Three New Zealand Records Broken At First Day Of Competition In Aon New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships 2026

Competition began today at the Aon New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships 2026 in Auckland, with athletes from around New Zealand and overseas taking to the pool for an action-packed day of racing. From emerging age-group talent to experienced international representatives, competitors delivered a series of impressive performances as they chased national titles, personal bests and valuable experience ahead of major events later this year.

Among today's standout performers were Black Fins Zoe Crawford, who set two records, and Louis Clark, both from Mairangi Bay Surf Lifesaving Club, who both produced New Zealand records in the 200m Super Lifesaver, an intense, multi-phase pool rescue event consisting of four 50m legs that test swimming speed, patient (dummy) recovery, and equipment handling.

Zoe Crawford set the New Zealand record for the women's 200m Super Lifesaver with a time of 2:17.48, 2.87 seconds faster than the previous record held by fellow Mairangi Bay teammate and Black Fin Rae Kwan. In the evening’s racing, she set the New Zealand Record in the Open Women’s 100m Manikin Carry with Fins, with a time of 49.49.

Louis Clark beat his own New Zealand Record for the men’s 200m Super Life Saver, shaving 0.2 seconds off his previous record with a time of 2:05.85.

Elsewhere, Simiosi Tukia of Whangamatā Surf Life Saving Club and a Junior Black Fin broke his third and fourth records of the season, in the U17 Men’s 200m Super Lifesaver and the U17 Men’s 100m Manikin Carry, with a time of 51.05. Earlier this year he broke records at the Eastern Region Pool Rescue Championships, where he broke the New Zealand Record for the 50m Manikin Carry, and at the Northern Region Pool Rescue Championships, where he broke the record for the 100m Rescue Medley record.

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The competitors’ efforts highlighted the depth of talent on display and reinforced their status as athletes to watch as the championships progress.

With the Lifesaving World Championships in South Africa approaching later this year, today's racing also provided an important opportunity for Black Fins and Junior Black Fins athletes to continue their preparations. Zoe, Louis, and Simiosi will take confidence from their performances today as they build towards representing New Zealand on the world stage.

Another record was set by Charlotte Willoughby, of Midway Surf Life Saving Club in Gisborne. Later in the day, Willoughby put on a phenomenal performance to set the New Zealand Record in the U15 Female 100m Manikin Carry with Fins, with a time of 1:02.69.

The next generation of lifesaving sport athletes were also out in force, honing their skills before qualifying as surf lifeguards and patrolling New Zealand beaches. The U14 Male 150m Patient Tow with Fins was won by Paekākāriki Surf Lifeguards, while the U14 Female 150m Patient Tow with Fins was won by Mairangi Bay, again cementing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in lifesaving sport.

The day's racing provided plenty of excitement for athletes, coaches and supporters watching from the poolside.

National Event Manager Luke Smith says the championships continue to showcase the depth of talent, strong club culture and supportive environment that make surf lifesaving unique.

"Today has been a great start to the Aon New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships, we’re just a day into the competition and already seeing New Zealand Records broken. To see the effort put in by all our competitors, from U11 through to Masters, has been awesome. We’re alse extremely grateful to our team of Aon Officials & event volunteers for delivering a seamless day one and positive experience for all everyone involved," he says.

The championships have also provided the platform for the launch of the Aon Club Referral Scheme, a new initiative designed to reward Surf Life Saving clubs for introducing businesses and organisations to Aon. The scheme creates another opportunity for clubs to support their fundraising and development activities, while further strengthening Aon's partnership with the surf lifesaving movement throughout New Zealand.

Off the pool deck, the championships also provide meaningful opportunities for members to connect, celebrate, and enjoy the wider surf lifesaving community. Tomorrow, athletes, coaches, supporters, officials, and volunteers will be welcomed at the Aon Event Hub between 10:45am and 1:00pm, located adjacent to the Track and Field Stadium, where the Aon team will offer a complimentary barbecue and free ice creams in a relaxed and welcoming environment.Featuring comfortable bean bags, shade umbrellas, and a popular photo booth, the Event Hub offered members from across New Zealand the chance to unwind, share experiences from the day, and immerse themselves in the championship atmosphere.

The morning racing will commence with obstacles and obstacle relays, presenting the only opportunity for all athletes from juniors through to seniors to be present together at the Sir Owen G. Glenn National Aquatic Centre in Auckland, promising a real celebration of club spirit.

The 2026 Aon New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships continue tomorrow, with competition beginning at 8am.

Full results are available here, while further event information can be found in the official event guide.

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