Surf Life Saving GB is proud to announce that it will be sending Team GB to the Lifesaving World Championships 2026, taking place from 25 November to 13 December in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, and organised by the International Life Saving Federation.
This marks the culmination of a rigorous year of competition and selection, giving the team the opportunity to represent the UK on the world stage against the best lifesaving athletes from across the globe.
The Youth and Open squads travelling to South Africa were selected earlier this year through national trials, with athletes’ form also assessed across a range of other events throughout the season. These included the 2026 Surf Life Saving GB National Open Pool Championships at Cardiff International Pool, along with three Surf Life Saving GB Surf Series competitions, The Super6, Ocean Perf, and the World Ocean Series UK.
This breadth of competition ensured the strongest possible squad was selected, tested across both pool and surf disciplines ahead of the World Championships.
To support the team’s preparation and performance in Port Elizabeth, Surf Life Saving GB is providing a coaching team of six highly experienced volunteer sports coaches and physiotherapists, alongside funding towards travel, accommodation, training facilities, and team kit. This investment reflects SLSGB’s commitment to giving Team GB every opportunity to compete at their best, and the organisation looks forward to supporting the athletes throughout the Championships.
This World Championship marks a step on a much bigger journey. The International Life Saving Federation, Surf Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving GB are actively lobbying for lifesaving sport to feature at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, which would mark the sport’s first-ever Olympic appearance.
With the Ocean Man, Ocean Woman and Mixed Ocean Relay events being put forward for inclusion, every competition between now and then represents part of the pathway towards that ambition, and SLSGB is proud to be playing its part in building the athletes and performances that could one day take to an Olympic stage.
Come on the journey with us by following Surf Life Saving GB on Instagram and Facebook.
