Lifesaving sport was originally introduced to encourage lifeguards to improve the essential physical and mental skills required when saving lives in an aquatic environment. It covers the act of rescue, resuscitation and first aid.
The sport is split into two main components – Speeds and SERCS
The sport is split into two main components – Speeds and SERCS
SERCSSERCs stand for Simulated Emergency Resource Competitions. In this competition, a team of 4 lifesavers are put in an emergency scenario where lifesaving is required. The team is tested on how well they can deal with the casualties given within 2 minutes. These are tested in pool scenarios and outside dry scenarios too. Performing well requires good initiative, judgement, speed and knowledge on how to deal with a range of casualties.
|
SPEEDSSpeeds involve competitive swimming races. A range of speed events are standard in lifesaving and focus on practising core skills such as towing someone as fast as possible. The events rely on speed, strength, stamina and skill.
|
BULSCA
British University Lifesaving Club Association is the governing body for lifesaving as a sport at uni. Each year they host a league which currently 19 university clubs participate in. There are a set of one day competitions throughout the year which contributes to the final league results. These competitions test both speeds (in relay style) and SERCS.