Lifesaving is a social activity of rescuing as main purpose, and generally spread / developed as a practical activity of preventing drowning in and around the water. Japan Lifesaving Association (JLA) has not only spread rescue/ patrol activities in and around the water, but also spread updated rescue techniques, introduced in school education etc, as an organization “to bring transformation to people and society” aiming for a World free from Drowning, and making social responsible activities in the field of “Education”, “Rescue”, “Sports” to spread the chain on dignity of life.

Lifesaving sports is "competition stimulating rescue" as "a sport to save lives" which lifesavers challenge for. It is important to prevent drowning, however when it happens, rescue needs to be done under conditions such as large waves or strong tides. Therefore lifesavers continue to train regularly, and improve skills required for rescue. Their outcomes are competed over lifesaving sports events which are based on stimulating actual rescue activities.

With the support from Sanyo Busssan Co., Ltd., the international competition that is held from 2006 is the “Sanyo Bussan International Lifesaving Cup” (hereafter Sanyo Cup). This competition aims to strengthen the performance of Japan National Team by inviting leading countries, such as from Australia, New Zealand, USA and South Africa, and from Asian countries to date, and high-level competition is observed each time.

Awareness of Sanyo Cup is rising each year, and for this commemorable 10th anniversary, Netherlands from Europe will participate for the first time. Since Sanyo Cup, the results of Japan National Team has steadily improved among the World Championship held once in 2 years, and overall resulted 8th in 2016. By developing national team athletes, strongest lifesavers are raised, meaning best rescuers are developed and further creates the road to a World free from Drowning.

To develop athletes meeting the level required to closely compete against the world, JLA with the support of Sanyo Bussan Co., Ltd, is promoting plans foreseeing the future such as expanding lifesaving sports population including youths, developing instructors, and enrich pool competitions.