Bryan Wiseman, one year on.

Once every two years Lifesavers from around the world gather together to compete in the skills needed to save lives – both in the pool and at the beach. The event runs over 3 weeks and includes competitions for Masters, those representing clubs, and teams made up of the best athletes from over 33 nations in open and youth events.

Chaplaincy has played a key role at these events over the last 20 years, reflecting the key role Chaplains play in clubs throughout the world, caring for those that save lives. The first Lifesaving World Championships and most since have included an Ecumenical Service started by Phil McGibbon and Terry Legg has been serving as a Chaplain at these events since the very early days. 

This year I stepped in so Terry could support his wife Maureen who sadly died a few weeks before the event.

Some of the highlights include:

Providing support to some of the veterans in the Invictus team in their first ever appearance at this event. To say that the Invictus team cleaned up in the medal count would be an understatement!
Insert Photo Invictus
Supporting some of the athletes and staff in the Australian National Team, a number of whom had been impacted by the sudden death of one of the athlete’s’ fathers the week before the event. The Aussies didn’t do too badly in the medal count either.

Talking to officials, coaches and competitors from nations as varied as Saudi Arabia, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Belgium and even New Zealand! People were universally impressed at the way Chaplains provide support to lifesavers.

Meeting with a Chaplain from Kenya and providing some Chaplaincy training and resources for her and her friend who wants to become a chaplain.

Praying for an athlete from the Netherlands club in the town of Oos – that he would do his best. He won the first ever gold medal for his small club and attributes his win to God. I was able to give him a lifesaving bible so he could get to know God better.

Sharing the scriptures together and praying with Christian athletes and officials on Sunday mornings before the events.

Seeing a Christian man stand up for being Christian when Christianity was criticised by one of his colleagues … He also enjoyed getting a lifesaving bible.

Seeing an athlete defeated in one event, winning gold in the next event and then talking to an Italian lifeguard about Jesus.

It is wonderful to see the way God, through his word and his spirit, is at work amongst us, especially among lifesavers!

Looking forward to seeing what God will do when the Lifesaving World Champs are held on the Gold Coast in 2024!