The countdown has begun for Rescue 2006. With just 250 days until the ILS World Lifesaving Championships, now is the time to plan your journey to Geelong and Lorne.
Early bird registration closes on June 30. Head to the Rescue 2006 website to get a discount on individual entries.
As accommodation is filling quickly in the Geelong and Lorne region we urge you to book early through the Event Travel Office.
DHL and the Victorian Government supporting Rescue 2006
During the past month, representatives from DHL and the Victorian Government – major and host sponsors of Rescue 2006 respectively – conducted a site inspection of Lorne and of the new $4.4 million pool at Kardinia Park, Geelong.
With the pool on track to be completed in July, Mr. Paul Bellette, Marketing Manager of DHL (Oceania) said, “As the major sponsor of Rescue 2006, DHL is proud to continue its international support of Surf Life Saving.
Our recent visit to Lorne and Geelong highlighted the quality of the venues for the Championships. This, in combination with the best competition that the international life saving community has to offer, should make Rescue 2006 the best World Lifesaving Championships to date, Mr. Bellette said.
Qualifying Times announced
The ILS Sports Commission has announced the qualifying times for the ILS World Interclub Championships individual Pool events. Only competitors with entry times equal to or better than the qualifying times listed within the period from Rescue 2004 until January 12, 2006 (closing date for Rescue 2006 entries) will be eligible to compete in the individual events.
The qualification times have been determined by multiplying the world record by the factor 1.25. The qualification times for Rescue 2006 will therefore be:
Individual Interclub Pool Event Qualification Time
– 200m Obstacle Swim (Male) 2:24.00 (Female) 2:44.00
– 50m Manikin Carry (M) 0:38.00 (F) 0:45.00
– 100m Manikin Tow with Fins (M) 1:08.00 (F) 1:18.00
– 200m Super Lifesaver (M) 2:42.00 (F) 3:06.00
– 100m Rescue Medley (M) 1:19.00 (F) 1:32.00
– 100m Manikin Carry with Fins (M) 1:03.00 (F) 1:11.00
To ensure that the entry times quoted are correct and the seeding will therefore be fair, the times must be endorsed by the national federations as having been achieved by that competitor in an event according to the ILS Rules.
2006 International Lifesaving Conference
The 2006 International Lifesaving Conference is a fantastic opportunity for international lifesaving leaders to further their understanding of the dynamics of lifesaving and to share their individual ideas and experiences.
The Conference will be held at Deakin University’s Waterfront Campus in Geelong and will commence on the afternoon of Friday 17 February and conclude on the afternoon of Sunday 19 February.
2006 Lifesaving Sports Seminar
Surf Life Saving Australia invites all coaches, officials and sports administrators to attend the 2006 Lifesaving Sports Seminar. The one-day seminar is an opportunity to gain the tools and expertise needed to lead athletes, groups and organisations in achieving results in either coaching or officiating practices in pool, open water and surf competitions.
The seminar is to be held at the Mercure Hotel Geelong on Monday 20 February in conjunction with Rescue 2006. To receive further information on both of these events please visit the Surf Life Saving Australia website – www.slsa.asn.au.
Helpful Hints on obtaining your Visa
All persons, except Australian and New Zealand citizens, need a valid visa to enter Australia. This must be obtained before starting the journey and travellers must ensure they obtain the correct visa for their stay. In most cases for Rescue 2006 attendees the appropriate visa is a 977 or a 456 visa.
The 977 visa, issued as an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), is available to people who hold passports belonging to approximately 30 countries – a full list is available on the ETA website www.immi.gov.au/eta – through participating airlines and travel agents. A service fee is payable.
For non-ETA countries, the 456 visa can be applied for from Australian missions overseas. There is an application form to fill in (Form 456) and a fee to pay, on application.
When applying for a 456 visa, foreign nationals may be subject to greater scrutiny and will be expected to provide adequate documentation about their background, financial situation and other relevant details as required.
Therefore, it is important that Rescue 2006 participants apply for their visas well in advance of anticipated travel and we highly recommend that you visit the Department of Immigration website: www.immi.gov.au.
Be part of Rescue 2006
If you wish to become involved in Rescue 2006 but are perhaps not the strongest, fittest and most skilled lifesaver going around, becoming a volunteer could be an option for you! In order to ensure the ILS World Lifesaving Championships are the best ever, the Rescue 2006 team is urging people to become involved by registering as a volunteer. Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles during the Championships.
