Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay – 25 November – 13 December 2026
The International Life Saving Federation (ILS) and Lifesaving South Africa (LSA) are excited to announce the next milestone on the journey to the Lifesaving World Championships 2026 (LWC 2026). For the first time in over three decades, the pinnacle event of our sport returns to South African soil, hosted in the vibrant city of Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay.
Thousands of athletes, coaches, volunteers, and supporters from around the world will gather in Nelson Mandela Bay for a festival of courage, discipline, teamwork, and, above all, lifesaving’s mission to save lives. With between 3,500 and 6,000 athletes expected, LWC 2026 promises to be a spectacular celebration of sport and purpose.
Championship Programme
(Subject to change)
The full championship programme, including all official dates, is now available. This marks the beginning of a world-class journey to LWC 2026 and gives athletes, coaches, officials, and stakeholders an early opportunity to begin planning for this historic event.
Lifesaving World Championships 2026 Website
The official event website, https://lifesaving2026.com will go live on 15 October. It will feature detailed event information, updates, and links for accommodation bookings to assist all participants in planning their attendance. An inquiry contact email address will also be available on the website for any questions.
Travel and Accommodation
Lifesaving South Africa has appointed Turners Travel as the trusted travel and destination management partner for LWC 2026. Turners Travel will ensure all travel and accommodation arrangements are smooth and seamless.
Visit www.lifesaving2026.co.za to access approved travel and accommodation packages. All options have been carefully selected as suitable, safe, and affordable, with preferential rates for the lifesaving community. Additional benefits offered by accommodation partners include:
- Free shuttle services throughout the day
- Earlier breakfast times or pre-packed breakfast options where available
- Extra staffing on site
- Dedicated city ambassadors to assist with queries and local advice
Stay Connected – Official Channels Only
Please note that all official communications will be distributed through ILS and LSA’s official social media platforms. We urge the community not to follow or engage with fake accounts.
Lifesaving South Africa:
Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok | YouTube
“We look forward to hosting the world in Nelson Mandela Bay for this historic championship. It is an opportunity to showcase our beaches, our culture, and the warmth and resilience of our people as we welcome the global lifesaving community,” says Winston A. Meyer, President of Lifesaving South Africa.
ILS President Graham Ford AO adds: “The Lifesaving World Championships is the pinnacle event of our mission to bring together our global family to compete, to share knowledge, and to celebrate the values of lifesaving. We are thrilled to host this event in Africa once again and look forward to an unforgettable experience in Nelson Mandela Bay.”
Stay tuned for more updates as we build towards LWC 2026. We look forward to welcoming the global lifesaving family to Nelson Mandela Bay from 25 November to 13 December 2026 for a global celebration with purpose.
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