Watch: Pool Rescue Video Guide
Learn the Fundamentals of Pool Rescue Lifesaving Sport
Welcome to the Beginners Guide to Pool Rescue, a practical video resource designed to introduce athletes, coaches, parents, and clubs to the core events of Pool Rescue Lifesaving Sport.
This guide forms part of the Rescue Sport Series, a Lifesaving Western Cape initiative focused on growing participation, improving understanding, and strengthening the pathway into competitive lifesaving sport.
Whether you are new to Pool Rescue or supporting developing athletes, these videos provide clear, standardised explanations of each event and how they are performed in competition.
What Is Pool Rescue?
Pool Rescue is a discipline of Lifesaving Sport that combines swimming speed, technical rescue skills, and precision under pressure. Events are based on real rescue techniques adapted for competitive racing in a pool environment.
Pool Rescue forms a critical part of athlete development within lifesaving, building skills that transfer directly to surf lifesaving, stillwater rescue, and lifeguarding.
What This Beginners Guide Covers
This landing page houses a structured video series covering the fundamental Pool Rescue events:
- 50m Manikin Carry
- 100m Manikin Carry with Fins
- 100m Manikin Tow
- 200m Obstacle Race
- 200m Super Lifesaver
- Rescue Medley
Each video explains:
- The purpose of the event
- The basic structure and rules
- The correct execution of key skills
The focus is on understanding and correctness, making this guide ideal for beginners before progressing to advanced coaching or performance analysis.
Watch the Videos
How to Do the 50m Manikin Carry
A foundational Pool Rescue event focused on speed, clean manikin pick-ups, and correct carrying technique.
How to Do the 100m Manikin Carry with Fins
An introduction to fin use in Pool Rescue, combining leg power, control, and sustained speed.
How to Do the 100m Manikin Tow
A technical towing event requiring efficient body position, control, and clean transitions.
How to Do the 200m Obstacle Race
A speed-based event that tests timing, spatial awareness, and consistent obstacle clearance.
How to Do the 200m Super Lifesaver
A combination event that links multiple rescue skills into a single race, introducing complexity and endurance.
How to Do the Rescue Medley
A team-based Pool Rescue event explaining leg order, basic changeovers, and teamwork.
Who This Guide Is For
This Beginners Guide to Pool Rescue is suitable for:
- New lifesaving athletes
- Junior and youth competitors
- Parents seeking to understand Pool Rescue events
- Coaches introducing Pool Rescue fundamentals
- Clubs building Pool Rescue participation
No prior competition experience is required.
Part of the Rescue Sport Series
This video series was created for the Rescue Sport Series, a Lifesaving Western Cape initiative aimed at strengthening lifesaving sport participation and athlete development across the province.
The Rescue Sport Series supports the growth of lifesaving through accessible education, competition, and high-quality content.
Credits
Special thanks to our Pool Rescue Experts and Content Team: Lauren Allott, Kendra Du Toit, Nikki Mocke, Michelle Lamprecht and Christina Mallion
Created for the Rescue Sport Series, a Lifesaving Western Cape initiative.
Sponsored by Solid Oak Insurance
Content by Get On Media & Haskin Studios