An introduction to Lifesaving Sport RLSS UK 2011
An introduction to Lifesaving Sport
RLSS UK 2011
Presentation Contents
• Introduction• Overview of Lifesaving Sport• Long Term Lifesaver Development• Rookie Festivals• Lifesaving Sport – How to get started
What sport stands for
• Ethics• Fair play• Honesty• Health• Excellence• Character• Education• Courage• Community
• Fun• Joy• Teamwork• Dedication• Commitment• Respect (Laws & Rules)• Respect (Self & Others)• Solidarity
What is Lifesaving Sport?
Lifesaving Sport truly is a sport for life.
What is Lifesaving Sport?• Intended to encourage lifeguards to develop, maintain
and improve their essential physical and mental skills. • Skills to further develop and demonstrate lifesaving
skills, fitness and motivation at a competitive level.• Now an international competitive swimming discipline.
What is Lifesaving Sport?• Governed by International Life Saving federation (ILS).• Recognised as a tier two Olympic Sport meaning that it
is part of the World Games. • Lifesaving is unique because it is the only sport in which
skills are learned for humanitarian purposes and only then applied to competition.
What is Lifesaving Sport?
• Lifesaving is a rapidly growing sport, both in the UK and Worldwide.
• It has established tiers of competition from local to international level.
• There are World Championships, Commonwealth Championships, European Championships and it is part of the World Games.
What is Lifesaving Sport• The application of lifesaving skills• Speed, strength, coordination and team work • Pathways for athletes and officials with the development
of a pathway for coaches.• It involves many thousands of volunteers
Lifesaving Sport is based on• Equity and fairness• Open to all• Inclusiveness• Humanitarian ideals and endeavours
Lifesaving Sport
A split personality
A split personality
Internationally Competitive Lifesaving is separated into two clear divisions: Pool and Open Water Competitions.
Pool Lifesaving :• 10 speed based, one skill based• Races are mainly time related, the focus being on
speed.
Open Water Lifesaving:• Speed based• Incorporates weather conditions and knowledge of a
changeable environment
A split personalityNationally there is an extra element known as a Traditional Lifesaving Competition.
Traditional competitions focus on skill over speed, designed to test a competitor’s ability in events which simulate scenarios a real lifesaver would face.
National Lifesaving Championships
National Lifesaving ChampionshipsThe National Championships have four elements:• Life Support Initiative Test
• Test of First Aid skills• Time limited
• Aquatic Initiative Test• Test of lifesaving skills• Time limited
• Swim and Tow• Speed based event
• Line Throw• Speed based event
National Speed Lifesaving Championships
National Speed Lifesaving Championships
• 100m Manikin Carry with Fins • 100m Manikin Tow with Fins • Obstacle Swim• 100m Rescue Medley • 200m Obstacle Swim • 200m Super Lifesaver
• 4x25m Manikin Relay • 4x50m Medley Relay • 4x50m Obstacle Relay • 50m Manikin Carry • Line Throw
These events are based on speed and include various actions with a variety of equipment; manikin, fins, rescue tubes and obstacles.
What does LTLD stand for?
Long Term Lifesaver Development
Long Term Lifesaver Development• Developed by Dr Istvan Balyi.• Maximises Rookies development. • Encourages a life-long commitment to exercise.• Prepares Rookies for a life in sport (many people enjoy
working hard to improve, even without aspirations to be elite performers).
• LTLD provides a model to work from.
Long Term Lifesaver Development• Promotes lifesaving as a valuable activity.• Promotes a healthy lifestyle.• Provides opportunities to improve skill and achieve
potential.• Provides a framework for parents, teachers, instructors
and coaches to work together.
Long Term Lifesaver Development• Don’t worry! • All RLSS UK Rookie awards and activities are based on
LTLD.• It really is the framework which junior lifesaving and
Lifesaving Sport is based on.
What do I have to do?As long as you follow RLSS UK
programmes in conjunction with the extra guidance, you will be following
LTLD.
Why Sport?
• Do you have a healthy Rookie section, but relatively few teenagers and adults?
• Do you find that your Rookies often drop out in their adolescent years?
• Are your more competent Rookies running out of awards to complete?
Rookie Festivals
How do Rookie Festivals fit in with Lifesaving Sport?
• Rookie Festivals are the foundation of grass roots level of Lifesaving Sport.
• A soft introduction.• The first step on the competition pathway.• Chance to experience competition in a friendly
unthreatening environment.
Why run a Rookie Festival?
• To have fun• To promote water safety• To promote lifesaving• To keep children / rookies interested• To attract members• To mix with other clubs / branches• To learn new skills
Rookie games teach Rookies to think
ROOKIE FESTIVAL PACK
As a tool to help any club, school or partnership in the delivery of any Rookie Festival
What’s in it for my club?
I’m here to do lifesaving why should we encompass sport?
Why should your club get involved in Lifesaving Sport?Competition:-• provides high profile opportunities to attract new
participants to lifesaving programmes • inspires young people• raise public awareness • improves personal fitness and well being
Competing in such competitions is a great way to motivate and encourage skill development.
Why Chose Lifesaving Sport?• It’s fun & never stops being a challenge• Provides variety in club training• Being able to compete• Develops fitness• Builds confidence• Make friends all over the country
Lifesaving is for everybodyAll ages, sizes and body types
Lifesaving Sport / Rookie Festivals
How do we get started?
How to get started
At your lifesaving / Rookie session • Have ago at some of the skills / events during your normal
lifesaving session.• Visit another club who have already started using Rookie
Festivals and / or Lifesaving Sport skills.• Run an intra club Rookie Festival (divided up your group into
teams and run the rest of session as a festival). • Enter a local Rookie Festival.• Run your own inter club Rookie Festival.• Join the Rookie Facebook group and talk to like minded
people
N.B. Don’t forget festivals can be run for adults as well!
How can I get involved?
At your club• Have ago at some of the events at your club• Run a Rookie Festival (even if it’s for all ages)• Enter a local competition• Visit another club who have sport nights