Omanu Ironman Max Beattie is among a strong crop of Kiwi lifesavers tasked with fighting to retain their world title at Rescue 2014 - the Lifesaving World Championships.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand has announced the team of 12 athletes, which includes three 2012 Olympians along with nine members of the winning Rescue 2012 team.

Omanu's Max Beattie will return to represent New Zealand at Rescue 2014. Photo: Jamie Troughton - Dscribe Media.

The six female athletes include swimmers Natasha Hind, Laura Quilter and Samantha Lee, who are representing New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Ironwoman Devon Halligan and Australian beach flags champion Chanel Hickman.

The five, taking part in Rescue 2012, joined by Rescue 2012 NZ Under 20 team member Danielle McKenzie.

The men's line-up includes Olympic swimmers Steven Kent, also over at the Commonwealth Games, and Andrew McMillan along with Omanu Ironman Max Beattie – the sole Bay of Plenty athlete in the 12.

They are joined by fellow Rescue 2012 athlete Paul Cracroft-Wilson and completing the line-up is Cory Taylor and Chris Dawson who were both part of the New Zealand Under 20 team at Rescue 2012.

Speaking to SunLive from Gold Coast, Australia, Max is really excited to be part of the title defence having worked so hard to retain his spot since 2012.

And he feels the job doesn't get any easier for the side as defending champions, but believes more pressure is on the Australian camp.

Last time [Rescue 2012] we really liked the underdog tag because there wasn't any pressure on us,” says the 22-year-old.

But I don't think we are the favourite; it's Australia. It's theirs to lose every time they step out.

SLSNZ chairman Geoff Hamilton says as current champions, the spotlight has been on New Zealand to name a strong team and it is a selection process that has been taken very seriously.

"We have selected a combination of athletes who we believe has the experience, talent and absolute determination to win once again. We will be going over to France this September with the clear intention of keeping that trophy where it belongs," says Hamilton.

New Zealand coach Scott Bartlett is looking forward to taking on, not only the Australians, but other national teams such as France and Italy who will provide some strong competition on the world stage.

"All eyes will be on us to deliver an unbeatable performance and that's exactly what we plan to do," says Bartlett.

The Lifesaving World Championships are held every two years and attract competitors from over 40 nations.

Rescue 2014 is being held in the South of France from September 13-26 with the national teams' competition starting on September 16.

Athletes will compete in ten separate disciplines - swimming, simulated emergency rescue, Ironman / Ironwoman, surf-ski, board, beach sprints, beach flags, surf boats and IRB.

New Zealand will also be sending a previously named Youth Team. Like the New Zealand team, the Youth Team features six male and six female athletes.

New Zealand Team:

Natasha Hind- Lyall Bay Samantha Lee- Lyall Bay Chanel Hickman- Mairangi Bay Danielle McKenzie- Mairangi Bay Devon Halligan- Midway Laura Quilter- Wainui Steven Kent- Titahi Bay Andrew McMillan- St Clair Paul Cracroft Wilson- Fitzroy Cory Taylor- Midway Max Beattie- Omanu Chris Dawson- Midway

New Zealand Youth Team:

Kelsi Boocock - Red Beach Maia Bryant - Papamoa Ben Cochrane - Omanu Olivia Eaton - Mt Maunganui Jacob Hales - Papamoa Jake Hurley - Mairangi Bay Ben Johnston - Papamoa Matthew Scott - Midway Jasmine Smith - Wainui Andrew Trembath - St Clair Brittany Tucker - Sumner Hannah Williams - Red Beach