The 2026 Pool Lifeguard Challenge brought together 14 teams from aquatic centres across Western Australia for a big day of friendly competition, sharp skills, and even sharper scanning. As a proud long-standing sponsor of this event, LIWA Aquatics is thrilled to support an initiative that strengthens the capability and confidence of pool lifeguards—one of the most critical workforces keeping our industry safe, trusted, and thriving.

Delivered by Royal Life Saving WA, the Challenge gives lifeguards the chance to put their training into action through team-based scenarios that build communication, decision-making under pressure, and practical emergency response. This year’s event was hosted at Stirling Leisure Inglewood, with teams attending from Kwinana Recquatic, Cockburn ARC, Canning Leisureplexes, Stirling Leisure, Swan Active, Bayswater Waves, Armadale Fitness and Aquatic Centre, Fremantle Leisure Centre and Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre.

Across the day, teams rotated through strategy and skill stations, including first aid and CPR scenarios using volunteer patients, alongside collaborative team challenges designed to test teamwork and problem-solving (the inflatable challenge teaching that gravity is undefeated). A new virtual reality challenge added a modern twist, placing lifeguards in simulated aquatic environments to assess observation, supervision, and reaction skills in a highly realistic setting.

The afternoon shifted poolside, with aquatic events including a manikin tow relay, obstacle relay, and object recovery relay—fast-paced challenges that highlighted efficiency, teamwork, and the in-water competence that underpins strong supervision standards.

LIWA Aquatics Board Member Duncan Hutton, Facilities Manager and Operations Coordinator at Stirling Leisure Inglewood, said the day is an important opportunity to recognise the vital work lifeguards do across WA.

“Thank you for the work you do every day to protect communities across WA,” he said. “Lifeguards play a vital role in keeping people safe, active and confident in aquatic spaces. They are at the frontline of drowning prevention, supervision, emergency response, and public confidence around water. It’s a highly skilled profession requiring fitness, technical knowledge, strong communication and the ability to make calm, critical decisions under pressure.”

Congratulations to Fremantle Leisure Centre for a standout performance and well-earned first place, with Canning Leisureplexes Team 1 taking second and Stirling Leisure Scarborough finishing third.

LIWA Aquatics congratulates every team who took part and thanks Royal Life Saving WA for delivering another exceptional Challenge. Events like this have a direct, positive impact on the aquatic industry—supporting workforce development, strengthening safety culture, and reinforcing the high professional standards that keep our facilities operating confidently for the communities we serve.

We’re already looking forward to the 2027 Pool Lifeguard Challenge.