Wieland Shield

The Wieland Shield represents a long-standing relationship between the Los Angeles County Lifeguards and the Lifesaving Victoria Association of Australia (LSV). The exchange of ocean lifesaving knowledge, skills, and techniques has continued for nearly 60 years. 

 

The Wieland Shield Exchange Tour has a rich history. In addition to competing during the ISF, the athletes will have the opportunity to tour local agencies and view equipment, review protocols, participate in clinics and exchange ideas with local services involved in lifesaving, emergency management and water safety.

 

The impetus behind the establishment of the Shield tour was then-LA County Lifeguard Bob Burnside, who was the manager of the 1967 inaugural Shield outing where LA County Lifeguards participated in an educational and competition tour of Australia and New Zealand. Competitions were staged at Portsea and Ocean Grove. 

 

Burnside believed a biannual exchange would be beneficial to both countries and foster a strong education and competition bond between the American lifeguards and Australian lifesavers.  

 

A perpetual trophy called the Wieland Shield would commemorate the competition. The Shield, named for the United States Consul General at the time William Arthur Wieland in Melbourne, Australia, remains with the competition’s winner. 

 

LSV is a nonprofit charity which acts as the official aquatic agency for the safety of the State of Victoria’s ocean, lakes, and rivers. It has over 500 employees, 37,000 volunteer members, and services 692 beaches.

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2025 marks the 27th annual Wieland Shield Exchange. The 28th Wieland Shield Exchange will be held in January 2027 in Victoria, Australia.

 

The ISF is delighted to have these terrific Australian surf racing athletes and ambassador lifesavers on our shores. ​​

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