Two World Records Fall On Day Two Of The Aon New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships 2026
by Surf Life Saving New Zealand · SCOOPTwo world records were broken today on the second and penultimate day of the Aon New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships 2026 at Auckland’s Sir Owen G. Glenn National Aquatic Centre, alongside a string of New Zealand records from the junior ranks through to the Open grades.
Mairangi Bay Surf Life Saving Club's A team broke its own world record in the Open Mixed Pool Lifesaver Relay, stopping the clock at 1:41.98. The team of Harrison Klouwens and Black Fins Zoe Crawford, Rae Kwan, and Fergus Eadie is no stranger to world records, having set a previous record in the same event at last year's championships, although it had since been beaten.
Mairangi Bay also claimed New Zealand records in both the Open Men's and Open Women's 4x50m Obstacle Relays, underlining the club's depth across the Open grade.
In the Masters competition, Australian competitor Troy Racklyeft of Engadine Royal Life Saving Society Australia in Sydney set a new world record in the Masters Male 100m Obstacle Swim, with a time of 1:06.72.
Both world records remain unofficial until ratified.
The next generation of lifesaving sport athletes again stood out. Amelia McEwan of Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service set the New Zealand record in the U15 Female 100m Obstacle Swim, with a time of 1:03.75.
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Charlotte Willoughby of Midway Surf Life Saving Club in Gisborne added a second NZ record to her championships, winning the U15 Female 50m Rescue Medley Manikin in 41.59. The time breaks the record previously held by her sister, Ceila. Yesterday, Charlotte set the New Zealand record in the U15 Female 100m Manikin Carry with Fins.
Simiosi Tukia of Whangamatā Surf Life Saving Club continued his outstanding season, lowering his own New Zealand record in the U17 Male Rescue Medley Manikin to 1:07.00, from 1:07.75. It becomes his fifth NZ record of the season.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) National Events Manager Luke Smith says today’s racing showed the strength of the sport at every level.
“Two world records were broken today across the Open and Masters events, which is a great reflection of the level of racing here. We’ve also seen strong performances from our younger athletes, and it's been good to see that depth across the next generation. There's plenty more racing to come for the final day tomorrow,” he says.
Mairangi Bay Surf Life Saving Club coach Tom Lowe says the quality of competition has been high across the board.
“The event as a whole has been awesome. Everyone seems super happy, and there have been lots of great swims and amazing depth throughout the competition. It's great to see there are really loaded heats across all the age groups. Great to see other countries here to create an internationally competitive event that's run really well.”
For Red Beach Surf Life Saving Club coach Bjorn Battaerd, the mix of ages on the pool deck is what makes the championships special.
“The pool rescue champs is a great opportunity to see our younger ones coming through, as they're going to be our future lifeguards. It’s pretty cool to see all our Juniors, Masters and Seniors all competing together.”
Red Beach Surf Life Saving Club and NZ Commonwealth Games swimmer Zoe Pedersen says the turnout has been a highlight.
“It’s inspiring to see how many people are down here racing and just how many people are putting their best foot forward for performances.”
Jack Gavin, coach at Midway SLSC, says the event keeps getting better and better every year.
“It's been a great event so far, with everything running smoothly, and kids were loving the free hot dogs and ice creams from the Aon Event Hub. There is a fantastic atmosphere here today," he says.
As a valued partner of the championships, Aon continued to connect with members through the Aon Event Hub on Saturday, with strong interest shown in the Aon Club Referral Scheme. The level of engagement highlighted the enthusiasm of members to support their clubs beyond competition, with many taking the opportunity to learn more about how the referral programme can create lasting benefits for their local surf lifesaving communities.
The Aon New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships 2026 conclude 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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