Pool Rescue star Stephanie Staniforth on record-breaking quest for Aussie rep dream

From Bulli Surf Life Saving Club to the Illawarra Academy of Sport (IAS), Stephanie Staniforth's athletic journey has shaped her dream of representing Australia.

Beach safety and surf skills have been a priority for 16-year-old Stephanie since she was a child.

“My parents made it mandatory for me and my siblings to learn how to swim, especially regarding safety on our beaches,” Stephanie said.

That parental guidance led Stephanie to surf sports when she joined Bulli SLSC at age five as an Under-6 Nipper. Fuelled by her love for the ocean, her passion for the sport blossomed.

“Personally through U6s and U7s, it was all about having fun and learning about safety at the beach.

“However, as I got older, I began to take the sport more seriously, competing at branch and state championship levels, which ultimately led me to where I am today.”

As she reached the U11 level, Stephanie developed an interest in surf lifesaving pool rescue. Guided by Australian representatives Karyn Locke and Holly Holmesby, she found an interest in this sport, which she now dedicates her time to.

Thriving as a competitive surf lifesaver demands training in ocean and pool. Success hinges on refining board, swim and run techniques, while surf life saving pool rescue demands the mastery of skills for peak performance.

“Not only does it involve training in the surf for board legs, but also numerous hours of training in the pool for swim legs,” Stephanie said.

“Together this allows you to produce an Ironman/woman race where all swim, board and run legs are vital.

“In regards to Surf Lifesaving Pool Rescue, it takes several hours in the pool, not only focusing on speed through the water, but also the skill aspects when handling manikins, rescue tubes and fins.”

Stephanie joined the IAS towards the end of 2023 with a view to the academy's programs further improving her competitive performances.

“Although I haven’t been in the academy very long, I am excited to engage in all of the different workshops and online webinars that the IAS has to offer for all athletes, such as social media and nutrition just to list a few,” Stephanie said.

As a dual-sport athlete (surf lifesaving and pool rescue), she has collected accolades in both. In surf lifesaving, she was awarded the Junior Surf Life Saver of the Year for the Illawarra Branch in 2022 and came 2nd in the Under-15s Girls at the Sydney Water Surf Series. In 2022, at the state pool rescue championships, Stephanie broke the Australian record 100m manikin tow with fins.

“It was something I never expected but was truly proud of.

“Since then I have been successful in gaining selection onto multiple NSW teams, where I have been fortunate enough to represent the state at a national level.”

In 2024, Stephanie is aiming high and aspiring to secure a medal at the Australian Pool Rescue Championships.

“I will continue with my training and improve my skills, so that when it comes time to race I have the best possible chance of these results."

All of the hard work, dedication and commitment leads to her ultimate dream of representing Australia.

“One day I would like to accomplish this so that I can get the opportunity to represent my country doing what I love."