The first Lifesaving World Championships took place one hundred years ago. Back then it occurred on an annual basis and consisted of pool and open water competitions.

At the creation of World Life Saving (WLS) in 1974, beach and surf competitions took place on a regular basis. Starting from 1981 the event became globalised through the 'Rescue Series'.

The Lifesaving World Championships are held every two years attracting competitors from nations across the globe. In 2012, the event was hosted in Adelaide, Australia. The event ran over a two week period, commening Wednesday 7 November through to Sunday 18 November.

The Championships, which was open to all proficient life savers (as well as Maters), included five competitions (National Team, Interclub, Masters, Surf Boat and Inflatable Rescue Boat) and ten disciplines (swimming, simulated emergency response, Ironman/ Ironwomen, surf-ski, board, beach sprints, beach flags, surf boats and IRB). Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) together with International Life Saving Federation (ILS) delivered the event, thanks to the support of the South Australian Government (South Australian Toursim Commission through Events SA) 

Adelaide was an ideal venue for the World Championships, with events held across three venues; Glenelg, Christies beaches and the state-of-the-art South Australian State Aquatic & Leisure Centre.

Rescue 2012 was the the largest international lifesaving sport competition in the world, with 4000 competitors participating. 

If you have any questions regarding Rescue 2012, please email rescue2012@slsa.asn.au