Surf Life Saving Championships Make a Triumphant Return to Lake Macquarie
More than 20,000 competitors, officials, and spectators are expected to descend upon the shores of Blacksmiths Beach over the coming weeks for the highly anticipated NSW Surf Life Saving Championships. This major event marks a significant comeback for the Swansea-Belmont surf lifesaving club, which will host the championships from 2026 to 2028 after a five-year hiatus. The age championships are set to commence on Thursday, February 19, bringing a wave of excitement and activity to the region.
Preparations and Economic Impact
Brad Fox, president of the Swansea-Belmont club, has highlighted the extensive preparations undertaken for this large-scale event. "It is going to get very busy, we've got four barbecues set up on the beach and a couple at the clubhouse, our bar will be humming at the end of each day," he said. "It's a big revenue raise for our club." The championships kicked off last weekend with lifesaving, patrol, and first aid competitions, followed by age, adaptive, masters, and open championships in the subsequent weeks.
Lake Macquarie City mayor Adam Shultz expressed immense enthusiasm for hosting the event, noting its substantial economic benefits. "We're ecstatic, we are incredibly excited to host the championships," Cr Shultz stated. With accommodations, food, and other daily expenditures, council estimates suggest the event could inject approximately $3 million annually into the local community. "We really think Blacksmiths is the home of the championships, and we are looking forward to that being no different this year and for the next two after that," he added.
Event Schedule and Competitor Highlights
The championships feature a diverse range of competitions spread across several weeks:
- Starting Thursday, February 19, the junior age category and adaptive championships will begin, including sand sprints, distance runs, beach flags, and water-based events such as board races and relays.
- From February 25 to 26, the Masters championships will take place, with participants aged 30 and above, some even nearing 80 years old.
- The Opens and Surf Boat championships are scheduled for February 27, showcasing top-tier athletes, with the entire event concluding on March 1.
Brad Fox anticipates participation from 70 to 80 clubs across New South Wales. "We were well rested for our five years off, and we're really keen to have it come back and be part of our club," he remarked.
Local Athlete Perspectives
Kaitlin Rees, a local surf lifesaving star, shared her excitement about competing at her home beach. "My first ever state champs was at Swansea-Belmont, so to be coming back for my first year in the under nineteens is pretty cool," she said. Rees will compete in the under-18s Opens category over three days of land and sea racing. "To be able to race where I train day in and day out with my whole family coming down to watch is definitely super special," she added.
The event not only fosters competitive spirit but also strengthens community bonds, as members volunteer their time to support the club. This gathering represents a significant opportunity for camaraderie and celebration within the surf lifesaving community, highlighting the enduring appeal and importance of these championships in promoting safety and sport along Australia's coastlines.
