Lachlan Braddish is Lifesaver of the Year

The title of Male Lifesaver of the Year has been awarded to a young Umina competitor at the Australian Pool Life Saving Championships.

Royal Life Saving announced that Lachlan Braddish from Umina had won the Male Lifesaver of the Year at the prestigious Australian Pool Life Saving Championships, held in Melbourne at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre from January 11 to 13.

Braddish was also selected in the Under-16 Junior Barras Representative Team.

Braddish won three relay gold medals, five individual golds, and was also awarded the Men's Junior Australia Cup, and Men's Under-16 Individual Championship.

Over 160 champion lifesavers from across the nation took part in what Robert Reid, national sports advisor of Royal Life Saving Society Australia said was a tough competition amongst elite athletes.

The team from New South Wales took back their title from Queensland as the Interstate Overall Championship with Queensland a close second.

"This is a major event on our calendar every year," Mr Reid said.

"It's incredible seeing the skills of lifesavers across the country put to the test," he said.

"With competitors ranging in age from 11 to 76, it shows that you're never too young or old to learn how to save a life.

"Drowning is still a major issue for Australia."

Competitors at the championships took part in real life rescue scenarios.

This included the mannequin carry, obstacle swim and the simulated emergency response competition.

During this event lifesavers were tested on knowledge, skills and initiative.

Media release, 20 Jan 2017

Robert Reid, Royal Life Saving Australia