Surf lifesaving is a multifaceted movement that comprises key aspects of voluntary beach patrols and competitive surf sport. Surf lifesaving originated in Australia in the early 1900s in response to drownings at local beaches in Sydney, Australia. Volunteer groups of men were trained in lifesaving methods and patrolled the beaches looking after public safety. Today, surf lifesaving exists in many countries and is still predominantly a volunteer movement.
The other key part of surf lifesaving is the competitive sport which evolved from the training activities of lifeguards at Australian surf beaches, though most events share little with modern inflatable-boat based surf rescue techniques. The sport is still based around the volunteer clubs which perform the rescue duty, from the children in the nippers though to professional elite circuits that have been established for the high-profile "ironman" events. The sport is mainly still confined to Australia and New Zealand.
The various events involve elements of surf swimming, board riding, sand running, mock rescues using rowed long boats, and paddling special kayak-like surf skis . Some events are for individuals, but many are team events.
Individual surf lifesaving events include:
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