Sample Rules
 

This is an example of the rules used in a lifesaving competition. They are generally varied to take into account the condition of the pool and other factors

Section 1: A water based incident

  1. Two of the team members will complete a previously undisclosed staged initiative. All 4 team members will be held in isolation until their turn to compete and will not be allowed back into or have contact with the place of isolation until all the teams have competed.
  2. A time of 1 min 30 secs will be allowed
  3. Casualty markings will be as of National Rules
  4. Techniques will be based on current 'Lifesupport' and 'Lifesaving'
  5. Entrance and exits will be as specified on the day

Section 2: A Land-based incident

  1. Will run simultaneously with their teams section 1. The remaining 2 members of the team will complete a Resuscitation and/or First aid test.
  2. A time of 1 min 30 secs will be allowed
  3. Casualty markings will be as of National Rules
  4. Techniques will be based on current 'Lifesupport' and 'Lifesaving'

Section 3: 12M Line throw

  1. The line throw will proceed according to RLSS National Rules 1984
  2. Team member no.1 starts on the side with the rope outstretched
  3. Team member no.2 will hold the cross line and rope. The rest of the team will be behind the cross line
  4. On the start signal team member no.1 will coil and throw the rope to no.2 and will pull them in
  5. The rest of the team shall continue as above
  6. The time will stop when all team members have thrown the rope and no.1 is pulled in and touches the wall
  7. A time limit of 3 mins will be allowed. Failure of teams to finish within the allocated time will result in those teams placing last

Section 4: 50M Swim : 50M Tow

  1. All team members will start at the deep end
  2. No.1 swims 50M and tows no.2 50M
    No.2 swims 50M and tows no.3 50M
    No.3 swims 50M and tows no.4 50M
    No.4 swims 50M and tows no.1 50M
  3. All rescuers must touch the wall above the water-line at each end
  4. Casualties must touch the wall before beginning their 50M swim
  5. Casualties will have both hands on the wall prior to being towed
  6. Casualties will not assist in any way and must clasp hands over the body during the tow
  7. The time will stop when the last swimmer touches the wall
  8. Tows must be those shown in the current 'Lifesaving'

Boat Race

Time permitting on the day. Not part of the main competition.

  1. All team members will start in the deep end in the water
  2. All members will join up in line astern, and swim as one for the whole length either towing sidestroke or lifesaving backstroke. All members may assist with propulsion both arms and legs
  3. If the team breaks the 'boat' then they will reform before continuing
  4. The time will finish when swimmer no.1 touches the wall