Organized international lifesaving activities date back to 1878, when the first World Congress was hosted in Marseille, France. A need for an international forum to exchange ideas was soon recognized. This led firstly to the establishment of the Fédération Internationale de Sauvetage Aquatique (FIS) in 1910 and then to the formation of World Life Saving (WLS). Both organizations were established to promote lifesaving throughout the world. While FIS was focused on stillwater, WLS was more focused on ocean lifesaving. Lifesaving sport was primarily intended to encourage lifesavers to develop, maintain and improve the essential physical and mental skills needed to save lives in the aquatic environment.

On February 24, 1993, in Leuven, Belgium, FIS and WLS were merged into a single, worldwide lifesaving organization known as the International Life Saving Federation (ILS). ILS was officially constituted by the ILS General Assembly in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom, on September 3, 1994.

Since then, ILS has provided the single uniting force of lifesaving around the world. ILS is the international federation which oversees lifesaving sport and is the world's governing body for lifesaving and lifeguarding, for over 33 million members in 131 organizations.

The international liaisons forged by sport have helped greatly in advancing international exchanges of information on lifesaving practices.

Lifesaving competitions consist of a variety of competitions to further develop and demonstrate lifesaving skills, fitness and motivation. The lifesaving competitions are held in stillwater (pool), in the ocean and on the beach.

The stillwater events are mainly held in a pool. These events require technical skills and speed. The ocean events are most spectacular and fun to watch. The race and results are often unpredictable as currents and waves play a major role. These events require experience, tactics and endurance from the athletes.

sport rules link: