With the 2018 Lifesaving World Championships nearing completion, I wanted to warmly congratulate all the athletes, officials and managers on what has been a memorable two weeks. To the Events Team, the Surf Life Saving SA staff and the army of volunteers who built, and then rebuilt these championships, I can’t thank you enough. You should be very proud of what you have delivered and how you have showcased Surf Life Saving SA to the world.

With over 7,000 participants from 45 nations, LWC Adelaide 2018 is the largest Lifesaving World Championships ever conducted. Adelaide also saw a number of firsts for the International Lifesaving Federation. It was the first time the event has returned to the same city for a second time. It was the first time a state association has successfully bid for, and run a World Championships (until now it has always been a national body). Other highlights included the running of the first National Youth Teams and the first National IRB Teams racing. We saw the largest number of technical officials attend, which may have something to do with the popularity of our wine, food and tourism.

Ahead of the official Opening Ceremony for the Lifesaving World Championships 2018 we met with Surf Life Saving SA President John Baker to check in with how “the World’s” have been progressing so far.

“The setup is fantastic, it has been one of the best set up World Championships events ever but also I think the way we have put the infrastructure in has rivalled the Australian Championships so we are very happy with the scale of the event and arenas” said Mr Baker.

SLSSA President Mr John Baker said Surf Lifesavers are excited to be strengthening their emergency response capabilities.

“We are already learning how the addition of Remote Piloted Aircraft (RPA’s) will enhance our hazard identification and search and rescue abilities,” said Mr Baker.

“The visual perspective and agility offered with this equipment is unique and will play its own role in conjunction with our other assets such as the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service, Jet Rescue Boats, Jet Ski’s, our Radio room and of course our beach patrols.