Lifesaving Sport
Lifesaving Sport is an exciting, competitive international sport that combines teamwork, and real-world rescue skills – and you can be part of it at our YMCA.
Originally developed to educate people on water safety and prevent drowning, Lifesaving Sport teaches participants the practical skills used in water rescue. Athletes train through a variety of challenges that may include:
- Diving to retrieve objects from the bottom of the pool
- Swimming under and around obstacles
- Accurately throwing a rescue line to a target from the pool deck
- Racing head‑to‑head to test speed, endurance, and technique
- Working as a team to complete relay‑style rescue scenarios
Lifesaving Sport: Beyond Traditional Swim Lessons
Our Lifesaving Sport program offers a recreational introduction to lifesaving. It’s a unique way to challenge youth who enjoy swimming and want to challenge themselves in a new way.
Participants build on foundational swimming skills while learning individual and team-based competition skills such as:
- Line throw
- Manikin carry and tow
- Obstacle and rescue swims
- Team relays and times activities
This program supports the development of confidence, leadership, teamwork, and a lifelong commitment to an active, healthy lifestyle—both in and out of the water.
Lifesaving Sport is recognized by the International Olympic Committee and the Commonwealth Games Federation.
Lifesaving Sport Takes Youth Beyond Traditional Swim Lessons
Our Lifesaving Sport program offers a recreational introduction to lifesaving. It’s a unique way to challenge youth who enjoy swimming and want to challenge themselves in a new way.
Participants build on foundational swimming skills while learning individual and team-based competition skills such as:
- Line throw
- Manikin carry and tow
- Obstacle and rescue swims
- Team relays and times activities
This program supports the development of confidence, leadership, teamwork, and a lifelong commitment to an active, healthy lifestyle—both in and out of the water.
Participants have opportunities to compete as part of the team, both in friendly competitions with our neighbouring teams in Hanover and Saugeen Shores, and on a much bigger scale at the provincial level.
Register for Lifesaving Sport
Drop In and Explore Sport:
January 10, 2026 at 11:15 AM – 12:45 PM
Sessions will take place in the pool every Saturday 11:15 AM – 12:45 PM (January – June)
Registration not required for January 10th Session.
For more information contact:
YMCA Members: Free
Public: $175 +HST if applicable
Team t‑shirts are available for purchase ($25) and are required for participants competing at the provincial level.
Participants:
- must be 8 years or older
- be in Star 2 or above, OR
- be able to comfortably swim two lengths of the pool
No prior lifesaving experience is required—our trained coaches will teach all additional skills.
- Swimmer’s own goggles
- YMCA Lifesaving Club swim cap (provided)
Curious about Lifesaving Sport at the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce? Watch how our athletes develop real-world lifesaving skills, strengthen their swimming abilities, and shine through teamwork and friendly competition.
