Surf lifesaving
Surf lifesaving is a competitive sport which evolved from the training activities of lifeguards at Australian surf beaches, though most events share little with modern inflatable-boat based surf rescue techniques. The sport is still based around the volunteer clubs which perform the rescue duty, from the children in the nippers though to professional elite circuits that have been established for the high-profile "ironman" events. The sport is mainly still confined to Australia and New Zealand.The various events involve elements of surf swimming, board riding, sand running, mock rescues using rowed long boats, and paddling special kayak-like surf skis. Some events are for individuals, but many are team events.
Individual surf lifesaving events include:
- Ironman
- long boat rescue
- rope rescue
- flag race
