Why Lifesaving Sport Belongs in the Olympic Games:
A Call for Inclusion at Brisbane 2032

 

By Stathis Avramidis PhD*

As the world looks ahead to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, an opportunity arises to shine a spotlight on a unique sport that combines athletic excellence with humanitarian purpose: Lifesaving Sport. Rooted in real-world rescue skills, this dynamic and meaningful discipline deserves its place on the world’s biggest sporting stage—not only for its thrilling competition, but for the values it embodies.

A Sport Born of Service

Lifesaving Sport is unlike any other. It evolved from the skills of surf lifesavers who risked their lives to rescue people in danger. Over time, these skills were refined into a sport that tests speed, endurance, agility, and decision-making in simulated rescue scenarios—on the beach, in the pool, and in open water. Yet, at its core, Lifesaving Sport is still about one thing: saving lives.

In a world where over 235,000 people die each year by drowning (according to the WHO) or over 1 million (according to other experts that claim the existence of many fatal drownings that are hidden under other codes in the International Classification of Diseases), promoting water safety and rescue skills has never been more urgent. Including Lifesaving Sport in the Olympic Games would send a powerful message that sport can—and should—have a life-saving legacy.

 

Aligned with Olympic Values

The Olympic Movement cherishes values such as excellence, respect, and friendship. Lifesaving Sport exemplifies all three. Excellence: Athletes must be among the fittest and fastest in the world, mastering complex rescue maneuvers while pushing the limits of human performance. Respect: Lifesaving Sport celebrates the sanctity of life. Competitors respect the ocean, their rivals, and the lifesaving mission that underpins the sport. Friendship: Lifesaving fosters international camaraderie. Lifesavers across nations unite in their shared goal of preventing tragedy and helping others. Few sports can match this blend of high performance and moral purpose.

 

A Thrilling Spectator Experience

Lifesaving events are visually spectacular and fast-paced. Whether it’s the explosive power of the Beach Sprint, the drama of the Ocean Rescue Relay, or the strategic complexity of the Ironman-style “Oceanman” races, the sport captivates audiences. It combines elements of track and field, swimming, kayaking, and even triathlon—all wrapped in the suspense of simulated rescue. With proper presentation and broadcast support, Lifesaving Sport has the potential to become a fan favorite. Its storylines are compelling, its action is exhilarating, and its message is universally uplifting.

 

Perfect Fit for Brisbane 2032

Brisbane offers an ideal stage for Lifesaving Sport’s Olympic debut. Australia is the birthplace of modern surf lifesaving and a global leader in the sport. With world-class coastal venues, a passionate lifesaving community, and a culture deeply intertwined with the ocean, Brisbane 2032 is more than just a good fit—it’s the perfect one. Including Lifesaving Sport would also highlight Australia’s contribution to global sport and safety, while inspiring a new generation of lifesavers worldwide.

 

A Legacy of Prevention

The Olympic Games should leave more than infrastructure behind—they should leave legacies. By elevating Lifesaving Sport to Olympic status, we can inspire young people to get involved in lifesaving clubs, learn essential water safety skills, and make their communities safer. Every athlete who trains in this sport also trains to save lives. What better legacy could the Games hope to leave?

Actions

Please support the gigantic and noble effort towards this goal of the International Lifesaving Federation. The ILS President, Graham Ford, and the ILS Secretary General, Dr Harald Vervaecke, have worked with dedication, passion and consistency for many years to achieve this goal. What we could do? Scholars, academics, instructors, coaches, club leaders may help this effort by organizing competitions, writing books or magazine articles to raise awareness, organise conferences and speeches. Everything that can involve more people to widen our community, counts. 

 

Conclusion

Lifesaving Sport is more than a competition. It is a call to action, a celebration of courage, and a reminder that sport can make the world a safer, better place. As the International Olympic Committee considers future sports for Brisbane 2032, the inclusion of Lifesaving Sport would honor the Olympic ideals, captivate global audiences, and quite literally, save lives. Let Brisbane 2032 be remembered not just for medals won, but for lives protected.

 

*Dr Stathis Avramidis is President of the Greek Lifesaving Sports Association, Secretary General of the Mediterranean Lifesaving Confederation, ECAS Member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame and Lifesaving Sport & Lifeguarding Teacher of Athens University. He has authored 30 lifesaving related books and was honored several times internationally as water safety advocate. As citizen of the motherland of the Olympic Games, he champions the aspiration of bringing the most important sport of the world into the most important sporting event of the world.