Aquaventure World, Atlantis Dubai’s fully-fledged aquatic theme park experience, will host the UAE National Lifeguard Championship on 24 November 2026, celebrating the competition’s 20th anniversary and two decades of promoting water safety and lifesaving excellence.

Established in 2006, the UAE National Lifeguard Championship recognises the dedication, skills and expertise of lifeguards who protect swimmers across the region’s beaches, swimming pools and aquatic attractions. This milestone edition will bring together lifeguarding professionals from across the UAE and wider region to demonstrate their physical fitness, teamwork and emergency response capabilities.

Participants will compete in seven challenging events designed to test endurance, strength, speed, teamwork and lifesaving proficiency. From the 1km Beach Run and Rescue Tube Rescue to Run-Swim-Run and the fast-paced Beach Flags sprint, each discipline reflects the essential skills required in real-life emergency situations. Events will be assessed by independent referees from the organising committee, alongside experienced aquatic safety professionals from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Sascha Triemer, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Atlantis, The Palm, and former General Manager and Vice President of Marine & Waterpark, commented: “Hosting the UAE National Lifeguard Championship at Aquaventure World is a proud milestone for our team as the competition marks its 20^th anniversary. With nearly 600 highly trained lifeguards, Atlantis Dubai is home to one of the largest aquatic safety teams in the world, safeguarding millions of guests each year across our waterpark, beaches and marine habitats. Welcoming the nation’s top lifeguards to compete on our shores reflects our ongoing commitment to safety excellence and professional training at the highest level.”

Patrick Antaki, Chairman of the UAE National Lifeguard Championship Committee, added: “The UAE National Lifeguard Championship has, for two decades, provided a benchmark for professional lifeguarding in the region. Teams are selected from leading aquatic facilities and emergency response organisations, ensuring the highest standards of participation. By competing in realistic rescue scenarios, lifeguards strengthen operational readiness, share expertise and advance lifesaving capability across the UAE and wider region.“

“Having spent over 20 years in the UAE hospitality industry, I understand the importance of maintaining the highest standards of water safety. The UAE Lifeguard competition is a great platform to recognise the skill, fitness and commitment of our lifeguards. I have been fortunate to participate and support the competition over the years and have always been impressed by the standard of competition and the way it is organised. It gives me immense joy to be associated with this event, and my congratulations to everyone who continues to make it such a success” said Mark Kirby, Hospitality leader & UAE Lifeguard championship supporter.

Taking place along Aquaventure World’s expansive private beachfront, the championship will provide a dynamic setting for both water-based and beach-based challenges. Atlantis Dubai hotel guests and Aquaventure World day visitors will be welcome to watch the action from designated beachfront viewing areas.

The programme will begin with competitor registration at 6:45am, followed by the championship events from 8:30am, concluding with an awards ceremony recognising the top-performing lifeguards and teams.

Registration is open to qualified individual lifeguards and teams until 20 November 2026, subject to availability. All competitors must hold a current internationally recognised lifeguard qualification.

To register or learn more, please visit:
https://www.premieronline.com/event/uae_lifeguard_championship_2026_8293