INTERNATIONAL LIFE SAVING FEDERATIONCOMPETITION RULE BOOK
Short Course Pool Events Addendum
2020 Edition(Revised September 2021)

World Water Safety
Gemeenteplein 26, 3010 Leuven, Belgium
Telephone: +32 (0) 16 89 60 60
Email: ils.hq@telenet.be
Web: www.ilsf.org

International Life Saving Federation
Short Course Pool Events Rule Book Addendum 2020 Edition (revised September 2021)

Page 1

CONTENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

PREFACE ...................................................................................................................................... 3
CHANGES TO THE SHORT COURSE POOL EVENTS RULE BOOK ADDENDUM 2020 ...... 3
FACILITY STANDARDS AND SANCTIONING ........................................................................... 3WORLD RECORDS AND WORLD’S BEST TIMES .................................................................... 4
POOL EVENTS SUMMARY ......................................................................................................... 4
5.1

OBSTACLE SWIM (25 m, 50 m, 100 m and 200 m) ........................................................... 5

5.1.1
5.1.2
5.1.3
5.2

MANIKIN CARRY (25 m and 50 m) ..................................................................................... 6

5.2.1
5.2.2
5.2.3
5.2.4
5.3

Event description .......................................................................................................... 11

MANIKIN RELAY (4 x 12.5 m and 4 x 25 m) ..................................................................... 12

5.8.1
5.8.2
5.8.3
5.9

Event description - 100 m short course ........................................................................ 10
Event description 200 m short course .......................................................................... 10
Equipment ..................................................................................................................... 10
Disqualification .............................................................................................................. 10

LINE THROW....................................................................................................................... 11

5.7.1
5.8

Event description – 50 m short course ........................................................................... 9
Event description – 100 m short course ......................................................................... 9
Disqualification ................................................................................................................ 9

SUPER LIFESAVER (100 m and 200 m) ........................................................................... 10

5.6.1
5.6.2
5.6.3
5.6.4
5.7

Event description – 25 m short course ........................................................................... 8
Event description – 50 m short course ........................................................................... 8
Event description – 100 m short course ......................................................................... 8
Equipment ....................................................................................................................... 8
Disqualification ................................................................................................................ 8

MANIKIN TOW WITH FINS (50 m and 100 m) .................................................................... 9

5.5.1
5.5.2
5.5.3
5.6

Event description – 50 m short course ........................................................................... 7
Event description – 100 m short course ......................................................................... 7
Equipment ....................................................................................................................... 7
Disqualification ................................................................................................................ 7

MANIKIN CARRY WITH FINS (25 m, 50 m, and 100 m) .................................................... 8

5.4.1
5.4.2
5.4.3
5.4.4
5.4.5
5.5

Event description – 25 m short course ........................................................................... 6
Event description – 50 m short course ........................................................................... 6
Equipment ....................................................................................................................... 6
Disqualification ................................................................................................................ 6

RESCUE MEDLEY (50 m and 100 m).................................................................................. 7

5.3.1
5.3.2
5.3.3
5.3.4
5.4

Event description – 25 m, 50 m, 100 m, and 200 m short course ................................. 5
Equipment ....................................................................................................................... 5
Disqualification ................................................................................................................ 5

Event description – 4 x 12.5 m short course ................................................................ 12
Event description –4 x 25 m short course .................................................................... 12
Disqualification .............................................................................................................. 12

OBSTACLE RELAY (4 x 25 m and 4 x 50 m) ................................................................... 13

5.9.1
5.9.2

Event description – 4 x 25 m ........................................................................................ 13
Event description – 4 x 50 m short course ................................................................... 13

International Life Saving Federation
Short Course Pool Events Rule Book Addendum 2020 Edition (revised September 2021)

5.9.3
5.9.4
5.10

Event description – 4 x 25 m short course ................................................................... 14
Event description – 4 x 50 m short course ................................................................... 14
Disqualification .............................................................................................................. 14

POOL LIFESAVER RELAY (4 x 25 m and 4 x 50 m) ....................................................... 15

5.11.1
5.11.2
5.11.3
5.12

Equipment ..................................................................................................................... 13
Disqualification .............................................................................................................. 13

MEDLEY RELAY (4 x 25 m and 4 x 50 m) ........................................................................ 14

5.10.1
5.10.25.10.3
5.11

Page 2

Event description– 4 x 25 m short course .................................................................... 15
Event description– 4 x 50 m short course .................................................................... 15
Disqualification .............................................................................................................. 16

SIMULATED EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMPETITION (SERC) .................................. 17

5.12.1

Event description .......................................................................................................... 17

International Life Saving Federation
Short Course Pool Events Rule Book Addendum 2020 Edition (revised September 2021)

1.

Page 3

PREFACEThe Short Course Pool Events Addendum are based on the standardised events contained in thecurrent edition International Life Saving Federation (ILS) Competition Rule Book (see ilsf.org) andmodified for use in 25 m short course swimming pools.
The intent of the short course version of rules are to provide participation opportunities where ILS
compliant 50 m pool facilities are not accessible and to grow ILS pool rescue competition.
It is also envisaged that ILS Short Course Life Saving World Championships (LWC), as well as
regional, other championships, and sanctioned competitions will be conducted, and World Records
recognised.
All event conduct and event rules detailed in the current edition ILS Competition Rule Book apply toshort competition and each event unless otherwise specified or varied as detailed with this Short
Course Rule Book Addendum.
The ILS acknowledges the contribution of its Federations, the ILS Sport Commission, and the ILS
Rules and Regulations Committee for their assistance in producing this Rule Book Addendum.

2.

CHANGES TO THE SHORT COURSE POOL EVENTS RULE
BOOK ADDENDUM 2020

In this September 2021 Revised Edition, the ILS Sport Commission draws your attention to thefollowing changes to the ILS Competition Rule Book Short Course Pool Events Addendum 2020
Edition:General: Made minor errata to the wording contained in the 2020 Edition Addendum.
Section 4 Added a section to establish World Records and World Best Short Course Times
criteria for Short Course Pool Events.
Section 5 Maintained shorter distance events and ensured that customary distance events
mirror standard ILS events
Made minor amendments to the specific events to ensure consistency with the wording in the
ILS Competition Rule Book.

3.

FACILITY STANDARDS AND SANCTIONING

Short course lifesaving competitions are designed to be conducted in 25 m swimming pools, andpreferably those that meet FINA standards (see www.fina.org).
Should a pool not meet FINA facilities standards (such as starting blocks, automatic timing, sufficientdepth for diving or length of pool), then the local organizing competition committee will need to adapt
the rules and requirements to ensure safety and provide details to competitors.
Note: For all dive starts and relay dive changeovers, a minimum depth of 1.35 m is required,extending from 1.0 m at least 6.0 m from the starting wall/edge, changeover wall/edge andfinish wall/end. If the minimum depth is less than 1.35 m in-water starts and/or change overs shallapply.
To be eligible for World Short Course Records and/or “world’s best short course times” (see Section4), competition must be sanctioned by ILS and conducted in facilities that comply with ILS facility
standards for swimming pools with the exception that the pool length is 25 m in length (see ilsf.org).
Note: Refer to the current edition ILS Competition Rule Book for ILS Facility standards andprocesses for event sanctioning.

International Life Saving Federation
Short Course Pool Events Rule Book Addendum 2020 Edition (revised September 2021)

4.

Page 4WORLD RECORDS AND WORLD’S BEST TIMESConsistent with the current edition ILS Competition Rule Book, World Short Course Records will only
be recognised upon conduct of the first ILS Life Saving World Short Course Championships.
Note: As per the ILS Competition Rule Book, the only world records recorded and recognised by ILS
are in those events, age groups and distances conducted by ILS in LWC. ILS is yet to consider
events that may be conducted at an ILS Short Course LWC.
However, pending the conduct of the first ILS Life Saving World Short Course Championships, ILS,
at its absolute discretion, may maintain a list of world’s best short course times provided that all othercriteria (including sanctioning, pool depths etc.) for world record recognition are met (refer ilsf.org).
Note: A negative anti-doping drug test will not be required for the acceptance of world’s best shortcourse times.

5.

POOL EVENTS SUMMARY

The following pool events are described in this section:
Obstacle Swim – 25 m, 50 m, 100 m, 200 m
Manikin Carry – 25 m, 50 m
Rescue Medley – 50 m, 100 m
Manikin Carry with Fins – 25 m, 50 m, 100 m
Manikin Tow with Fins – 50 m, 100 m
Super Lifesaver – 100 m, 200 m
Line Throw
Manikin Relay – 4 x 12.5 m, 4 x 25 m
Obstacle Relay – 4 x 25 m, 4 x 50 m
Medley Relay – 4 x 25 m, 4 x 50 m
Pool Lifesaver Relay - 4 x 25 m, 4 x 50 m
Simulated Emergency Response Competition (SERC)
Note: Alternative variations in distance, depths, and equipment may occur due to facility features,
safety and to suit the circumstances.

International Life Saving Federation
Short Course Pool Events Rule Book Addendum 2020 Edition (revised September 2021)

5.1

Page 5OBSTACLE SWIM (25 m, 50 m, 100 m and 200 m)

5.1.1 Event description – 25 m, 50 m, 100 m, and 200 m short course
With a dive or in-water start on an acoustic signal, the competitor swims the course passing under
the immersed obstacle to touch the finish wall/edge of the pool.
a) Competitors must surface after the dive entry before the obstacle; after passing under eachobstacle; and after a turn prior to passing under an obstacle.
b) Competitors may push off the pool bottom when surfacing from under each of the obstacles.
“Surfacing,” means the competitor’s head breaks the plane of the surface of the water.
c) Swimming into or otherwise bumping an obstacle is not a behaviour that results in
disqualification.
Note: The competitor will pass under the obstacle:
25 m – once
50 m – two times
100 m – four times
200 m – eight times

5.1.2 Equipment
Obstacles: See Section 8 – Facility and Equipment Standards and Scrutineering Procedures.
Obstacles are fixed at right angles onto lane ropes in a straight line across all lanes. The obstacle islocated 12.5 m from the start wall/edge, in the middle of the pool. The dimensions of the obstacle
may need to be adjusted to allow for a narrower lane width and/or a shallower pool depth.

5.1.3 Disqualificationa)Refer to the ILS Competition Rule Book.

International Life Saving Federation
Short Course Pool Events Rule Book Addendum 2020 Edition (revised September 2021)

5.2

Page 6MANIKIN CARRY (25 m and 50 m)

5.2.1 Event description – 25 m short course
With a dive or in-water start on an acoustic signal, the competitor swims 12.5 m freestyle and thendives to recover a submerged manikin to the surface within 5 m of the pick-up line. The competitor
must surface before diving down to recover the manikin. The competitor then carries the manikin totouch the finish wall/edge of the pool.
Note 1: Competitors may push off the pool bottom when surfacing with the manikin.
Note 2: All other event conditions are as per the ILS Competition Rule Book.

5.2.2 Event description – 50 m short course
With a dive or in-water start on an acoustic signal, the competitor swims 25 m freestyle and thendives to recover a submerged manikin to the surface within 5 m of the pick-up line. The competitor
must surface before diving down to recover the manikin. The competitor then carries the manikin totouch the finish wall/edge of the pool.
Note 1: Competitors may push off the pool bottom when surfacing with the manikin.
Note 2: Competitor’s need not touch the turn wall/edge of the pool when recovering the manikin.
Note 3: All other event conditions are as per the ILS Competition Rule Book,

5.2.3 Equipment
Positioning the manikin (second paragraph): The manikin is positioned on its back in contact withthe pool bottom, with its head in the direction of the finish.
For the 50 m event the manikin will be placed with the base touching the pool wall. Where the facility
design does not provide a vertical wall that joins the bottom at 90 degrees, the manikin must be
positioned as close as possible to the wall, but no further than 30 cm from the wall as measured at
the water surface.

5.2.4 Disqualificationa)Refer to the ILS Competition Rule Book.

International Life Saving Federation
Short Course Pool Events Rule Book Addendum 2020 Edition (revised September 2021)

5.3

Page 7RESCUE MEDLEY (50 m and 100 m)

5.3.1 Event description – 50 m short course
With a dive or in-water start on an acoustic signal, the competitor swims 25 m freestyle to turn, dive,and swim underwater to a submerged manikin located at 12.5 m from the turn wall/edge.
The competitor surfaces the manikin within the 5 m pick-up line, and then carries it the remaining
distance to touch the finish wall/edge.
Note 1: Competitors may breathe during the turn, but not after their feet leave the last turn wall/edge
until they surface with the manikin.
Note 2: Competitors may push off the pool bottom when surfacing with the manikin.
Note 3: All other event conditions are as per the ILS Competition Rule Book.

5.3.2 Event description – 100 m short course
With a dive or in-water start on an acoustic signal, the competitor swims 75 m freestyle to turn, dive,and swim underwater to a submerged manikin located 12.5 m from the turn wall/edge.
The competitor surfaces the manikin within the 5 m pick-up line, and then carries it the remaining
distance to touch the finish wall/edge.
Note 1: Competitors may breathe during the turn, but not after their feet leave the last turn wall/edge
until they surface with the manikin.
Note 2: Competitors may push off the pool bottom when surfacing with the manikin.
Note 3: All other event conditions are as per the ILS Competition Rule Book.

5.3.3 Equipment
Positioning the manikin (second paragraph): The manikin is positioned on its back in contact withthe pool bottom, with its head in the direction of the finish.

5.3.4 Disqualificationa)Refer to the ILS Competition Rule Book.

International Life Saving Federation
Short Course Pool Events Rule Book Addendum 2020 Edition (revised September 2021)

5.4

Page 8MANIKIN CARRY WITH FINS (25 m, 50 m, and 100 m)

5.4.1 Event description – 25 m short course
With an in-water start, holding a manikin with one hand and the start wall/edge or starting block withthe other hand. On an acoustic signal, the competitor carries the manikin 25 m wearing fins to touch
the finish wall/edge of the pool.

5.4.2 Event description – 50 m short course
With a dive or in-water start on an acoustic signal, the competitor swims 25 m freestyle wearing finsand then recovers a submerged manikin to the surface within 10 m of the turn wall/edge. The
competitor carries the manikin to touch the finish wall/edge of the pool.
Note 1: Competitors need not touch the turn wall/edge of the pool when recovering the manikin.
Note 2: Competitors may push off the pool bottom when surfacing with the manikin.
Note 3: All other event conditions are as per the ILS Competition Rule Book.

5.4.3 Event description – 100 m short course (50 m Manikin Carry)
With a dive or in-water start on an acoustic signal, the competitor swims 50 m freestyle wearing finsand then recovers a submerged manikin to the surface within 10 m of the turn wall/edge. The
competitor carries the manikin 50 m (two 25 m laps) to the finish. After the turn at the 75 m markcompetitors must have the manikin in the correct carrying position within 5 m of the turning
wall/edge. The event is complete when the competitor touches the finish wall/edge of the pool.
Note 1: Competitors need not touch the turn wall/edge of the pool when recovering the manikin at
the 50 m mark.
Note 2: Competitors may push off the pool bottom when surfacing with the manikin.
Note 3: Competitors must touch the turning wall/edge with any part of the body at the 75 m mark.
Note 4: At the turn at the 75 m mark competitors may push off the turning wall/edge with their feet.
Note 5 All other event conditions are as per the ILS Competition Rule Book.

5.4.4 Equipment
Positioning the manikin (second paragraph): The manikin is positioned on its back in contact withthe pool bottom, with its head in the direction of the finish and its base touching the pool wall.
Where the facility design does not provide a vertical wall that joins the bottom at 90 degrees, themanikin must be positioned as close as possible to the wall, but no further than 30 cm from the wallas measured at the water surface.

5.4.5 Disqualificationa)Refer to the ILS Competition Rule Book.

International Life Saving Federation
Short Course Pool Events Rule Book Addendum 2020 Edition (revised September 2021)

5.5

Page 9MANIKIN TOW WITH FINS (50 m and 100 m)

5.5.1 Event description – 50 m short course
With a dive or in-water start on an acoustic signal, the competitor swims 25 m freestyle with fins andrescue tube. After touching the turn wall/edge, and within the 10 m pick-up zone, the competitor fixes
the rescue tube correctly around a manikin and tows it to the finish. The line of the rescue tube must
become fully extended as soon as possible and before the top of the manikin’s head passes the
10 m line. The event is complete when the competitor touches the finish wall/edge of the pool.

5.5.2 Event description – 100 m short course (50 m Manikin Tow)
With a dive or in-water start on an acoustic signal, the competitor swims 50 m freestyle with fins andrescue tube. After touching the turn wall/edge, and within the 10 m pick-up zone, the competitor fixes
the rescue tube correctly around a manikin and tows it 50 m (two 25 m laps) to the finish. The line of
the rescue tube must become fully extended as soon as possible and before the top of the manikin’s
head passes the 10 m line. The event is complete when the competitor touches the finish wall/edgeof the pool.
Note 1: Competitors must touch the turning wall/edge with any part of the body at the 75 m mark.
Note 2: During the turn at the 75 m mark the manikins face must remain above the surface of thewater.
Note 3: During the turn at the 75 m mark competitors will not be disqualified if the line of the rescue
tube is not fully extended.
Note 4: After the turn at the 75 m mark the line of the recue tube must become fully extended assoon as possible and before the top of the manikin’s head passes the 10 m line.
Note 5: All other event conditions are as per the ILS Competition Rule Book.

5.5.3 Disqualificationa)Refer to the ILS Competition Rule Book.

International Life Saving Federation
Short Course Pool Events Rule Book Addendum 2020 Edition (revised September 2021)

5.6

Page 10

SUPER LIFESAVER (100 m and 200 m)

5.6.1 Event description - 100 m short course
With a dive or in-water start on an acoustic signal, the competitor swims 25 m freestyle and thendives to recover a submerged manikin. The competitor surfaces the manikin within the 5 m pick-up
zone and carries it 25 m to the turn wall/edge. After touching the wall/edge, the competitor releases
the manikin.
Competitors need not touch the turn wall/edge of the pool when recovering the submerged manikin.
In the water, the competitor dons fins and rescue tube and swims 25 m freestyle. After touching thewall/edge, and within the 10 m pick-up zone, the competitor fixes the rescue tube correctly around amanikin and tows it to the finish. The line of the rescue tube must become fully extended as soon as
possible and before the top of the manikin’s head passes the 10 m line.
The event is complete when the competitor touches the finish wall/edge of the pool.
Note: All other event conditions are as per the ILS Competition Rule Book.

5.6.2 Event description 200 m short course (50 m tow)
With a dive or in-water start on an acoustic signal, the competitor swims 75 m freestyle and thendives to recover a submerged manikin. The competitor surfaces the manikin within the 5 m pick-up
zone and carries it 25 m to the turn wall/edge. After touching the wall/edge, the competitor releases
the manikin.
In the water, the competitor dons fins and rescue tube and swims 50 m freestyle.
Aftertouchingthewall/edge, andwithinthe10mpick-upzone, the competitor fixes the rescue tube
correctly around a manikin and tows it 50 m (two 25 m laps) to the finish. The line of the rescue tube
must become fully extended as soon as possible and before the top of the manikin’s head passes
the 10 m line.
The event is complete when the competitor touches the finish wall/edge of the pool.
Note 1: Competitors need not touch the 75 m turn wall/edge of the pool when recovering thesubmerged manikin.
Note 2: Competitors must touch the turning wall/edge with any part of the body at the 175 m mark.
Note 3: During the turn at the 175 m mark the manikins face must remain above the surface of thewater.
Note 4: During the turn at the 175 m mark competitors will not be disqualified if the line of the rescue
tube is not fully extended.
Note 5: After the turn at the 175 m mark the line of the rescue tube must become fully extended assoon as possible and before the top of the manikin’s head passes the 10 m line.
Note 6: All other event conditions are as per the ILS Competition Rule Book.

5.6.3 Equipment
Positioning the first manikin: The manikin is positioned on its back in contact with the pool bottom,
with its head in the direction of the finish and its base touching the pool wall.
Where the facility design does not provide a vertical wall that joins the bottom at 90 degrees, themanikin must be positioned as close as possible to the wall, but no further than 30 cm from the wallas measured at the water surface.

5.6.4 Disqualificationa)Refer to the ILS Competition Rule Book.

International Life Saving Federation
Short Course Pool Events Rule Book Addendum 2020 Edition (revised September 2021)

5.7LINE THROW

5.7.1 Event descriptiona)As per the ILS Competition Rule Book.

Page 11International Life Saving Federation
Short Course Pool Events Rule Book Addendum 2020 Edition (revised September 2021)

5.8

Page 12MANIKIN RELAY (4 x 12.5 m and 4 x 25 m)

5.8.1 Event description – 4 x 12.5 m short course
Four competitors in turn carry a manikin approximately 12.5 m each.
a)

The first competitor starts in the water holding a manikin with one hand and the start wall/edge
or starting block with the other hand. On an acoustic signal, the competitor carries the manikin
and passes it to the second competitor within the 5 m changeover zone between the 10 m and15 m mark.

b)

The second competitor carries the manikin to touch the turn wall/edge and passes the manikin
to the third competitor, who must be in contact with the turn wall/edge with at least one hand.
The third competitor may touch the manikin only after the second competitor has touched thewall/edge.

c)

The third competitor carries the manikin and passes it to the fourth competitor in the 5 mchangeover zone between the 35 m and 40 m.
The fourth competitor completes the event by carrying the manikin to touch the finish
wall/edge with any part of the competitor’s body.

d)Note: All other event conditions are as per the ILS Competition Rule Book.

5.8.2 Event description –4 x 25 m short course
Four competitors in turn carry a manikin approximately 25 m each.
a) The first competitor starts in the water holding a manikin with one hand and the start wall/edge
or starting block with the other hand. On an acoustic signal, the competitor carries the manikin
25 m to touch the turn wall/edge and passes the manikin to the second competitor, who is incontact with the turn wall/edge or starting block with at least one hand. The second competitor
may touch the manikin only after the first competitor has touched the turn wall/edge.
b) The second competitor carries the manikin 25 m to touch the turn wall/edge and passes the
manikin to the third competitor who is in contact with the turn wall/edge or starting block with atleast one hand. The third competitor may touch the manikin only after the second competitor
has touched the turn wall/edge.
c) The third competitor carries the manikin 25 m to touch the turn wall/edge and passes the
manikin to the fourth competitor, who is in contact with the turn wall/edge or starting block withat least one hand. The fourth competitor may touch the manikin only after the third competitor
has touched the turn wall/edge.
d) The fourth competitor completes the event by carrying the manikin 25 m to touch the finish
wall/edge with any part of the competitor’s body.
Note: All other event conditions are as per the ILS Competition Rule Book.

5.8.3 Disqualificationa)Refer to the ILS Competition Rule Book.

International Life Saving Federation
Short Course Pool Events Rule Book Addendum 2020 Edition (revised September 2021)

5.9

Page 13OBSTACLE RELAY (4 x 25 m and 4 x 50 m)

5.9.1 Event description – 4 x 25 m
With a dive start or in-water start on an acoustic signal, the first competitor swims 25 m freestylepassing under an obstacle. After the first competitor touches the turn wall/edge the second, third, andfourth competitors repeat the procedure in turn.
a) Competitors must surface after the dive start entry or in-water start before the obstacle and after
passing under each obstacle. “Surfacing,” means the competitor’s head breaks the plane of thesurface of the water.
b)c)Competitors may push off the pool bottom when surfacing from under the obstacles.
Swimming into or otherwise bumping an obstacle is not a behaviour that results in
disqualification.

d)

The first, second and third competitors must leave the water upon finishing their legs of the relay
without obstructing any other competitors. The first, second and third competitors may not reenter the water.
Note 1: Once competitors have completed their leg of the race, they are to immediately exit the pooland not interfere with competing teams.
Note 2: All other event conditions are as per the ILS Competition Rule Book.

5.9.2 Event description – 4 x 50 m short course
With a dive start or in-water start on an acoustic signal, the first competitor swims 50 m freestylepassing under an obstacle on each lap. After the first competitor touches the turn wall/edge thesecond, third, and fourth competitors repeat the procedure in turn.
a) Competitors must surface after the dive start entry or in-water start before the obstacle and after
passing under each obstacle. “Surfacing,” means the competitor’s head breaks the plane of thesurface of the water.
b)c)Competitors may push off the pool bottom when surfacing from under the obstacles.
Swimming into or otherwise bumping an obstacle is not a behaviour that results in
disqualification.
d) The first, second and third competitors must leave the water upon finishing their legs of the relay
without obstructing any other competitors. The first, second and third competitors may not reenter the water.
Note 1: Once competitors have completed their leg of the race, they are to immediately exit the pooland not interfere with competing teams.
Note 2: All other event conditions are as per the ILS Competition Rule Book.

5.9.3 Equipment
Obstacles: See Section 8 – Facility and Equipment Standards and Scrutineering Procedures.
Obstacles are fixed at right angles onto lane ropes in a straight line across all lanes. The obstacle islocated 12.5 m from the start wall in the middle of the pool. The dimensions of the obstacle may need
to be adjusted to allow for a narrower lane width and/or a shallower pool depth.

5.9.4 Disqualificationa)Refer to the ILS Competition Rule Book.

International Life Saving Federation
Short Course Pool Events Rule Book Addendum 2020 Edition (revised September 2021)

Page 145.10 MEDLEY RELAY (4 x 25 m and 4 x 50 m)
5.10.1 Event description – 4 x 25 m short course
The first competitor: With a dive start or in-water start on an acoustic signal, the first competitor
swims 25 m freestyle without fins.
The second competitor: With a dive start or in water start after the first competitor touches the turnwall/edge, the second competitor swims 25 m freestyle with fins.
The third competitor: With a dive start or in water start after the second competitor touches thestart/finish wall/edge, the third competitor swims 25 m freestyle without fins towing a rescue tube.
The third competitor touches the turn wall/edge.
The fourth competitor: The fourth competitor, in the water wearing fins with at least one hand on
the turn wall/edge or starting block, dons the harness. The fourth competitor is not permitted to touch
any part of the rescue tube harness, line, or any part of the rescue tube, until the third competitor has
touched the turning wall/edge. The third competitor, playing the role of “victim”, holds the rescue tube
and/or clip with both hands while being towed 25 m by the fourth competitor to the finish.
Note 1: Once competitors have completed their leg of the race, they are to immediately exit the pooland not interfere with competing teams.
Note 2: All other event conditions are as per the ILS Competition Rule Book.

5.10.2 Event description – 4 x 50 m short course
The first competitor: With a dive start or in-water start on an acoustic signal, the first competitor
swims 50 m freestyle without fins.
The second competitor: With a dive start or in-water start after the first competitor touches the turnwall/edge, the second competitor swims 50 m freestyle with fins.
The third competitor: With a dive start or in-water start after the second competitor touches thestart/finish wall/edge, the third competitor swims 50 m freestyle without fins towing a rescue tube.
The third competitor touches the turn wall/edge.
The fourth competitor: The fourth competitor, in the water wearing fins with at least one hand on
the turn wall/edge or starting block, dons the harness. The fourth competitor is not permitted to touch
any part of the rescue tube harness, line, or any part of the rescue tube, until the third competitor has
touched the turning wall/edge. The third competitor, playing the role of “victim”, holds the rescue tube
and/or clip with both hands while being towed 50 m by the fourth competitor to the finish.
Note 1: Rescuers (no. 4) must touch the turning wall/edge with any part of the body at the 175 m
mark.
Note 2: At the turn at the 175 m mark the victim (No.3) is not permitted to push off the turning
wall/edge with their feet.
Note 3: During the turn at the 175 m mark teams will not be disqualified if the line of the rescue tube
is not fully extended.
Note 4: After the turn at the 175 m mark the line of the rescue tube must become fully extended assoon as possible and before the top of the victim’s head passes the 10 m line.
Note 5: Once competitors have completed their leg of the race, they are to immediately exit the pooland not interfere with competing teams.
Note 6: All other event conditions are as per the ILS Competition Rule book.

5.10.3 Disqualificationa)Refer to the ILS Competition Rule Book.

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5.11 POOL LIFESAVER RELAY (4 x 25 m and 4 x 50 m)
5.11.1 Event description– 4 x 25 m short course
The first competitor: With a dive start or in-water start on an acoustic signal, the first competitor
swims 25 m freestyle without fins.
The second competitor: With a dive start or in-water start after the first competitor touches thewall/edge, the second competitor swims 25mwith fins and dives to retrieve a submerged manikin.
The second competitor does not need to touch the turning wall/edge before passing the manikin to
the third competitor.
Note: The Second swimmer is permitted to swim the whole distance underwater before surfacingwith manikin or may surface one or more times after the start and before diving to retrieve the
manikin.
The third competitor: The third competitor is waiting in the water (without fins) in contact with theturn wall/edge or starting block with at least one hand. The third competitor may touch (but cannot
grasp) the manikin before it surfaces. After the manikin’s head breaks the surface of the water thecompetitor may then take control of the manikin and release their hold on the turning wall/edge orstarting block. The third competitor then carries the manikin 25 m and touches the wall/edge before
passing the manikin to the fourth competitor.
The fourth competitor: The fourth competitor (with fins) is holding the turning wall/edge or starting
block with at least one hand until taking the manikin. The fourth competitor may touch the manikin
only after the third competitor has touched the wall/edge. The fourth competitor then carries the
manikin 25 m to touch the finish wall/edge with any part of the competitor’s body.
Note 1: Once competitors have completed their leg of the race, they are to immediately exit the pooland not interfere with competing teams.
Note 2: All other event conditions are as per the ILS Competition Rule Book.

5.11.2 Event description– 4 x 50 m short course
The first competitor: With a dive start or in-water start on an acoustic signal, the first competitor
swims 50 m freestyle without fins.
The second competitor: With a dive start or in-water start after the first competitor touches thewall/edge, the second competitor swims 50 m with fins and dives to retrieve a submerged manikin.
The second competitor does not need to touch the turning wall/edge before passing the manikin to
the third competitor.
Note: The Second swimmer is permitted to swim the whole distance underwater before surfacingwith manikin or may surface one or more times after the start and before diving to retrieve the
manikin.
The third competitor: The third competitor is waiting in the water (without fins) in contact with theturn wall/edge or starting block with at least one hand. The third competitor may touch (but cannot
grasp) the manikin before it surfaces. After the manikin’s head breaks the surface of the water thecompetitor may then take control of the manikin and release their hold on the turning wall/edge orstarting block. The third competitor then carries the manikin 50 m and touches the wall/edge before
passing the manikin to the fourth competitor.
The fourth competitor: The fourth competitor (with fins) is holding the turning wall/edge or starting
block with at least one hand until taking the manikin. The fourth competitor may touch the manikin
only after the third competitor has touched the wall/edge. The fourth competitor then carries the
manikin 50 m to touch the finish wall/edge with any part of the competitor’s body.
Note 1: Competitors must touch the turning wall/edge with any part of the body at the 25, 75, 125
and 175 m turning marks.

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Note 2: At the turns competitors may push off the turning wall/edge with their feet.
Note 3: Once competitors have completed their leg of the race, they are to immediately exit the pooland not interfere with competing teams.
Note 4: All other event conditions are as per the ILS Competition Rule Book.

5.11.3 Disqualificationa)Refer to the ILS Competition Rule Book.

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5.12 SIMULATED EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMPETITION (SERC)
5.12.1 Event descriptiona)As per the ILS Competition Rule Book.