International Life Saving Federation

The first ever open lifesaving challenge organised in Doha took place on Monday 13 November 2006 on the magnificent beaches of the Doha Five Star Intercontinental Hotel.

Teams members originated from Malaysia, India, South Africa, Australia, United Kingdom and Belgium.

The event included surf race, rescue tube rescue race, beach sprint, beach relay and beach flags.

The event was sponsored by POCARI SWEAT drinks and the Bay Club Beach of the Intercontinental Hotel of Doha.

The Qatar Swimming Association Lifesaving Section became full member of ILS in 2004. Besides launching lifesaving - lifeguarding courses, the aim of the QSA is also to set up a Water Safety Campaign as well as a Risk Assessment Campaign for the beaches and swimming pools in the country.

The QSA launched this year the First International Life Saving Course under the Patronage of the Qatar National Olympic Committee and Aspire, the Academy of Sports Excellence. The course is organised in full compliance with the International Standards set up by the ILS.

In 2003 the Qatar Marine Sports Federation became an Associate Member of ILS. The Qatar National Olympic Committee decided to transfer the responsibilities of lifesaving from the Qatar Marine Sports Federation to the Qatar Swimming Association. At the ILS Board Meetings in Egypt in 2004 the QSF was accepted as Full Member of ILS.

Alan B. Whelpton AM, ILS President is spending three days in Qatar on his way to the Board of Directors Meetings that will take place in Sharm El-Sheikh (Egypt) next week. He met this morning H.E. Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and discussed lifesaving issues in Qatar and in the Gulf region and how lifesaving would best be developed here.