For Singaporean lifesaver Bervin Bek, selection for the Lifesaving World Championships 2026 is an opportunity to compete outside Singapore for the first time, with the 24-year-old set to represent San Zhen Swim School/Singapore University of Technology & Design (SUTD) Lifesaving across pool, ocean and beach events.
With no previous Lifesaving World Championships experience, Bek is looking forward to learning from athletes from different countries and making the most of his first opportunity on the world stage.
We caught up with Bervin to find out more about his lifesaving journey, preparation and ambitions for LWC2026.
What does being selected for the Lifesaving World Championships 2026 mean to you personally?
I can get to experience competing outside of Singapore’s environment for the first time and am looking forward to learning from athletes of various countries.
Can you share a bit about your background in lifesaving and how you first got involved in the sport?
I first got into lifesaving because I wanted to find a part-time job that was hands-on and thought competitive lifesaving was a way to hone my craft.
Who has had the biggest influence on your lifesaving career, and in what way?
My coach, Mr Kwa, because he has sacrificed and given his best for the team, along with his attention to detail in the sport.
Can you give us an insight into your preparation or training leading into Worlds? What does a typical week look like for you?
Training volume has increased and we are also adding technical skills into training. In lifesaving, there is such a wide range of skill sets and we try our best to practise everything within the limited number of sessions each week.
Which events will you be competing in, and what are you most looking forward to?
I’ll be competing across the pool, ocean and beach events, including the Rescue Medley, Obstacle Swim and Beach Sprints. I’m most looking forward to the waves at Kings Beach during the Ski Race.
What are your expectations for the competition?
I’m hoping to clock some PBs in still water and make it back on the ski race.
What’s one thing you’d like people to know about you, either as an athlete or outside the sport?
I like going for long runs to rearrange my thoughts.