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.

The only international Lifesaving Cup which is held from 2006 with the sponsorship of Sanyo Bussan K.K. is the Sanyo Bussan International Lifesaving Cup (Sanyo Cup) .With the objective to strengthen the Japanese National team, a high level race takes place inviting Lifesaving superpower Nations Australia, New Zealand, countries from USA, Great Britain, South Africa, and Asian Countries and regions. The event is getting popular over the years and welcoming its 11th time this year. We will be welcoming 7 countries and regions with 8 teams.

The Lifesaving World Championships which is held once in 2 years will take place in November in Adelaide, Australia, so we suppose each country would be enforcing their teams. This Sanyo Cup should be such an exciting event to spectate.

After holding the Sanyo Cup, the Japanese National Team’s result at the World Championships improved over the years. In 2016 the Team placed 8th. By bringing up the athletes and raising strong lifesavers leads to raise the best rescuers. It is sure to lead to a world free from drowning. Japan Lifesaving Association is continuing to increase the numbers of Lifesaving sports population including the youth, training leaders, increasing substantial pool events far seeing the future to bring up competitors to be able to compete equally with the world.