Aquaventure World, Atlantis Dubai’s fully-fledged aquatic theme park experience, will host the UAE National Lifeguard Championship on 10 March 2026, marking a landmark 20th anniversary of the nation’s premier water safety competition.

Founded in 2006, the UAE National Lifeguard Championship is dedicated to raising water safety awareness and recognising the highly trained professionals who safeguard the UAE’s beaches, pools and aquatic environments. This milestone edition is set to be the largest to date, welcoming lifeguards from across the UAE and wider region to compete in physically demanding, real-world rescue challenges.

Approximately 150 lifeguards representing up to 28 teams are expected to participate in the 2026 championship, competing across seven core events designed to test endurance, strength, speed, teamwork and lifesaving proficiency. Disciplines include the 1km Beach Run, Tube Rescue, Ocean Lifesaver, 90m Beach Relay, Run-Swim-Run, 400m Surf Swim and the fast-paced Beach Flags sprint — each reflecting essential competencies required in real emergency scenarios. 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, General Manager and Vice President, Aquaventure World at Atlantis Dubai, 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-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.”

The championship will take place along Aquaventure World’s expansive private beachfront, providing an authentic open-water environment for both surf and sand-based events. While the championship is a private competition, Atlantis Dubai hotel guests and Aquaventure World’s day visitors are welcome to spectate from designated beachfront viewing areas.

The competition programme begins with team registration at 06:45am, culminating in the final awards presentation at 4:30pm, where winning teams will be awarded the championship trophy and partner-sponsored prizes.

Lifeguard teams and individual competitors can register via:
https://www.premieronline.com/event/uae_lifeguard_championship_2026_8293