Rescue events: tube rescue & board rescue
The rescue events recreate a real rescue. In the board rescue a "patient" swims out to a buoy (120 m for seniors) and signals, and a teammate paddles out on a board, picks them up and brings them back to the beach. In the tube rescue a swimmer takes a rescue tube and fins out to the patient, clips them in and tows them back, and two more teammates carry the patient to the finish.
Board rescue and tube rescue rules →
Board rescue
Two athletes per team: the patient swims out, puts a forearm over the buoy and raises the other arm; the paddler then paddles out and collects them. The first of the pair to cross the finish line, on their feet and with both touching the board, sets the team's place.
Tube rescue
Four athletes per team: the patient, the tube swimmer (with fins and a rescue tube) and two rescuers who wade in to help bring the patient in and carry them up the beach. The finish is judged on the first rescuer crossing the line. Clubs also race a tube relay as a team event. See board rescue and tube rescue rules.
Rescue events in South Africa
139 rescue events divisions on Flagline so far. Leaders, the top clubs, records and field sizes are on the stats page.
SA Champs 2025/26 · Gqeberha / Thembisa
| Age group | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Open | CliftonFish HoekMandeville Dolphins | Kings BeachFish HoekTuks |
| Junior | CliftonFish HoekTeam | Fish HoekCliftonMandeville Dolphins |
SA Inter-Provincials 2025/26 · Gqeberha
| Age group | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Open | KZNWestern Cape | Eastern Cape |
| U19 | Western CapeWestern Cape | Western Cape |
Sources
- Lifesaving South Africa — Competition Manual, 17th edition (November 2022)
- International Life Saving Federation — Competition Rule Book, 2025 edition (revised May 2026)
Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted something wrong? Email hello@flagline.co.za.