Almost 500 of Queensland’s best lifesaving athletes converged on the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre earlier this month for the 2026 Queensland State Pool Rescue Championships, with two days of fast-paced competition showcasing the speed, skill and precision required in one of surf lifesaving’s most technical disciplines.
Athletes from clubs across the state competed across a range of pool rescue events designed to replicate real-life rescue scenarios, with competitors vying for state titles and qualification for the Australian Pool Rescue Championships in Adelaide this August.
Surf Life Saving Queensland Surf Sports Manager Stuart Hogben said the championships once again highlighted the exceptional standard of Queensland’s pool rescue athletes.
“Pool Rescue showcases the skills and athleticism at the heart of surf lifesaving and plays an important role in developing the rescue techniques our members rely on in real-life situations,” Stuart said.
“The standard of competition across the weekend was outstanding, and it was fantastic to see athletes of all ages pushing themselves while demonstrating the teamwork and professionalism that make our movement so strong.”
Currumbin SLSC claimed the overall club point score after an impressive weekend of racing, finishing ahead of Northcliffe SLSC in second, while Elliott Heads SLSC rounded out the podium in third.
The championships also welcomed a team from Surf Life Saving New Zealand, who made the trip across the Tasman and delivered several impressive performances throughout the weekend, adding an exciting international element to the competition.
Bundaberg Regional Council proudly supported the championships, with the state-of-the-art Bundaberg Aquatic Centre providing an outstanding venue for athletes, officials and spectators.
The event not only delivered high-quality competition but also reinforced Bundaberg’s reputation as a premier regional destination for major sporting events, while providing an economic boost for the local community through visiting competitors and supporters.
With state titles decided and national team aspirations now firmly in focus, athletes will turn their attention to the Australian Pool Rescue Championships in Adelaide, where Queensland’s best will once again look to make their mark on the national stage.