About WSI & Sports Commission

In 1948 it was decided that Ireland would follow a European initiative and create the sport of lifesaving based on the skills and equipment used in lifeguarding. Currently 168 countries are affiliated to International life saving which controls the sport worldwide.

In 1950 the President, Sean T. O’Ceallaig decided to present a very large silver trophy to Water Safety Ireland for competition among the counties of Ireland and this award is still the premier award associated with our National Championships.

In 2024, The Simulated Emergency Response Competition (SERC) was added to the competition in 2024. The SERC tests the initiative, judgment, knowledge, and abilities of four lifesavers who act as a team.

National Championships are comprised of SERC, Pool Championships and Ocean & Beach Championships, with Nipper, Youth, Senior and Master categories.