Teams of lifesavers from as far away as Scotland, Canada and India will compete in the Commonwealth Pool Lifesaving Championships in a first for the ACT and an opportunity to showcase Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport for the international teams.
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''It's a great experience, the AIS has some great facilities and it's perfect for our event,'' said Royal Life Saving Society Australia's Emma Macmillan.
''It's a really great competition for pool lifesaving. Australia has been the champion on a number of occasions and we are looking to keep up that tradition.''
The competition includes challenging events such as simulated emergency rescue competitions that involve dragging manikins from the water and swimming to avoid obstacles in the pool.
Australia has proven to be a strong competitor in the past, and the pressure is on for the host team to hold onto the championship it claimed in South Africa in 2011.
Australian team captain Pamela Hendry said teams from England and South Africa in particular were usually tough competitors, but she was confident about the team's chances.
''Australia has a very strong team. In regards to the Commonwealth competition we do very well and lead the pack,'' she said. ''I think we can take it out - fingers crossed.''
Ms Hendry was quick to compliment Canberra as the host city, and was looking forward to participating in the main competition on Friday.
Participants from other countries are already enjoying the experience. Steven Tweeddale, of the Scottish team, said he loved being in Australia.
''I'm absolutely excited out of my head - coming and experiencing all of this is just absolutely brilliant. Everyone is easy to get along with and talk to. I find that it's just a great atmosphere to be in,'' he said.
The official competition takes place on Friday, with more than 300 officials and spectators expected.
