Successful and safe lifesaving operation depends on the effectiveness and skill of the lifesaver. The objective was to study lifesaving towing and to identify biomechanical differences in the performances. Eight lifesavers towed an unconsciously acting victim in a swimming pooL Skilled lifesavers towed the victim faster and with longer strokes than the less-skilled. Lessskilled lifesavers had a more upright body position leading to higher drag force. They also had difficulties in keeping the victim's head above the water surface. The victim also travelled considerably low in relation to the water surface with lessskilled lifesavers.
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