Warning: Undefined variable $overlay_class in
/data/sites/web/ilsforg/subsites/dev.ilsf.org/wp-content/uploads/alm_templates/template_2.php on line
1
Warning: Undefined variable $item_class in
/data/sites/web/ilsforg/subsites/dev.ilsf.org/wp-content/uploads/alm_templates/template_2.php on line
1
class="et_pb_post clearfix post-2120 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-asia-pacific category-members category-news">
25 May 2026
The International Life Saving Federation (ILS) is pleased to welcome Surf Life Saving Bangladesh (SLSB) as its newest Associate Member, recognizing the organization’s growing leadership in drowning prevention, lifesaving sport and beach safety across Bangladesh. Founded by Mohammad Saifullah Sifat, SLSB is the first organization to introduce lifesaving sport to the country, integrating international standards with community‑based safety programs. Mr Sifat’s experience as a Technical Official at recent Lifesaving World Championships has helped shape SLSB’s commitment to global best practice. “Achieving Associate Membership with ILS is a significant milestone for SLSB. It strengthens our credibility and empowers us to advance our mission of promoting surf lifesaving and lifesaving sport across Bangladesh,” Mr Sifat said. “With this membership, SLSB aims to expand its capacity to establish a competitive Lifesaving Sports Training Academy, creating pathways for athletes and community members to embrace lifesaving as both a transformative skill and a sport. This opportunity allows us to align with ILS’s global standards and contribute meaningfully to the international lifesaving community,” he said. Real‑Life Impact: How SLSB is making a difference Building a new generation of lifesavers in Cox’s Bazar On the beaches of Cox’s Bazar, SLSB is nurturing a growing community of young […]
READ MORE
Warning: Undefined variable $overlay_class in
/data/sites/web/ilsforg/subsites/dev.ilsf.org/wp-content/uploads/alm_templates/template_2.php on line
1
Warning: Undefined variable $item_class in
/data/sites/web/ilsforg/subsites/dev.ilsf.org/wp-content/uploads/alm_templates/template_2.php on line
1
class="et_pb_post clearfix post-2108 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-governance category-humanitarian category-member category-members category-news">
12 May 2026
The International Life Saving Federation (ILS) has accepted an invitation from the World Health Organization (WHO) to join the WHO Global Alliance for Drowning Prevention. This step recognises and strengthens a longstanding collaboration between ILS and WHO, reflecting both organizations’ shared commitment to reducing drowning worldwide and advancing coordinated global action. ILS President Graham Ford AO will take up the position on behalf of the organization, representing the global lifesaving movement dedicated to drowning prevention, frontline lifesaving operations, and saving lives. The WHO Global Alliance for Drowning Prevention brings together United Nations agencies and key non‑state actors – including Bloomberg Philanthropies and the George Institute for Global Health – to strengthen, enhance, and expand global efforts to prevent drowning deaths. Mr Ford said the invitation underscores the strong alignment between the organizations. “ILS and WHO have worked hand in hand for many years towards the shared goal of preventing drowning. This invitation marks a positive step forward for the global drowning-prevention movement,” Ford said. “We are honoured to join the Alliance and look forward to contributing to the collective, collaborative work ahead. With the strength of our global membership, ILS is committed to supporting WHO and its partners’ strategic goals.” […]
READ MORE
Warning: Undefined variable $overlay_class in
/data/sites/web/ilsforg/subsites/dev.ilsf.org/wp-content/uploads/alm_templates/template_2.php on line
1
Warning: Undefined variable $item_class in
/data/sites/web/ilsforg/subsites/dev.ilsf.org/wp-content/uploads/alm_templates/template_2.php on line
1
class="et_pb_post clearfix post-2003 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-asia-pacific category-news category-ocean">
29 April 2026
A new global surf racing competition – Guardians League – is bringing together elite athletes from lifesaving, athletics, kayaking and swimming to compete in a high-performance, team-based format on iconic beaches around the world. The six-team franchise-based competition will debut in Australia and New Zealand in 2027, with plans for international expansion in subsequent seasons. Guardians League is working with both the International Life Saving Federation (ILSF) and Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), providing strong alignment with the governing bodies of lifesaving. A Memorandum of Understanding has been agreed with SLSA that recognises the exciting potential of the league to help grow surf racing. From a global perspective, the launch of the new venture will, undoubtedly, strengthen the case for the sport on the international stage. The league is further supported by three of Australia’s most prominent national sports organisations. Guardians League has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with each of Australian Athletics and Paddle Australia. With the league creating new competition opportunities for Australian athletes in both sports, these valuable partnerships will explore a range of collaborative opportunities in the lead up to the inaugural season. Swimming Australia has also confirmed their support for the new venture. Speaking […]
READ MORE
Warning: Undefined variable $overlay_class in
/data/sites/web/ilsforg/subsites/dev.ilsf.org/wp-content/uploads/alm_templates/template_2.php on line
1
Warning: Undefined variable $item_class in
/data/sites/web/ilsforg/subsites/dev.ilsf.org/wp-content/uploads/alm_templates/template_2.php on line
1
class="et_pb_post clearfix post-1974 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-humanitarian category-news">
27 April 2026
International Life Saving (ILS) is bringing together experience from across the lifesaving community to help shape a stronger international approach to Public Rescue Equipment (PRE). PRE can play an important role in drowning prevention by providing flotation and rescue aids to people in difficulty, while also supporting safer bystander rescue. However, PRE is only effective when it is right for the environment, easy to recognise, simple to use, well maintained, and when it is supported by clear signage, user instructions and governance. To help address this, an ILS Public Rescue Equipment Guidelines Working Group has been established to develop internationally applicable, evidence-informed guidance for PRE. Formed under the governance of ILS, at the behest of Erik Bech from the Danish Water Safety Council and Adam Wooler from the ILS Drowning Prevention Commission, the Working Group brings together contributors with practical and research experience from a range of countries and programmes. Its purpose is to help organisations, authorities and risk managers decide whether PRE should be provided, where it should be located, what type may be most appropriate for the environment, as well as how it should be signed, maintained and governed. This information is crucial to ensure that PRE is […]
READ MORE
Warning: Undefined variable $overlay_class in
/data/sites/web/ilsforg/subsites/dev.ilsf.org/wp-content/uploads/alm_templates/template_2.php on line
1
Warning: Undefined variable $item_class in
/data/sites/web/ilsforg/subsites/dev.ilsf.org/wp-content/uploads/alm_templates/template_2.php on line
1
class="et_pb_post clearfix post-1972 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-governance category-news">
27 April 2026
The International Life Saving Federation (ILS) is encouraging its members and sporting community to celebrate Play True Day on Friday 17 April, an annual global initiative led by the World Anti‑Doping Agency (WADA) to promote integrity and fairness in sport. Over the years, Play True Day has evolved from a modest awareness initiative into a powerful international campaign. From humble beginnings in 2014, recent campaign success saw the initiative reach more than 100 countries and generate nearly 200 million social media impressions, demonstrating the global appetite for clean sport advocacy. For ILS and its member organisations, Play True Day is an opportunity to reaffirm a shared commitment to protecting athletes and ensuring that lifesaving sport remains grounded in fairness, respect, and athlete wellbeing. WADA’s 2026 theme, “Play True – It Starts With You,” encourages every participant in the sporting ecosystem, from athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and supporters, to reflect on their role in fostering a doping‑free environment. The campaign invites individuals and organisations to take part in the global #PlayTrueChallenge, share personal pledges, and engage with educational content designed to strengthen anti‑doping awareness. ILS is encouraging its athletes, coaches, and national federations to join the conversation on 17 April by: […]
READ MORE
Warning: Undefined variable $overlay_class in
/data/sites/web/ilsforg/subsites/dev.ilsf.org/wp-content/uploads/alm_templates/template_2.php on line
1
Warning: Undefined variable $item_class in
/data/sites/web/ilsforg/subsites/dev.ilsf.org/wp-content/uploads/alm_templates/template_2.php on line
1
class="et_pb_post clearfix post-1967 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-asia-pacific category-news">
27 April 2026
A landmark water‑safety initiative has reached the Federated States of Micronesia for the first time, as the Japan Lifesaving Association (JLA), backed by exceptional support from The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, delivered a three‑day training program to children in Pohnpei State. The pilot project arrives amid alarming regional drowning statistics and growing calls for stronger lifesaving education across the Western Pacific. With the support from The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, Japan Lifesaving Association (JLA) implemented its first Water Safety Program for children on Pohnpei State in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). A preliminary survey conducted on Chuuk State in 2019 revealed the prevalence of water-related accidents in the community. Based on these findings, and while the Foundation’s longstanding support focuses on initiatives within Japan, this project was made possible through its exceptional support on a pilot basis. As part of the JLA Action Plan 2031, JLA aims to strengthen cooperation with neighboring countries as a member of the Asia-Pacific region, in line with its strategy of promoting “International Contribution Focused on the Asia-Pacific Region”. According to the WHO 2024 report, the Western Pacific region records approximately 84,000 drowning deaths each year – higher than any other region […]
READ MORE
Warning: Undefined variable $overlay_class in
/data/sites/web/ilsforg/subsites/dev.ilsf.org/wp-content/uploads/alm_templates/template_2.php on line
1
Warning: Undefined variable $item_class in
/data/sites/web/ilsforg/subsites/dev.ilsf.org/wp-content/uploads/alm_templates/template_2.php on line
1
class="et_pb_post clearfix post-1965 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-member category-news">
27 April 2026
The final Conference Statement of The World Conference on Drowning Prevention 2025 has been released, capturing three days of global dialogue, evidence-sharing, and collective commitment to reducing drowning worldwide. Held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, the event brought together more than 500 experts from over 50 countries under the banner Waves of Change: Charting a Course to Safer Waters. The statement reflects the necessity to accelerate drowning prevention action with nearly 300,000 people dying from drowning each year. Read the statement in full, here. The statement highlights several major milestones from the conference, including the release of the WHO Global Status Report on Drowning Prevention, and the unveiling of the first Global Strategy for Drowning Prevention. It also reflects on the opening keynote address delivered by the Egyptian the Minister for Sport and Youth and the Egyptian Diving and Lifesaving Federation (EDLF), which included the launch of Egypt’s new National Water Safety Strategy. Insights from the plenary panels spanned a variety of themes, including youth leadership, building equitable partnerships, addressing occupational drowning, and strengthening swimming, water safety, and self‑rescue skills. A strong emphasis on equity, community leadership, and multisectoral collaboration runs throughout the statement. In its call to action, the […]
READ MORE
Warning: Undefined variable $overlay_class in
/data/sites/web/ilsforg/subsites/dev.ilsf.org/wp-content/uploads/alm_templates/template_2.php on line
1
Warning: Undefined variable $item_class in
/data/sites/web/ilsforg/subsites/dev.ilsf.org/wp-content/uploads/alm_templates/template_2.php on line
1
class="et_pb_post clearfix post-1961 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-news">
27 April 2026
The International Life Saving Federation (ILS) is pleased to announce that individual entries for the Lifesaving World Championships 2026 – set to take place in Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay South Africa – are officially open, marking a major milestone on the road to the world’s premier lifesaving competition. Athletes from across the globe can now submit their entries as they prepare to converge for what promises to be one of the most competitive and vibrant editions of the Championships yet. With anticipation building for months, the opening of individual entries signals the beginning of the final countdown for competitors, coaches, and national teams. This year’s Championships continue the proud tradition of bringing together the world’s best pool and ocean athletes, showcasing the full spectrum of lifesaving sport – from high‑speed technical events to the iconic surf races that test strength, skill, and resilience. With competition beginning on 25 November and running through until 13 December, the countdown is on. Nelson Mandela Bay, centred on the vibrant coastal hub of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), is renowned for its golden beaches, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Known as the “Friendly City,” it offers the perfect backdrop for lifesaving’s flagship event. With […]
READ MORE
Warning: Undefined variable $overlay_class in
/data/sites/web/ilsforg/subsites/dev.ilsf.org/wp-content/uploads/alm_templates/template_2.php on line
1
Warning: Undefined variable $item_class in
/data/sites/web/ilsforg/subsites/dev.ilsf.org/wp-content/uploads/alm_templates/template_2.php on line
1
class="et_pb_post clearfix post-1511 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-news">
20 March 2026
The iconic Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, affectionately known as The Aussies, will return to North Kirra Beach on the Gold Coast from 21- 29 March 2026, bringing with it more than 7,000 competitors, thousands of supporters, and one of the most celebrated participatory sporting events in the Southern Hemisphere.
READ MORE
