Lifesaving World Championships Handbook & ILS Competition Rule Book

Posted By: ILSF.org 1st December 2015

In the 2015 update of the ILS Competition Manual, the ILS Sport Commission separated content that addresses the Lifesaving World Championships specifically from content that addresses the
rules, procedures and standards for lifesaving sport competition generally.

This resulted in two new publications: the Lifesaving World Championships Handbook and the ILS Competition Rule Book, which can be found here.

The 2015-2019 edition of the ILS Competition Rule Book governs ILS championships and ILS sanctioned competitions during this period of time. As necessary before the next edition, changes to or clarifications regarding rules, standards or procedures for ILS competition will be published as bulletins on the ILS website.

For ILS world championships, consult the Lifesaving World Championships Handbook in conjunction with ILS Competition Rule Book.

In this edition, the ILS Sport Commission draws your attention to the following significant changes:

Section 2 – General Rules and Procedures

  • Video cameras may be mounted on boards, skis, surf boats and IRBs.
  • Video cameras may not be worn by competitors during a race (surf boat sweeps and IRB drivers excepted).
  • Official start and end of competition defined.

Section 3 – Pool Events

  • Body tape used for preventative, medical or therapeutic/kineso purposes is allowed at the discretion of the Chief Referee as long as it does not provide a competitive advantage.
  • At the discretion of the Chief Referee, “over the top” starts may be used.
  • Rule changes (published June 10, 2014, in Technical Bulletin # 2) for manikin tows and carrries are incorporated in this edtion.
  • Additional time keepers required to conform to FINA standards.
  • Changes how rescue tubes may be worn and when rescue tubes may be clipped.
  • In Line Throw, there is no “designated mark” on the crossbar that victims must hold.
  • Disqualification codes listed at the end of this section.

Section 4 – Ocean Events

  • New Beach Run Relay event included.
  • New Diagrams for Beach Run and Beach Run Relay with corresponding changes to the event descriptions.
  • Additional guidelines regarding what Beach Flags competitors may do in preparation for the start.
  • Disqualification codes listed at the end of this section.

Section 5 – Simulated Emergency Response Competition

  • Each team may bring one additional person into lock-up to provide interpretation / translation of English instructions.
  • Sample Score Sheets included at the end of this section.

Section 6 – Surf Boat Event

  • Crews must wear helmets unless directed otherwise.

Section 7 – Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Events

  • The wearing of helmets is compulsory for patients in all events.
  • The wearing of PFDs is compulsory for drivers, crew and patients.
  • Several revisions have been made to clarify race procedure.

Section 8 – Facility and Equipment Standards and Scrutineering Procedures

  • Changes to manikin and rescue tube specifications.
  • Camera mounting specifications now included for craft.
  • Various changes in competition attire