SAVING LIVES
BUILDING CHAMPIONS
130+
Member
Federations
30M+
MEMBERS
GLOBALLY
100M+
VOLUNTEER
HOURS/YEAR
LIFE SAVING:
A SPORT THAT SAVES LIVES
ILS is an International Federation Officially Recognised by the International Olympic Committee
Partner & Affiliated Organisations
Our Dual Mission
Saving
Lives
Every day, we work toward a world free from drowning by advancing global water safety, strengthening lifesaving capability, and supporting communities most at risk. Guided by humanitarian values and evidence-based practice, we lead and collaborate worldwide to prevent tragedy before it happens.
Building
Champions
We develop athletes who possess courage, skill, and a commitment to protecting others. Through lifesaving sport, we nurture excellence, resilience, and teamwork – shaping competitors who inspire their communities and elevate the lifesaving movement worldwide.
Brisbane 2032 olympic bid
Why Lifesaving Belongs in The Olympics
Lifesaving is the only sport where the skills needed to win gold can also save lives. It’s a sport with purpose, powered by humanitarian impact and athletes who serve their communities every day.
From Grassroots to Glory
The Future of Life Saving
We’re shaping a generation ready to protect, support, and serve. Our movement is built on the foundations of teaching young people the skills they need to stay safe and protect others. Along the way, they’re discovering camaraderie, community, and the deeper purpose that comes from serving those around them.
Key statistics: participants globally, age ranges, countries with programmes.
Major Events
Life Saving World Championships 2026
Held every two years, The Lifesaving World Championships is the ultimate showcase of speed, skill, and courage – where elite lifesavers from around the globe compete in events inspired by real-world rescue scenarios. It’s not just a sporting spectacle; it’s a celebration of athleticism with purpose.
ILS together with Lifesaving South Africa is delighted to welcome the world to Port Elizabeth in Nelson Mandela Bay for the Lifesaving World Championships 2026 from 25 November – 13 December.
World Conference on Drowning Prevention
The World Conference on Drowning Prevention brings together global leaders, researchers, innovators, and frontline responders to tackle one of the world’s most overlooked public-health challenges. It’s a forum where evidence meets action – sharing breakthroughs, shaping policy, and driving life-saving strategies that protect communities everywhere.
Latest News
Australia’s greatest surf carnival returns to the Gold Coast
The iconic Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, affectionately known as The Aussies, will return to North Kirra Beach on the Gold Coast from 21- 29 March 2026, bringing with it more than 7,000 competitors, thousands of supporters, and one of the most celebrated participatory sporting events in the Southern Hemisphere.
2026 Aon NZ Surf Life Saving Championships Recap
After four action-packed days in the ocean and on the sand, the 2026 Aon New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Championships in Ōhope have wrapped. Nearly 1,400 competitors from across Aotearoa battled it out in 25 events, with more than 130 national champions crowned. The country’s top surf lifesavers put their clubs on the map and showed the strength and spirit of lifesaving sport.
Australia’s greatest surf carnival returns to the Gold Coast
The iconic Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, affectionately known as The Aussies, will return to North Kirra Beach on the Gold Coast from 21- 29 March 2026, bringing with it more than 7,000 competitors, thousands of supporters, and one of the most celebrated participatory sporting events in the Southern Hemisphere.
2026 Aon NZ Surf Life Saving Championships Recap
After four action-packed days in the ocean and on the sand, the 2026 Aon New Zealand Surf...
Australia turns iconic colours to celebrate Red & Yellow Day
From a red and yellow crossing at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, to the Story Bridge in the Olympic city of...
Upcoming Events
Our Community at Work
Tasmania’s Lifesaving Community Empowers International Students Through Water Safety Education
Vietnamese, Singaporean and Australian lifesavers cooperate to promote lifesaving in Danang and South East Asia
Teaching survival, saving lives: Swim for Safety targets Sri Lankan children
Get Involved
Ready to turn your passion for water safety into real-world impact?
Explore our Member Federation page to find your local affiliated organisation and become part of a global network dedicated to saving lives. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, compete, train, or support your community, your journey starts with the organisation closest to you.