The ILS opened the bid for the organisation of the 2012 World Championships in May 2008.

The bidding documents were mailed to all ILS Full Member Federations.

Applicants had to inform ILS before 10 July 2008 of their intention to bid, pay an intention to bid fee of 500 Euro and be present at the Bid Session organised in Berlin.

ILS received the application of Surf Life Saving Australia to host Rescue 2012 within the set timeframes as well as the bid fee.

A Bid Session was organised in Berlin and Ron Rankin, President of SLSA as well as Brett Williamson, Chief Executive Officer of SLSA were present.

The exact location of Rescue 2012 within Australia will be announced in Autumn 2008.