #5 - Sunday 7 June 2026
    Location: Port Fairy SLSC
    Back-up Location: Nunns Beach (Portland)
     
  • Open Victorian IRB Championships - 19 – 21 June 2026
    Location: Lorne SLSC
    Back-up Location: Fisherman’s Beach (Torquay)
Winter Pool Carnivals
  • Junior & Senior #1 - Sunday 3 May 2026
    Location: Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC)
     
  • Senior #2 - Sunday 17 May 2026
    Location: Caulfield Grammar Aquatics
     
  • Junior #2 - Sunday 31 May 2026
    Location: Mentone Girls’ Grammar Aquatic Centre
     
  • Senior Championships - Sunday 14 June 2026
    Location: Caulfield Grammar Aquatics
     
  • Junior Championships - Sunday July 12 2026
    Location: Geelong Grammar
Lifesaving Sport Disciplines & Programs

LSV competitions are open to members from Under 8 through to 70 years and older. Events are delivered in individual and team formats across a broad range of disciplines, each designed to reflect real-world rescue situations or test physical ability and teamwork.

Disciplines

Beach Events

  • Beach Sprint (individual)
  • Beach Relay (four competitors)
  • Beach Flags
  • 2km Beach Run and Run Relay

Surf Events

  • Surf Race and Surf Teams
  • Board Race and Board Rescue
  • Surf Ski (single and double)
  • Ironman and Ironwoman
  • Taplin, Cameron and Lifesaver Relays
  • Rescue Tube and Belt Races

Lifesaving Skills Events

  • Rescue and Resuscitation (R&R)
  • First Aid Competition
  • Champion Lifesaver
  • Champion Patrol

IRB (Inflatable Rescue Boat) Competition

  • Simulated rescues to test driver and crew skill, safety, and equipment handling

Surfboats

  • Five-person teams, including a sweep, compete in strength and surf navigation events

Pool Rescue

  • Lifesaving skills in controlled pool environments, based on international standards

Surfboard Riding

  • Short board, long board, and team events

March Past

  • A traditional club team event showcasing discipline, uniformity, and team spirit
Adaptive Sport

Adaptive sport refers to organised competitive surf lifesaving activities that are modified to allow individuals with disabilities to participate.  

These adaptations can include changes to equipment, rules, or environments to ensure that athletes can compete on an equal footing with their peers. 

Adaptive sport aims to remove barriers and provide opportunities for athletes with disabilities to compete, progress and excel in surf sports.

Sport Carnivals

Life Saving Victoria host a plethora of sport events throughout the season. These carnivals take place across Victoria, ensuring accessibility from wherever you are. 

Carnivals include:

  • Summer Beach Junior Carnival
  • Summer Beach Senior Carnival
  • VSRL SurfBoat Carnival
  • Victorian Lifesaving Events
  • Summer Championship Carnival
  • Winter Junior Pool Lifesaving Carnival
  • Winter Senior Pool Lifesaving Carnival
  • Winter Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Carnival

Volunteer in Sport

For members who want to get involved in other sport pathways there are multiple opportunities available outside of competition. Members are encouraged to remain involved in sport by becoming officials, coaches, team managers and safety volunteers on carnival days and beyond.

Lifesaving offer a variety of courses and accreditations to help to develop member skills and equip them with the personal and technical aspects needed for these jobs. There truely is a position for everyone.

With the support of our volunteers, we can build upon a thriving sport community and continue to develop and grow this offering into the future.

Details about each role are outlined below. 

Ways to get involved
Coaches
  • The Age Manager is a Nippers volunteer. They plan and lead Nipper education sessions, while ensuring all participants remain safe around the water.
  • The Foundation Coach course is an introduction to coaching for juniors aged 6–10 years. It supports roles such as Nipper Assistant Coach and Age Manager Development Coach.
  • The Development Coach course is designed for those training squads and teaching discipline-specific skills, for example, Board or Swim Coaches working with junior, youth, or senior athletes.
  • The Performance Coach course provides coaches with the knowledge and skills to plan and deliver discipline-specific sessions, with a strong focus on enhancing athlete performance.
  • The Surf Boat Sweep is responsible for coaching a competitive surf boat crew, guiding them through technical demands and adapting to environmental challenges that may arise during competition.
Athlete Managers
  • Team managers take the lead on administering club's athletes, volunteers and the overall team to take part in competitions.
  • Power craft managers play a vital role in sport and there are opportunities in the power craft team for members who hold their Inflatable Rescue Boat Driver (IRBD), Inflatable Rescue Boat Crew (IRBC) or Rescue Water Craft (RWC) awards.  
Athlete Development

Lifesaving sport is one of the foundations of the lifesaving movement. We encourage all members to get involved in the sport community, from aspiring junior members looking to improve their rescue readiness skills and challenge their fitness to senior members interested in progressing through the ranks, keen to beat the world's best - there is a place in sport for athletes of all shapes, sizes and aspirations. 

Athlete Development Pathways

At Life Saving Victoria, we are committed to the continuous development of our athletes. We offer multiple pathways to ensure the most dedicated athletes who have shown exceptional skill are rewarded. 

More ways to get involved
Officials

An official is any person who controls or judges the technical aspects of a competition through the application of the rules and laws associated with whatever sport the competition involves. Officials are essential to ensuring the spirit of events are observed and can be enjoyed by all. 

Core Officials

These officials work with entry level participants in a club surf sport environment. They will need to understand the core elements of the surf sport environment and how that relates to juniors.  

Technical Officials

They work to fulfill specific officiating roles in club, branch and state surf sport competitions.

Senior Officials

They fulfil specific senior officiating roles in experienced positions at state and national surf sport competitions. 

Safety Officials

Due to the unpredictable and sometimes challenging conditions that are experienced during surf sport carnivals, it is essential to have a team of trained officials on scene to deal with emergencies and injuries. Below are some of the roles needed to ensure safety at our carnivals.   

  • Safety and Emergency Management Coordinator (SEMC)
  • First Aid Coordinator
  • Water Safety Coordinator
  • Power craft Coordinator
  • Area Risk and Response Officer (ARRO's)

Join the Community

Being part of lifesaving sport means being part of a thriving community, representing your club and focusing on your health and wellbeing. There is an opportunity for everyone to get involved. 

Clubs across the state offer a selection of disciplines based on the specialities of the members and the interest in events. Find out more by contacting your local club. 

Adaptive Sport

Adaptive sport refers to organised competitive surf lifesaving activities that are modified to allow individuals with disabilities to participate.  

These adaptations can include changes to equipment, rules, or environments to ensure that athletes can compete on an equal footing with their peers. 

Adaptive sport aims to remove barriers and provide opportunities for athletes with disabilities to compete, progress and excel in surf sports.

Get involved
Silver Salties

Silver Salties is a participation program for older Australians (65+ years) at participating surf lifesaving clubs throughout Australia promoting physical activity, social connections, and involvement in the surf lifesaving community.

Silver Salties is managed by Surf Life Saving Australia, coordinated by Life Saving Victoria, and delivered by participating surf lifesaving clubs.

Silver Salties programs include popular active recreational pursuits, as well as traditional surf lifesaving activities.

Get involved