International Congress on Lifesaving Sport 2026
to Unite the Global Lifesaving Community
8 November 2026 | Online | Portugal. The international lifesaving community will come together for the International Congress on Lifesaving Sport (IcLS 2026), a global online event dedicated to advancing knowledge, sharing expertise and strengthening cooperation in lifesaving sport.
Organised by the Portuguese Lifesaving Sport Federation (FEPONS), with technical and scientific support from the School of Sport of Rio Maior (ESDRM), Polytechnic University of Santarém, and European promotion by the International Life Saving Federation of Europe (ILSE), the Congress aims to bring together professionals and enthusiasts from different countries under the inspiring theme:
“Knowledge · Practice · People — For a Safer Aquatic Future.”
A Global Platform for Knowledge and Cooperation
IcLS 2026 will provide an international meeting point for athletes, coaches, referees, researchers, educators and sports leaders who share a commitment to the development and promotion of lifesaving sport. Through presentations, professional perspectives and the exchange of practical experiences, participants will have the opportunity to explore approaches to coaching, officiating, competition organisation and the wider development of lifesaving sport. The Congress will focus on three fundamental pillars:
International Expertise: Sharing perspectives, knowledge and experiences from across the international lifesaving sport community.
Practical Knowledge: Exploring ideas and practices related to coaching, refereeing, event organisation and sport development.
A Shared Future: Strengthening connections between individuals, institutions and national organisations to support the continued growth of lifesaving sport.
A Valuable Opportunity for the Mediterranean Lifesaving Community
The Mediterranean Lifesaving Confederation (MLC) welcomes initiatives that encourage international dialogue, education and cooperation in lifesaving sport. For Mediterranean countries, IcLS 2026 represents an opportunity to exchange experiences with the wider international community, discover new approaches to sport development and strengthen professional relationships across national borders. Beyond its competitive dimension, lifesaving sport has a distinctive social mission: it combines athletic performance with practical rescue skills, aquatic safety awareness and the promotion of drowning prevention. Educational initiatives such as IcLS 2026 can contribute to the development of this mission by bringing together scientific knowledge, sporting expertise and international cooperation.
Participation and Registration
The Congress will take place entirely online and in English, allowing interested participants from around the world to attend without the need for international travel.
Event Information
Event: International Congress on Lifesaving Sport (IcLS 2026)
Date: Sunday, 8 November 2026Starting Time: 09:00 (Portugal / UTC)
Format: 100% Online
Language: English
Organiser: FEPONS
Technical and Scientific Support: ESDRM – Polytechnic University of Santarém
European Promotion: International Life Saving Federation of Europe (ILSE)
Official Website: https://www.fepons.org/icls/
Registration: https://forms.gle/heWZMYSxFdovK7Rr6
The Mediterranean Lifesaving Confederation encourages athletes, coaches, officials, academics and lifesaving organisations throughout the Mediterranean region to explore this international educational opportunity and contribute to a stronger, more connected lifesaving sport community.
One Day. International Perspectives. A Stronger Lifesaving Sport Community.
