The International Life Saving Federation (ILS) is the global authority for life saving sport and drowning prevention. We govern life saving sport worldwide and coordinate humanitarian efforts to prevent drowning through water safety education, training programmes, and advocacy.

ILS has [XX] member federations across [X] continents, representing millions of life savers and athletes worldwide.

ILS has a dual mission. Our sport work involves governing competitive life saving globally and pursuing Olympic inclusion. Our humanitarian work focuses on drowning prevention, water safety education, and community programmes that save lives. Both missions are equally important and interconnected.

Yes, ILS is an International Federation recognised by the International Olympic Committee. We are actively campaigning for life saving sport to be included in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

National federations can apply for ILS membership. Requirements include demonstrating life saving activity in your country, organisational structure, and commitment to ILS’s mission. Contact us through the membership enquiry form for detailed application procedures.

ILS is a federation of national organisations. Individuals participate through their country’s member federation or local life saving club. Find your local organisation through your national federation.

Member federations gain access to international competition participation, technical resources and training materials, networking opportunities, development grants, brand assets, and the ability to influence global life saving standards and policies.

Lifesaving sport is competitive sport based on real-life rescue skills. It includes pool events (manikin carries, rescue medleys, obstacle races) and ocean events (surf races, board races, ironman/ironwoman). Athletes compete individually and in teams across various age categories.

Start by joining your local lifesaving club through your national federation. Develop your skills through juniors programmes or adult training, then progress to club, regional, national, and international competitions based on your performance and qualification.

Juniors are youth life saving programmes (typically ages 5-14) that teach water safety, beach skills, swimming, and teamwork through fun, age-appropriate activities. Juniors provides the foundation for both future life savers and competitive athletes. Programmes exist in countries worldwide.

ILS maintains equivalency tables showing how different national certifications compare. Visit our Certification Equivalency section or contact us with details of your qualification for assessment. Recognition depends on the specific certification and country of issue.

ILS sets international standards and recognises certifications but does not issue them directly. Certifications are issued by national member federations following ILS-approved curriculum and standards.

Processing times vary depending on the type of accreditation and completeness of submitted documentation. Typically, straightforward equivalency checks take 2-4 weeks, while more complex accreditation matters may take 6-8 weeks.

Individual athletes register through their national federation. Member federations register teams and athletes for international competitions. Registration deadlines, qualification criteria, and procedures are published on each event page.

Competition age categories vary by event but typically include: Junior (U14, U16, U18), Open (18+), and Masters (30+, 35+, 40+, etc.). Specific age requirements are listed in competition rules and event information.

All official competition results and world records are maintained at sport.ilsf.org. This database includes over 1085 world records and results from international competitions dating back decades.

World Drowning Prevention Day (25 July) is a UN-recognised global advocacy day focused on preventing drowning. ILS coordinates worldwide campaigns, provides resources for member organisations, and leads global awareness initiatives.

ILSF welcomes partnerships with NGOs, governments, health organisations, and community groups. Contact us through the partnership enquiry form to discuss collaboration opportunities on water safety education, training programmes, or advocacy initiatives.