RLSS UK Lifesavers Magazine - May 2023

LIFESAVERS rlss.org.uk | @rlssuk

Issue 118 | May 2023

Together we can ensure everyone can enjoy water safely

In this issue: NPLQ Gen 10 | 2022 Charity Impact Report | Drowning Prevention Week 2023

A note from the President

FOR ALL YOUR LIFESAVING & LIFEGUARDING NEEDS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

A note from the President

PRESIDENT’S

COLUMN

with Deborah Hunt

Hello fellow lifesavers, It’s an exciting time for the charity as we look forward to our first conference in three years. It is always wonderful to meet our members face-to-face.

The team at our headquarters has put together a great itinerary with some amazing speakers.

I look forward to meeting and exchanging ideas with as many of you as possible.

The last six months have been hectic, visiting clubs, branches and members all over the UK and Ireland.

You are our heroes and hearing about the amazing rescues, courses delivered, lifesaving sport events organised and everything else you do has been wonderful, thank you. If I can, I will always try and accept an invitation.

Join our online lifesaving community, share your stories, read news and keep up-to-date. Search for RLSS UK LIFESAVERS is the magazine of the Royal Life Saving Society UK. We love to hear all of your news. Please send your news, stories and photographs to marketing@rlss.org.uk RLSS UK is a company Limited by Guarantee. Registered Charity No’s 1046060 and SCO037912.

We have strengthened the Board of Trustees with the appointment of three new Trustees. They all bring a wealth of knowledge to the society in their areas of expertise, finance, commercial and Governance - welcome and thank you.

Have a great summer, keep safe and see you soon.

Deborah Hunt Your President

rlss.org.uk | 0300 323 0096

Designed and produced by the Royal Life Saving Society UK. © RLSS UK 2023 All rights reserved.

LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

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CONTENTS

Contents

03 05 06 08 09 10 12 14 16 18 19 20 22 24 27

4

President’s Introduction CEO’s Column

28 30

News in brief A round-up of news from across the UK and Ireland

32

Remembering Janet Castro Talking to those who knew, dedicated and well-loved member of the society, Janet Castro

33

Member Survey Results Taking a look through the results of our membership survey

34

Charity Impact Report A taster of the fantastic work across the society Drowning Prevention Week 2023 Save the date for DPW: 17-24 June

36 38

Don’t Drink and Drown Taking a look back at the success of December’s campaign

39

Why I Volunteer Emma talks about her volunteer role with RLSS UK

40

Meet Andrea Hall Artist and designer of the cover talks about her connection with water

Qualifications Information on NPLQ Gen 10 RLSS UK Conference 23-24 June 2023 will see the RLSS UK Conference return Pool Technology The industry’s first guidance for the use of automated monitoring and dectecting systems Guidance Information on guidance documents and research projects Consultancy How RLSS UK Consultancy Services can help your business Water Safety Partners Learn more about our partners Ongoing Training The launch of our new Ongoing Training Platform Lifeguard Survey Results Read more about what our lifeguards have to say Compliance Support and advice from the Compliance Team

Open Water Festival There’s still time to sign up to our Open Water Festival in June Trustees Update Meet our new Trustees Honours 2022 Celebrating those who received special awards National Lifesaving Academy NLA has launched and update on sport Parliament Update Learn more about our work in Westminster

LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

Cover image by Andrea Hall. Read more about her connection with water and work on page 18!

Contents

42 43 44 46 47 49 50 51 52 53 54 56 58 59

Shop Deals from RLSS UK Shop Youth and Pilot Update Hear from Youth Advisor Siân Everyday Heroes Read some of our heroic stories from our very own Everyday Heroes Callum saves a life Lifeguard Callum saves lives in and out of the water Fundraising How you can donate and our fundraising challenges Challenge yourself with Make a Splash Fundraise to help people enjoy water safely whilst swimming, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding Update from Matt Croxall Senior Head of Membership and Field Operations provides an update

Robert Gofton, RLSS UK CEO We all know that swimming pools are an essential part of the UK’s sports and leisure infrastructure, providing opportunities for exercise, recreation, employment, lifesaving clubs, and our competitions.

However, many swimming pools in the UK face financial challenges that threaten their viability and accessibility to the public. To address this issue, various forms of financial support are available to swimming pools in the UK. In the spring budget, the Government announced a support package worth £63m in a one-year fund. £40 million of the fund will be made available for investment in decarbonization and long-term energy efficiency, while £23 million will help with costs to make these essential local facilities more energy efficient.

Introducing Warren and Alan Meet our new Club Development Executives

Like others, we celebrated this announcement, but it seems that the fund will only be available through Sport England and therefore does not include all of our partners.

Inclusive Lifesaving Signpost Inclusion Specialist Swimming Club tells us how they work with children and families of those with special needs

Recently, I attended an event at the Scottish Parliament to support Scottish Swimming’s #SaveOurPools campaign and heard a number of inspiring speeches about the importance of learning to swim and the vital life skills it provides.

Our Lifesaving Clubs Stories from our clubs across the country

Together, we will continue to support them and our other nations in their quest for financial support. I urge you all to join me so that our collective voices can be heard on this vital issue. #SaveOurPools #AchubEinPyllau

Platinum Jubilee Medallion Stories from those who have achieved the award National Speed Lifesaving Championships A round-up of the weekend Commonwealth Sport Meet the Managers

Robert

RLSS Commonwealth Update Celebrating and empowering youth

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NEWS

News

Dame Rosie Winterton MP visits former primary school to help promote water safety MP for Doncaster Central Dame Rosie Winterton visited her former primary school, Park Primary School in Doncaster, to help highlight issues around water safety and promote water safety education.

Dame Rosie, along with Mary Hannan who is a RLSS UK lifeguard and lifesaver, spoke with children in year four to deliver a water safety lesson, in December.

such an important occasion as well. Mary Hannan from the Royal Life Saving Society UK gave an engaging and informative lesson to the children, who took the lessons on in stride. We are all aware of the sad tragedy which took place in Solihull recently, and so I was very pleased to see that Doncaster children are being taught how to keep safe around the water. I know this lesson will have been so important to the children, especially in these wintry conditions where water can be even more dangerous.”

During the visit, pupils at the school were able to learn about water safety tips in the cold weather and take part in classroom based activities such as rope throwing and role plays.

Mary Hannan from the Royal Life Saving Society UK gave an engaging and informative lesson to the children, who took the lessons on in stride.

During the visit, Dame Rosie spoke to pupils at Park Primary School about how they can stay safe and enjoy being in, on or around the water.

Dame Rosie said “It is always a pleasure to return to Park Primary School, where I was once a student, and on

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News

Partnership formed with Angling Trust

All new ‘My RLSS UK’ area on the RLSS UK website!

We have made some improvements to the RLSS UK website menu structure that we hope will make it quicker and easier to find the pages you need.

The most impactful changes are a simplified menu bar on the homepage and new, dedicated ‘My RLSS UK’ area - for qualification or award holders, Trainers/Assessors, ATC/ ATPs, members, clubs, and branches.

The new area is accessible via the white ‘My RLSS UK’ button at the top of our website’s homepage.

This area will now contain information on Accessing your RLSS UK Account, Accessing your Members Benefits, Guidance for Operators, Branches and Clubs, Support for ATCs/ATPs, Training Opportunities, Events including Honours and our AGM, Fundraising Community Support and RLSS UK Shop.

RLSS UK and the Angling Trust have recently formed a strategic partnership to help provide the angling community with lifesaving skills and knowledge.

Based on the Water Accident Incident Database statistics over a five-year period (2017-2021), 45 people lost their lives to drowning while fishing and a further 471 people drowned while walking or running near water.

The Angling Trust represents anglers of all disciplines, fighting for fish, fishing and the environment. It is recognised by the Government as the National Governing Body for angling in England and partners with Visit Wales and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to promote fishing in Wales.

In addition to the work that will take place to reach the angling communities and their families, RLSS UK will also provide bespoke training packages to Angling Trust staff and volunteers to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to know what to do in an emergency if someone is in trouble in the water.

Mykolai becomes Lifeguard thanks to RLSS UK funding RLSS UK provided funding for Mykolai Skydan, 17, who is originally from Ukraine, to complete his qualification to become a lifeguard.

Mykolai was living with his host family when he moved from Ukraine to the UK in May and his host family’s son was about to begin his National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) and Mykolai thought it would be a great qualification to have too.

After approaching RLSS UK which offers the NPLQ programme, the charity agreed to fund Mykolai’s place on the course to give him the opportunity to learn new skills which could open up doors to employment.

Mykolai soon began his training and said “The most interesting part of the training definitely was teamwork. I felt like part of a good team.”

After assessments as part of the course, Mykolai passed his NPLQ, meaning he was qualified to work as a lifeguard, he said “When I qualified I was really happy, because it wasn’t easy for me, and I didn’t want to waste my chance that my hosts and RLSS UK gave me.”

Just two weeks after completing the qualification, Mykolai gained employment as a lifeguard, he said, “I got a job two weeks after finishing the course and I’m really happy about it.”

Mykolai now works each weekend at Ridgeway Leisure Centre in Swindon as a lifeguard whilst studying Digital Production at New College Swindon.

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Remembering Janet Castro

Remembering

Janet Castro J

In December 2022, the RLSS UK community was saddened by the loss of Janet Castro – a dedicated and well-loved member of the society.

anet’s involvement with RLSS UK spanned for decades, within which time she fulfilled many roles from volunteering at events to becoming a trustee for the society. She was particularly passionate about Lifesaving Sport where she officiated competitions in the UK and around the world.

Her passion for sport began in her career with the City of Glasgow Police, where she was a competitor, team captain and trainer with the force and subsequently became an Official and then Chief Judge for the Police Lifesaving Championships.

Whilst serving as Convenor of the UK College of Referees, Janet was an instigator of initiative tests which led to the development of the Simulated Emergency Response Competition (SERC) which is used in many national and international events today. Her passion was fuelled by the belief that competing in these tests would ultimately result in better lifeguards and lifesavers.

Fondly known as ‘Jinty’ within the lifesaving community; Janet’s commitment has been recognised by numerous awards: - she was honoured by RLSS UK with the award of Honorary Vice President, by the International Life Saving Federation (ILS) as a Knight in the Order of Lifesaving and by RLSS Commonwealth as an Honorary Life Member.

She was also one of only 125 individuals throughout the Commonwealth to receive the Prince Michael of Kent 125 Anniversary Certificate of Merit.

Jinty’s character was warm, friendly, and enthusiastic, with many of her peers considering her to be their mentor, role model and inspiration. Janet will be sorely missed.

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Janet through the eyes of her peers...

“I have known Janet for nearly 40 years via our mutual love of Lifesaving Sport. Janet was a mentor, ambassador, friend and colleague to many people, including me.

Over 10 years ago, Janet suggested I should stand to be a Trustee and it is thanks to Janet’s persistence and support that I am now the first female President of the RLSS UK. Janet never doubted I could do it and I will always treasure the letter she sent when I was elected.

Janet will be sadly missed by all.”

Deborah Hunt, President of RLSS UK “Her passion and enthusiasm for RLSS UK was felt throughout the UK, the Commonwealth and particularly within the world of Lifesaving Sport as well as here in Scotland. Her passing will leave a massive gap in the lives of her RLSS family and our community will sorely miss Janet (Jinty).

Our love goes to her family and closes friends at this sad time.”

Bryan Finlay & Sheena Harper “Janet was influential in persuading me to stand for President of the RLSS UK in 2010. By this time, Janet had forgotten more than I would ever know about activities worldwide. Friends in the ILS (International Life Saving) from Germany, Australia, and Canada all spoke about Janet’s clear thinking and energy for making a difference in the global drowning problems we face. In all of that, Janet was truly a local lass who was passionate about RLSS Scotland and volunteering in the community.

“We will miss her warmth and friendly nature. Hazel and I spent some great times with Janet in her log cabin and with those close to her. We created memories that we will share forever.”

Pete Moyes, RLSS UK Trustee “She was a force to be reckoned with, a passionate advocate for volunteers and a fount of knowledge on all matters of lifesaving, which she shared willingly. She will be missed, but her legacy lives on.”

Clive Holland, RLSS Deputy Commonwealth President

Remembering Janet Castro

Thank you to everyone who took part in our recent survey, aimed at members aged 16+.

We had 457 complete responses. Your feedback is hugely valuable in helping ensure our membership packages continue to meet your needs.

Below is a summary of our key findings and the actions we’re taking as a result.

The survey showed confusion around the names of our Membership packages.

As a result, we’re simplifying the packages on offer for those aged 16+: Licence to Operate (TA) For RLSS UK Trainer Assessors

Lifesaver

Lifeguard

For anyone involved in voluntary lifesaving or supporting the charity in other ways

Many of you would like to see discounts from RLSS UK shop. We’re working with our Shop team to see what we can offer in the future.

For RLSS UK qualified Lifeguards

Howden’s Benefits isn’t working as an effective discount scheme for most of our members, so we’ll be looking for other discount partners moving forward.

Members delivering our qualifications and awards told us how important it is to them to hold an RLSS UK Membership Card.

Therefore, we’ll be retaining this benefit for these members.

MOST VALUABLE BENEFITS BY MEMBER TYPE Licence to Operate

Lifeguard

Lifesaver

Honorary Members

Access to our Course Management System (powered by tahdah) Access to Continued Professional Development (CPD) Professional Insurance Cover Welcome Pack (new members only) Access to your local branch and wider RLSS UK community Copy of the RLSS UK Magazine

Our members are united in their desire to support the charity's mission to help LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023 everyone enjoy water safely

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Impact Report

RLSS UK

Impact Report 2022

Here’s a taster of the fantastic work from across the society:

Education, training, and personal development 1.5m+ children were educated in water safety via RLSS UK’s FREE downloadable resources - delivered by a mix of schools, educators and leisure providers in a broad range of educational settings.

RLSS UK awarded more than

50,000

first-aid qualifications and bolt-on awards.

RLSS UK remains the leading provider of training in lifesaving and lifeguarding in the UK and Ireland, awarding 154,000+ qualifications and awards in 2022, including 35,000+ National Pool Lifeguard Qualifications (NPLQ).

IN 2022...

Over 48,000 Rookie lifeguards started their journey on the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s pathway in 2022, with the new National Lifesaving Academy offering a raft of opportunities in lifesaving and lifeguarding.

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LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

Did you know?

On average, RLSS UK Pool Lifeguards prevent 1 probable in-water accident every 6 minutes1 RLSS UK Lifeguard Intervention Data 2022 (n=346)

Impact Report

Consultancy, expertise, and partnership 500+ LIFEGUARDS PARTICIPATED in RLSS UK industry leading research to revolutionise lifeguarding.

1.4m+

aqua park visitors benefitted from enhanced water safety protocols.

1,300+ UK accidental

drowning cases analysed by RLSS UK raise awareness of important risk factors.

Building our community

764

RLSS UK members showcased skilful provision of RLSS UK lifesaving techniques at our two championship events.

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#EverydayHeroes were recognised by the Society

2 Royal Life Saving Society UK National campaigns amplified the importance of water safety at critical times during the year.

500+ RLSS UK

members joined the Society in 2022, resulting in our total number of members reaching 9,381.

More than

£56,000 was fundraised

1,817 RLSS UK Lifesavers awarded the Limited-Edition

Platinum Jubilee Medallion,

Thank you

by our committed supporters, through activities and events throughout the year.

to all our dedicated members, volunteers, and supporters in 2022.

To read the full 2022 Charity Impact Report visit www.rlss.org.uk/charity-impact-report-2022 LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

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Drowning Prevention Week 2023

A

fter a fantastic Drowning Prevention Week (DPW) in 2022, where we saw over 2.5million viewing opportunities of our animation on YouTube, we have some exciting plans for 2023.

We have a brand-new water safety animation which will use the characters from the 2022 animation and build on this to tell the story of the water safety code. The animation will be shared far and wide and we would love for you to help us with that.

We want to ensure that as many people as possible know the water safety code:

17-24 June 2023

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STOP & THINK

STAY TOGETHER

CALL 999

FLOAT

Drowning Prevention Week 2023

How you can help

Help us to connect DPW with RLSS UK

We know our members and supporters are brilliant in helping us to share our messaging during Drowning Prevention Week, and all year-round. This year, we would love for you to continue to help us share that messaging as far and wide as possible.

For many years we have had a huge number of individuals and organisations sharing the Drowning Prevention Week campaign, however, sometimes we see the link back to the Royal Life Saving Society UK is sometimes missing. We would like to increase the link between RLSS UK and the campaign as we know this will create great opportunities for us all.

Get digital – share our new animation and any of our posts on social media. Use social media to positively engage with various communities. Don’t forget we have lots of resources including videos and images available to download for free on our website.

Run a DPW activity – if you have connections with any leisure centres, pools, swim schools, clubs or activity providers you could run a DPW awareness session. We have some great activity sheets available on our shop website which could help with your session.

Education in Schools – we shall once again be building on our thematic lessons for school children so if you are able to share with or deliver education in schools, together we could make a huge difference to the lives of young people.

We want to ensure that when people see and hear of Drowning Prevention Week they think of RLSS UK. This will help us to spread our messages even further, raise more money for the charity and in turn provide more water safety advice to larger audiences, get more people involved with lifesaving, and ensure more people can enjoy water safely.

When sharing our messages or encouraging others to share, please ensure that the Royal Life Saving Society UK is mentioned alongside DPW.

Have you noticed our NEW logo?

This year we have updated the Drowning Prevention Week logo; the logo now fits with the style of our new graphics and animations.

We have updated the downloadable resources on our website so please do head to www.rlss.org.uk/DPW to download the resources and use the new style logo!

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Spotlight on...

T

he 2022 #DontDrinkandDrown campaign was spread over a month’s period to include not only the usual Christmas period, but also the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Throughout the month we saw some great engagement and we hope you were able to see and share our graphics throughout the month. We created specific World Cup and Christmas graphics which we shared on our various social media channels and made available to download via our website.

We also saw some great involvement from key water safety partners, such as various Fire and Rescue Services, who shared the #DontDrinkandDrown messaging.

PODCASTS We were able to secure some great partnerships as a number of football themed podcasts mentioned the campaign for free. The podcasts included The Football Ramble podcast, and The Price of Football podcast, both are named in the top podcasts in ‘sports’ on Apple podcasts.

Former Soccer AM presenter, now YouTuber and co-host of Jaack Maate’s Happy Hour podcast, Robbie Knox created an Instagram story for the campaign to help spread the message to his 49.9k followers.

We saw over 1,000 mentions of #DontDrinkandDrown across social media for the month which is up 38% compared to 2021, which shows our messaging was reaching even more people than previous years.

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LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

Don’t Drink and Drown

Thank you to everyone who helped spread the messaging during the #DontDrinkandDrown campaigns for 2022.

MEDIA SUCCESS

SOCIAL MEDIA SUCCESS

The campaign saw a potential reach of over 300,000 through

Post with the highest potential reach: 502,452

press and media, including a number of TV and radio broadcasts, including ITV News London and BBC Manchester.

Facebook and Instagram adverts generated a huge reach for the campaign with one specific advert reaching over 16,188 people, who may have been a new audience for the campaign.

We also teamed up with On The Tools as they ran adverts to share our World Cup graphics with their audiences to ensure we spread our message to those who may not already be engaged with RLSS UK. The adverts received a reach of over 360,000 people and over 3,000 link clicks to our website.

16,188

SAVE THE DATES FOR 2023

18 – 24 September 11 – 17 December

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Why I Volunteer...

MEET OUR VOLUNTEER...

Emma Serventi I

am a Lifesaving Instructor at Nantwich Neptune Lifesaving Club, and I am responsible for running its social media pages.

I have always loved water but, during my childhood, I didn’t know anything about competitive lifesaving. I have always been a swimmer, and being a Type 1 diabetic since the age of ten, it has been a great form of exercise.

I continued to swim whilst I was pregnant with both of my children until I got to 36 weeks. By that point, it was getting difficult to get out of the pool!

At six weeks old, both children were in the water, and have followed in my footsteps. Izzy has hit the headlines with the Royal Life Saving Society UK last year, after gaining the prestigious Distinction Award at the age of 13. I have spent many a weekend watching both children swimming, and when Izzy started at our local lifesaving club I was captivated by the skills being taught. I started attending their adult session to complete the Survive and Save Awards and developed close friendships with the instructors, who encouraged me to take on a new challenge; training to be a Rookie Instructor. For the past four years, I have been actively involved in the club; volunteering every Saturday morning to teach groups of budding lifesaver, and attending Open Water and Beach events with members of the Liverpool and District Branch. I am constantly learning, and absolutely love working with young people and watching their confidence grow.

In 2022, our club’s founding members retired, and a number of other people involved in the club decided to move on. We lost numbers due to the pool closures during the pandemic, and we were at risk of the club having to close. We were determined this would not happen, and I volunteered to promote the club on social media, in a bid to increase our numbers, and raise awareness of both the club, and the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s aims.

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LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

Emma Serventi tells us about her volunteer role with Nantwich Neptune Lifesaving Club

I am the Apprenticeship Delivery Manager at Escalla TS Ltd, training Digital Marketing apprentices. I love playing about with new apps and platforms, to make my sessions relevant and interactive. My transferrable skills had to save the club!

I use Meta Business Suite. This is a complete social media management tool for Facebook and Instagram. You can do everything, from creating and scheduling content to responding to engagement and analysing insights. You can also plan organic campaigns, run ads, and organise assets. All of this is free and can be done from your phone, tablet or laptop.

Why I Volunteer...

I use Canva and TikTok to create posts, with a little bit of photo editing on various other free apps. I have found that posting the same content on both Facebook and Instagram gets a similar response, due to my highly visual content. The best time to post is 7.30pm, when most parents have sat down in front of the TV, and are scrolling through their social media feeds. Our audience is mainly parents, as our lifesavers are too young to be using the platforms, but the older lifesavers do join in, and like being part of the videos.

Our posts help to raise awareness of lifesaving and water safety, highlight key campaigns from RLSS UK, celebrate success across the club, educate people on what we do, and attract new members. After four months of posting every day, we doubled our numbers, and now have 50 young people learning lifesaving skills every weekend. We have also started a session for children struggling to meet the required National Curriculum attainment targets for swimming and water safety.

Our success was recognised in October 2022 by Everybody Health & Leisure. We won the prestigious ‘Club of the Year Award’, which was absolutely fantastic!

I would encourage current volunteers to take on the social media challenge, but I also think there are lots of people now who post for fun, and could develop their skills further by posting on behalf of a club. It would be great for their CV, and may help them to get them onto a course or apprenticeship relating to the digital industries.

I have gained new friendships, enjoyment, skills and challenges working as a volunteer.

It is an amazing thing to do, and I feel a huge sense of responsibility training up the next generation of lifesavers. Anyone can drown, but no one should. Let’s work together to share our expertise and knowledge, with as many people as possible, giving everyone the potential to save lives and enjoy water, safely.”

After four months of posting every day, we doubled our numbers, and now have 50 young people learning lifesaving skills every weekend.

Posting daily on social media can seem a bit daunting, but there is so much stuff out there that you can use, or adapt, to save time. The great thing about social media posts is they can be shared by your followers and reach further afield than you would think. We have some top fans, some of whom are influencers in the world of lifesaving sport. Once you start to see growth in followers, likes and shares, I think it becomes quite addictive!

If you’re interested in volunteering for RLSS UK visit: www.rlss.org.uk/volunteer LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

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Meet

Andrea Hall

Y

ou might remember that before Christmas we worked with artist Andrea Hall to run a Christmas giveaway competition which many of you entered, and the eagle eyed amongst you will have seen Andrea has designed the cover of this issue of Lifesavers magazine.

We recently caught up with Andrea about her connection with the water ahead of our Open Water Festival in June where Andrea will be exhibiting.

My Swim Story…

Like a lot of people in the Summer of 2012, I was really into the London Olympics. It was so uplifting and inspiring.

Working as a freelance graphic designer at the time meant that I could fit my working hours around watching the events unfold. Nothing intrigued me more than the marathon swims in Hyde Park. It was quite a spectacle back then, and 10k seemed like a completely incredulous distance to do in a pool, never mind outside. I got comfy on the sofa with a bottle of wine, a big family bag of tortilla chips and settled in to watch the women’s performance. At age 46, I weighed-in at a hefty 16 stones and I was huge – my own swimming days a long-lost memory.

Swimming Family My mum and grandma before her had both been swimming teachers. Between them, they had taught generations of local school kids when swimming was part of the national curriculum. Most days I swam for the local club, and every family holiday had to involve a lido or the sea. By the time I was 16, I had developed a passion for drawing, so I broke the family tradition and went off to art college. That was it for my swimming; I didn’t look back. Until that day in 2012, beached on the sofa with glass in hand, shouting encouragingly at Keri-anne Payne and being gob-smacked at the frenzied feeding stations. I said to my partner, “I could’ve done that when I was younger.”. That very moment changed my life.

And so it began…

I started going to the pool. At the first session, I swam 40 lengths of breaststroke out of nowhere, and then struggled to life my arms up to the steering wheel afterwards. I ditched the wine and crisps and made myself miserable with low-fat yogurts, but I persevered. I discovered a kind of endurance, and it was liberating.

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LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

I was swimming three times a week and loving it – making new friends and getting to know the staff. One of my new friends, Claire suggested we do the Great North Swim and before I knew it, we were signed up. I trained hard over the winter and by the time our first foray into open water came round in the spring, I was five and a half stones lighter. Since then, I have swum numerous events, up to 10k and even done a few triathlons. I’ve become a bit of a swim tourist along with Claire, visiting lots of swim spots throughout the seasons. I love the unique viewpoint from the water, the connection with nature and the changing colours.

Olympic Legacy In 2018, I started to illustrate my experiences. I put the results on social media and immediately got enquiries. One thing led to another and now run my online swimming art shop full-time and attend swimming events as an exhibitor.

It’s a privilege to be able to spread the joy I feel for swimming through my art, and that people actually buy into it makes me feel so proud. I’ve even had the opportunity to work with Kerianne Payne too!

Do you love the front cover of the magazine?

We’re going to have 50 limited edition prints available to purchase at the RLSS UK Conference.

Be sure to get yours!

Find out more about Andrea’s work andreahall.co.uk

Why I Volunteer...

SPONSORED BY

MANVERS LAKE SUNDAY 4 JUNE 2023

SCAN HERE OR VISIT www.rlss.org.uk

BOOKINGS NOW OPEN LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

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Spotlight On...

Trustees

Welcome to our new Trustees, they have been appointed by our Board of Trustees to support the charity in specific areas of the business that need expertise.

JAMES LLOYD, Trustee Our Trustees are vital to our charity. They volunteer their time and expertise to help us deliver our charitable activities. Charity trustees are the people who share ultimate responsibility for governing a charity and directing how it is managed and run. Trustees also sit on standing committees (Finance, Governance and Commercial) that best suit their background.

Looking for a new way to volunteer and contribute to RLSS UK?

When thinking of volunteering your time and expertise have you ever considered supporting RLSS UK by sitting on our Board of Trustees? Have you a passion for lifesaving/lifeguarding and time to join our Board of Trustees? Why not talk to our Trustees to find out more about their experiences by contacting us at elections@rlss.org.uk

Did you know?

•

Any RLSS UK member over 18 years-old is eligible to be a Trustee if they meet the application criteria

•

Trustees don’t need to part of a Branch, lifesaving club etc., they can come from all backgrounds from private to leisure sector

•

Each year we have five Board meetings on a Saturday and expenses are paid to come to our Worcester offices.

•

Your employer may support you with time to volunteer for us as part of your career development

•

We provide Trustees with training which can expand career opportunities

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LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

James has a strong background in board level leadership, contract management and business growth.

He is currently the Group Finance Director of a national based property development consultancy group.

James is also a Non-Executive Director on three NHS Partnership Boards.

James joined to develop commercial activity and to chair the commercial committee.

James said “RLSS UK has some ambitious plans and together I have no doubt we can make these come to fruition to further support the amazing work the charity does.”

SONIA REES, Honorary Treasurer Sonia brings with her a wealth of skills and experience to support the society as it progresses its growth agenda. A qualified accountant since 1990, Sonia has held senior roles in local government, a large publicly owned company providing external audit services across England and a regional children’s hospice charity.

Sonia has also been the Treasurer of a national charity concerned with hospice and end of life care.

Now retired from paid employment, Sonia is passionate about ‘giving something back’. She is looking forward to helping the Society maximise its impact so that everyone has the information and skills needed to keep themselves and others safe whilst enjoying water-based activities.

SALLY SZARKA, Trustee Sally is a practising solicitor with experience that includes board membership, regulatory compliance, strategic leadership and risk management. She has worked in-house, in private practice and in the charitable sector.

Sally is currently sole general counsel for a charitable museum trust advising on a wide range of matters, maintaining governance policies, ensuring compliance with internal controls and Charity Commission regulations, as well as managing a large historic commercial property portfolio.

save the

DATE

All our members are welcome to attend our Annual General Meeting and see the governance of our charity. If you’re already planning to attend our Honours ceremony, why not stay for our AGM? Saturday 28 October 2023 at 4pm Coombe Abbey, Brinklow Rd, Binley, Coventry CV3 2AB A link on our website will be available for those wanting to join the event virtually.

Trustees

My time so far as a Trustee...

Hi

I am Dave Elliott, Trustee on the RLSS UK Board. Thanks to all our voting members who elected me in 2021, it was greatly appreciated. Since joining the Trustees, I have attended six Board meetings, and been part of decisions on agreeing the 2022 and 2023 budget, reviewing KPIs, the Survive & Save review, appointment of our Youth Advisor, advised on IT projects, Her Royal Highness The Queens Platinum Jubilee Medallion, reviewing 2021 & 2022 accounts and the risk register for the organisation. I’ve also joined our Commercial Committee and sat on an appointments committee for RLSS Commonwealth Trustee roles.

My experience is from an IT / Data & Analytics management background and as an active volunteer with South Shields Volunteer Lifeguards. What I enjoy about being a Trustee is being able to use my experiences from a wide range of industry sectors and projects, ranging from global data transformation programs to software platform implementations provide support to the society.

Our Trustees

DEBORAH HUNT President

ANDREA MACKOWN Deputy President

VOTE BRYAN FINLAY Trustee

PETER MOYES Trustee and Governance Committee Chair

RLSS UK will have elections for General Trustees for a term of three years. Make sure you use your opportunity as a member to vote.

· ·

HELEN BULL Trustee

ALAN SUTHERLAND Trustee

DAVE ELLIOTT Trustee

NEW APPOINTMENTS

JAMES COSSONS Trustee

· ·

SONIA REES Honorary Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair

JAMES LLOYD Trustee and Commercial Committee Chair

SALLY SZARKA Trustee

RLSS UK members (except Lifeguard members) aged 16 years or over are entitled to vote.

Without your vote you can’t choose who is elected onto the Trustee Board Without your vote you cannot approve resolutions that affect our charity governance Without your vote you miss the opportunity to make a crucial difference as to what decisions are made in the future

All information on standing for election, voting and our AGM is on rlss.org.uk/elections-2023 or email elections@rlss.org.uk

LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

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Spotlight on...

International Life Saving Federation of Europe HONOUR NATIONAL PRESENTATION of

In December’s issue of Lifesavers magazine we introduced you to some of our fantastic recipients from Honours 2022.

We would like to tell the stories of even more of those who received an Honour in 2022.

Janet Wilson Member of the European Order of Lifesaving United Kingdom Janet Wilson was honored with Member of the European Order of Lifesaving of International Lifesaving Federation of Europe (ILSE) by decision of the General Assembly 2021.

In addition, to Janet’s incredible contribution to lifesaving in the UK she has contributing her time, skills and knowledge to lifesaving across the Commonwealth and the Globe.

Janet was the Secretary of the ILSE Education Commission 2008-2016. In 2016 up to 2021 Janet acted as the Chair of the Commission. The ILSE Education Commission is dedicated to the promotion and professional development of lifesavers and lifeguards. Janet’s involvement in the ILSE commission, spanning 13 years has been integral to the delivery of this important work.

In recent years the Education Commission became the new Drowning Prevention Commission. The motivation to renew the Commission was to strengthen drowning prevention aspects within ILSE as well as the coordination of drowning prevention activities across the commissions. Janet as Chair led on this transition.

UK Honorary Vice President Awarded for a supreme level of contribution to the Society. This Honour is awarded to someone who has chaired several national committees over a period of time with outstanding ability, or made a similar supreme level of contribution to the Society at the highest level.

Stephanie Andrews Wessex Stephanie, a lifesaver for over 50 years, was encouraged by her mother, who was heavily involved in the Society. In 1973 Stephanie joined Hounslow Lifesaving Club and became an outstanding competitor, spending many happy days at the National Lifeguard and National Lifesaving Championships.

She also started on her journey as a Lifesaving Sport Official, which took her to the very top internationally. She is a highly respected International A judge and has been appointed as Deputy Referee at a number of ILS World Lifesaving Championships.

Stephanie was elected to the ILS Sports commission and played an important part in re-writing the rules and giving RLSS UK and Ireland a voice at the highest level of sport management. Stephanie has twice been elected as and RLSS UK Trustee and, for a number years, the only elected female represented.

During her time, she wanted to ensure that members’ voices were always heard. Currently the Convenor of the College of Referees, her lasting commitment makes Stephanie a very worthy recipient of this award.

Mark Smith Nottingham Mark joined the Colwick Park club and with two more members set about transforming it. He soon realised that lifeguards and members could earn money for themselves and the club by lifeguarding events. Mark is responsible for giving a large number of young people fantastic experiences and life skills that many still use today.

As a Board member, Mark used his skills to help with marketing and business issues. Six years ago he was elected as Deputy President. In 2019 Mark became the President of RLSS UK, with a clear vision of what he hoped to achieve. Five months later Covid hit, and shortly after the Chair of the Board resigned. Without hesitation Mark stepped up and has led the Board ever since with dignity and expertise.

Not only the youngest ever President of RLSS UK, no other President has had to deal with the issues that the last three years brought. Mark has been amazing, his leadership outstanding and he has led with a clear vision. Mark is a very worthy recipient of this award.

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LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

Honours 2022

Commonwealth Awards

Commonwealth Honorary Life Member Cavell Burchell United Kingdom Cavell has been involved at national level of the UK Branch of the Society for a number of years having held elected and appointed offices (in his early years) on both the RLSS UK Management Board as a Branch representative and Chairman of both the Sports Events and Marketing and the Education Committees.

He has previously held national appointments as a former Senior Tutor of the Society and also as an NTA in all disciplines. Cavell’s involvement is also at Branch level where he has held various offices over the last 30 years including most recently seven years as Chairman until 2010. He has also been an active part of the South East Region as both a Branch representative and as Vice-Chairman.

Commonwealth Service Order Michael Dunn United Kingdom Mike was employed as an RLSS UK member of staff from 2006 until 2021, providing in excess of 15 years and eight months service. Much of that time Mike continued as an RLSS UK volunteer for his local lifesaving club.

During his employment Mike was dedicated to supporting work through RLSS and international work benefitting other branches. In 2010 and 2016 Mike was instrumental in the both reviews of the Bronze Medallion. An award that continues to aid the delivery of lifesaving across the Commonwealth.

Mike was also one of the major developers of the Aquatic Survival Programme.

Aiding the relationship with the RNLI International Team, advising the team on the development, evaluation and monitoring of the programme in Zanzibar.

Commonwealth Service Order Adrian Lole United Kingdom Adrian was employed as an RLSS UK member of staff from 2001 until 2019, providing in excess of 17 years and six months service.

During his employment Adrian was dedicated to supporting work through RLSS and international work benefitting other branches. In 2010 and 2016 Adrian was instrumental in the both reviews of the Bronze Medallion. An award that continues to aid the delivery of lifesaving across the Commonwealth.

Adrian was appointed as the UK Representative on the 125 Anniversary Committee, providing invaluable support to the RLSS Office in the organisation and facilitation of 125 events in London. Adrian has been an avid champion for lifesaving sport and in 2019 led the bid to bring the Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships to the UK and his team ran and organised the event.

Recipient of the Outstanding Contribution Award Professor Greg Whyte World-renowned Sports Scientist, physical activity expert, and former Olympian, set himself a mammoth challenge in July to swim 125 miles of the Upper Thames in four days, a Guinness World Record attempt, whilst raising money for RLSS UK and RNLI. Greg is used to training celebrities such as David Walliams and Davina McCall on their charity challenges, but this time it was all about his own strength and endurance. Before the challenge, he said: “The key message for me, is this: one person drowns every 20 hours in the UK and water safety is central to reducing this figure. Unfortunately, only one in five children have received any formal water safety education. By tackling this enormous challenge, I am aiming to raise funds to supportthe RLSS UK and RNLI to improve water safety education and reduce the tragedy of drowning.”

LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

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Spotlight on...

National Lifesaving Academy

Y

ou will hopefully have seen that we successfully launched the National Lifesaving Academy (NLA) to the leisure industry in October and have since launched the NLA to the public in February.

We have worked with Olympians including triathletes and Olympic gold medalists Alistair Brownlee MBE and Jonny Brownlee MBE; gold Paralympic swimmer Ellie Robinson MBE; and former Olympian and Sports Scientist Professor Greg Whyte OBE. They have all endorsed the NLA and have shown their support for the academy by appearing in our promotional videos which we hope you have enjoyed!

Instructors - Still need to update?

AWARD STRUCTURE

If you’re a current lifesaving instructor who would like to continue to deliver our senior lifesaving awards, we’ve created a simple online training course to update your qualifications and become an NLA Lifesaving Instructor.

You should already have had an email inviting you to complete your NLA Lifesaving Instructor, Tutor, or Mentor update.

It is free to update your qualification to the latest version via the online update, so we hope that you’ll make the time to update your knowledge to enable you to teach the new National Lifesaving Academy awards!

For more information on how to update, visit www.rlss.org.uk/become-a-national-lifesavingacademy-instructor.

Become part of the National Lifesaving Academy

If you are 12 and over, you can, through your local lifesaving club, begin working your way through the NLA award journey, starting with the Bronze Lifesaving Certificate, through the Bronze Stars, to the Bronze Medallions, and finally securing the Distinction Award.

To learn more about NLA head to www.rlss.org.uk/ NLA, watch our videos, read about the pathway and begin your journey!

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LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

SPORT PATHWAY AND AWARDS

National Lifesaving Academy

To encourage a year-on-year increase in sport participation at an introductory stage, whilst supplying a framework that supports individual athlete growth

Stage 2 SPORT MASTERCLASS

The Sport Masterclass will be a future development of the pathway and will focus on athletes who are competitive at national and international level

Skill Bolt-ons

SERC

Manikin Handling Carry

Rope Throwing

Manikin Handling Tows

Fin work

Obstacle swimming

Skill bolt-ons are specific, providing coaches with the structure to focus on athletes’ strengths in a single discipline or focus across multiple disciplines.

Some of the bolt-ons will be designed around milestones, rewarding the progression of lifesavers as they improve their time and technique.

Stage 1 INTRODUCTION TO LIFESAVING SPORT

Introduction to Lifesaving Sport will be an entry level into sport and will include information on welfare, fitness and health. It will provide athletes with an overview of sport and introduce them to some of the core skills needed to progress in lifesaving sport

National Lifesaving Academy: Lifesaving Sport We’re working hard behind the scenes on launching a new set of awards for Lifesaving Sport that will be part of the National Lifesaving Academy. Since the Survive & Save programme was launched over a decade ago Lifesaving Sport has gone from strength to strength. We decided it was time to produce a new set of awards that would provide a better pathway for candidates to progress from lifesaver to athlete.

We hope this new Lifesaving Sport development pathway will enable a new generation of athletes to progress to compete on the international stage while embedding the core RLSS UK ethos of enabling everyone to enjoy water safely.

The new pathway will provide a broad introductory award in all the techniques needed to participate in Lifesaving Sport, before then allowing athletes to specialize in their chosen discipline. Athletes can pick and choose the elements they most enjoy and are suited to, enabling them to concentrate and excel in these specialist areas.

These awards are part of a new long-term strategy for improving the quality of training and resources available to our Lifesaving Sport athletes, as well as a way for clubs to offer something different to those candidates who might be interested in sport alongside or after they have completed the National Lifesaving Academy awards.

In addition, we hope to offer additional training to Lifesaving Sport Instructors in the future to enable them to deliver these new specialist awards more effectively. We recognise that our volunteers, instructors, and clubs are vital to the continuing success of Lifesaving Sport here in the UK. We are still in the Lifesaving Sport award pathway consultation period, so we welcome feedback on the new structure.

LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

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NLA Rollout

Fusion launch National Lifesaving Academy!

H

annah Wiggins-Bettles, Regional Swim School Manager tells us how Fusion Lifestyle has embraced the National Lifesaving Academy (NLA) It’s been a busy few months at Fusion Lifestyle, a registered charity, who operate 40 indoor pools and six lidos across England. In February 2023, Fusion successfully piloted the National Lifesaving Academy Instructor course for RLSS UK qualifying 11 Lifesaving Academy Instructors through the first pilot in the UK. Fusion launched the NLA at two of its centres in March 2023, with Whitstable Swimming Pool in Kent and Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre in Essex successfully piloting the scheme, with plans to expand further across 2023.

The local managers involved in the pilot and subsequent launches are starting to see the benefits of the programme and the potential for this to support future recruitment efforts.

Matthew Saunders, General Manager at Southend Leisure Centre said “The national shortage of lifeguards is well known, and the NLA is a perfect way for us to train and retain our young people so that they become lifeguards of the future.

The fact that the training can count towards the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and eventually lead to RPL on the NPLQ has allowed us to extend our programme to 12-16 year olds”.

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LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

Dale Bicker, Swimming Coordinator at Herons Leisure Centre and Whitstable Pools, has also been involved in launching academy sessions. “We have always been huge advocates of home growing lifeguards, and the NLA just gives us the perfect tool to do this! By giving them steady points of recognition, we ensure they stay engaged, and continue to be our lifeguards and swim teachers of the future! Our lifesavers continue with us into employment - it’s just so important to give them the right start in life and it’s something we’re so proud of here.”

Hannah said “Here at Fusion, we’ve always been a huge advocate of the Rookie Lifeguard programme, and we continue to expand this offering throughout our Swim Schools. Including the NLA was just the next step in the journey, with the NLA programme being expanded to Braintree Swim and Fitness Centre and Witham Leisure Centre, both in Essex. Our instructors have fully embraced this new ethos of utilising rescue skills and CPR alongside the (very important) social aspect for our lifesavers – there is already talk of in-house lifesaving competitions! We’re excited what the next few months and years hold for our lifesaving programme here at Fusion.”

If you’re interested in learning more about the National Lifesaving Academy visit: www.rlss.org.uk/NLA

Westminster Update

Our Work

O

in Westminster

Over the years we have worked tirelessly to lobby the Government to make it compulsory to include more water safety education on the national curriculum for all primary and secondary schools in England and Wales.

ur Patron, Lord Storey, has introduced a bill, the Water Safety (Curriculum) Bill, which aims to achieve the above, and this month the bill will have its second reading in the House of Lords.

Political Intern In 2021 we appointed a Political Intern, Laura Anderson, who was based in Westminster working with Lord Storey. During the 12-month internship Laura was fantastic in helping us push on with our political lobbying.

Meet Laura Anderson: “I assisted in drafting the ‘Water Safety (Curriculum)’ Bill put forward by Lord Storey, including drafting and scrutinising the bill’s content prior to its successful reading in June 2022.

“I spearheaded Parliamentary water safety campaigns, discussing national-level drowning prevention strategy for the UK, guided by the mission of RLSS UK. From discussions, I coordinated shoreline visits with MP’s in their communities. I further facilitated an incredibly successful event in Parliament during Drowning Prevention Week in June, with over 50 MPs in attendance and three Ministers, raising the importance of water safety before the peak swimming season.

“The role has offered me the privilege of working at the forefront of crucial education policy efforts, sharpened my policy research skills, and worked towards sustainable legislative change around lifesaving information. I am grateful to Lord Storey and the RLSS UK team for giving me the opportunity.

“I have now been hired as an analyst, advising large brands on human rights due diligence efforts.”

The internship was a 12-month contract and Chaima Akroum has now taken over from Laura in the position.

Drowning Prevention Week event at Westminster in 2022.

Meet Chaima Akroum “My name is Chaima and I’m studying a Masters in European and International Public Policy at the London School of Economics. I have also been given the opportunity to act as a Political Intern for RLSS UK and as a Parliamentary Assistant to Lord Storey in the House of Lords.

“Since joining the RLSS UK team and Lord Storey’s Westminster office in October 2022, my activities have been varied, ranging from writing speeches on education policy to assisting on events and meetings. At the same time, I sit as the Secretariat of the Water Safety All-Party Parliamentary Group, which seeks to provide a forum for parliamentary discussion on water safety education. In my efforts to further support RLSS UK, I also regularly engage with MPs and Peers to organise visits to local schools and lifesaving clubs to raise awareness on the importance of drowning prevention strategies across the UK. More recently I have started to work on two exciting projects, namely Lord Storey’s Private Members’ Bill on mandatory water safety education in schools and the planning of a large parliamentary event during Drowning Prevention Week in June 2023.

“So far, I’ve acquired significant knowledge and developed useful skills by engaging with the ever-changing and fast-moving world of Parliament and I’m excited to see what the next months have in store for me!”

LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

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Spotlight on...

RLSS UK

Qualifications COMING VERY SOON!

We are excited to be pre-launching the new NPLQ Gen 10 at the RLSS UK Conference 2023 and bringing the industry a new version of NPLQ. With changes to industry, law, and research, as well as feedback from candidates, Leisure operators and Trainer Assessors (TAs), the new qualification training will remain current, professional and realistic - providing operators with great lifeguards!

The RLSS UK Conference 2023 will be the first opportunity for TAs to complete the NPLQ Gen 10 Update and see the new candidate manual.

Below are some important dates for your diaries: Friday 23 June 2023

NPLQ Gen 10 pre-launch at the much anticipated RLSS UK Conference 2023

Tuesday 4 July 2023

Sales of NPLQ Gen 10 candidate manuals and assessment credits open - available from your RLSS UK Account and RLSS UK Shop NPLQ Gen 10 TA Update available in TAs RLSS UK Accounts

Tuesday 4 July to Friday 29 Sept 2023

Exchange your NPLQ Gen 9 assessment credits for NPLQ Gen 10 assessment credits

Sunday 31 Dec 2023

Deadline for completion of the NPLQ Gen 10 TA Update

Monday 1 Jan 2024

NPLQ TAs who have not completed the NPLQ Gen 10 TA Update will no longer be qualified to deliver the NPLQ. Only the Gen 10 version of the NPLQ can be delivered.

NPLQ Gen 9 will no longer be available to purchase or deliver.

We will be communicating with NPLQ TAs over the forthcoming months with more information, so keep an eye out!

Combined Paediatric First Aid (PFA) and First Aid at Work (FAW) The launch in March of our Combined Paediatric First Aid (PFA) and First Aid at Work (FAW) saw us amalgamating two of our most popular first aid qualifications to offer a three-day course that covers a range of CPR and first aid skills for both adults and paediatrics, providing employers and staff with the skills to reduce the risks and dangers in your workplace.

The course has endorsed CPD points by CIMSPA. It’s also in line with the First Aid Awarding Organisation Forum (FAAOF).

We have received a fantastic response and are already working on the other qualification combinations you have requested.

For more information, visit www.rlss.org.uk/pfa-and-faw 28

LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

Qualifications

National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP) In February 2023 we were thrilled to launch our newly revised and improved National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP), which further supports businesses with crucial water safety.

The programme’s updated awards have benefitted from contributions from industry-leading experts, existing Trainers and Instructors and water safety specialists to ensure that they meet the current Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) standards for those working on, in or near water during structured activities. To find out more, visit www.rlss.org.uk/ nwsmp

I felt that it was important to deliver the NWSMP because there is a real need for practical and informative training to ensure those who work in or near the water are doing so safely.

The course is engaging and interactive, and its flexible approach allows a wide and diverse range of people to receive training in a way that will add real value to their everyday work.

I believe this qualification is critical for all employers and staff who work in or near the water. It not only informs them of how to work safely and effectively in or near the water but also provides some basic lifesaving knowledge that can be used in real-life situations.

- Tom Partridge, Outdoor and Adventure Activity Expert

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS...

Technical Questions

Q: Can swimming teachers upskill to become Rookie Instructors?

A: If a swimming teacher holds a Level 2 swimming teaching qualification and a lifesaving qualification or award, they can make an application in the ‘My Details’ section of their RLSS UK Account. The Opportunity costs from £10 depending on the awarding body of the teacher’s Level 2 qualification.

You can find more information visit www.rlss.org. uk/become-a-rookie-lifeguard-instructor Q: Who is Rookie Lifeguard aimed at?

A: Rookie Lifeguard is designed to appeal to children aged 8-11 years and is ideal for those children who swim at Stage 7 and above. Rookie Lifeguard is the perfect way to either introduce new children to a Lifesaving Club or for Swim Schools to retain children in their lessons once they have completed the Learn to Swim awards.

Q: Will my Lifesaving Instructor award become invalid if I don’t complete the free National Lifesaving Academy (NLA) update in my RLSS UK Account?

A: Yes, at the end of December 2023, all Lifesaving Instructors will need to have updated to the new Lifesaving Academy Instructor award; this is to ensure that our instructors have a high level of current knowledge and are able to deliver the new NLA programme.

Q: How does the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) work for the National Lifesaving Academy (NLA)?

A: When a candidate has achieved one of the Bronze Medallion awards, they can receive seven hours of RPL against the relevant vocational lifeguard qualification. The seven hours of RPL are mapped in the NLA Guidance document, where there is a list of modules that the candidate will not need to cover. Candidates will still complete the full assessment for the lifeguard qualifications and, therefore, should be encouraged to revise the content from the candidate manual before the assessment. The Bronze Medallion RPL is valid for a period of two years, the same duration as the award.

Q. Can I become an RLSS UK First Aid Trainer if I am already registered to deliver first aid training with another awarding organisation?

A. Yes, providing you meet the prerequisites, you can apply to become an RLSS UK First Aid Trainer through your RLSS UK Account. To find out more details visit www.rlss.org.uk/become-a-first-aidtrainer-assessor

LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

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Conference

See you there!

W

e are excited that the RLSS UK Conference is back for 2023 and we hope to see many of you there!

The conference will be held at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Friday 23, and Saturday 24 June 2023. Many of you have already purchased your tickets and we saw Friday tickets sell out in a record time.

Friday 23 June: Focus on RLSS UK vocational qualifications and the Leisure industry.

Saturday 24 June: Focus on RLSS UK’s fantastic charitable activities, clubs, branches, and volunteers.

Topics on Friday will include the latest research and development in water safety education and training, medical workshops, and the exciting prelaunch of NPLQ Gen 10.

On Saturday, we will come together to mix with charity friends, old and new, to understand and develop inclusive methods and practices, and learn about all of the progression opportunities to support the journey to educate everyone to enjoy water safely.

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Conference

We have an exciting speaker line-up for both days, which includes: Friday 23 June 2023

Saturday 24 June 2023

Founder of GoodSam – Mark Wilson

Barriers to swimming: Award-winning podcast Brown Gal Can’t Swim Summaya Mughal, BBC Presenter

Understanding a Heart Rhythm Shockable/Non-Shockable Martin Horton, Consultant Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Musgrove Park Hospital Compliance - Sharing best practice Richard Flavell, Head of Compliance, RLSS UK and Donna Bristoll, Principal Standards Manager, RLSS UK Understanding Swimming Pool Technology Ian Ogilvie, Director, OLM Consulting and Alan Ritchie, National Pools and Water Safety Manager, GLL Planning for the Emergency Services Alex Gleeson, Paramedic, West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) Becoming a Better Trainer - Thinking Outside the Box! Jacky Leonard, Learning and Development Consultant, JL Consulting

RLSS UK Pathways Jo Talbot, Commercial Director, RLSS UK Why Young Men Drown - A Scientific Perspective Professor Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, University of Cambridge An RLSS UK for Everyone: Being Inclusive and Accessible to All Anne Marie Zaritsky, MENCAP Evolving your Local Branch Matt Croxall, Senior Head of Membership and Field Operations, RLSS UK The Value of Lifesaving - Research from the Candidate and Parent Perspective Nichola Baldwin, Data and Insights Manager, RLSS UK

The Importance of Research and Data - Gen 10 Nichola Baldwin, Data and Insights Manager, RLSS UK

School Education - the Springboard to our Pathways Lee Heard, Charity Director and Andy Lane, Education Manager, RLSS UK

Cardiac Arrest Survival - Chain of Survival Andy Read, Cardiac Arrest Survivor and Page Chamberlain, East Anglian Air Ambulance.

How Can We Best Support the Growth of Open Water Swimming Bluetits, Cold Water Swimming Group

Training and Engaging Candidates with Dyslexia Amanda Hornby, British Dyslexia Association

National Lifesaving Academy (NLA) – Improve Relationships with Operators Hannah Wiggins-Bettles, Regional Swim School Manager, Fusion Leisure

National Lifesaving Academy (NLA) Lee Heard, Charity Director, RLSS UK Lesson Learnt from Industry Incidents Andy Ebben and Leigh Simmonds, Principal Consultants, Quality Leisure Management Ltd Becoming a Better Trainer - Know Your Subject Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) Kevin Mackie and Isabelle Hamilton-Bower, Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) Careers in Leisure Colin Huffen and Alex Roberts, Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) Lifeguard - the Future!

Dr Jenny Smith, Reader in Performance Psychology, University of Chichester and James Bryant lecturer in Health and Exercise, NPLQ Gen 10 Update Jo Talbot, Commercial Director, RLSS UK

NPLQ Gen 10 Update Jo Talbot, Commercial Director, RLSS UK Becoming a Better Instructor - Thinking Outside the Box! Jacky Leonard, Learning and Development Consultant, JL Consulting Developing a Local Club Warren Staite and Alan McCormack, Club Development Executives, RLSS UK Being Allies to the LGBTQ+ Community in Lifesaving Activity Louise Englefield, Pride Sports RLSS UK Safeguarding Course (part one and part two) Safeguarding Equality and Diversity Advisory Group

Be quick! check the website for availability.

Demand has been phenomenal

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POOL TECHNOLOGY Pool Technology and Guidance

Industry launched the first UK guidance on pool automated monitoring and detection technology in January this year.

T

The guidance is available at www.rlss.org.uk/ technology-inswimming-pools

he first UK guidance for the use of automated monitoring and detection systems in public lifeguarded swimming pools was launched to help operators select and use assisted lifeguard technology to provide additional safety and support lifeguards to save lives.

Developed in conjunction with leading pool safety experts, the guidance UK Swimming Pool Operator Guidance for Automated Monitoring and Detection systems in public lifeguarded swimming pools is endorsed by CIMSPA, RLSS UK, Swim England and ukactive.

operators using monitoring and surveillance technology.

Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), RLSS UK, Swim England and ukactive will collectively consult and agree on any changes to the guidance as a result of these reviews.

Automated monitoring and detection systems are designed to support and alert lifeguards so they can quickly identify and respond to a developing emergency. Until now, there has been limited information for operators using or looking to install this technology to adopt a blended lifeguard approach to pool supervision.

Tara Dillon, CEO of CIMSPA, said: “We welcome this new guidance, which will assist operators in embracing innovation in detection and prevention technologies so they can work smarter and more effectively with their lifeguarding staff.”

“Automated monitoring and detection systems are here to stay, but with technology developing and new systems emerging, many operators are unsure which systems are suitable for use and how to progress. We wanted to provide comprehensive guidance in this area specifically developed for swimming pool operators by leading industry specialists and endorsed by the sector,” says pool safety expert Andy Read, who coordinated the project.

These specialists include expert witnesses, water safety professionals, operators, swimming pool designers, legal specialists, technology providers and health and safety consultants.

Aimed at swimming pools which are constantly lifeguarded, the document provides guidance about the performance and design elements that operators should consider when installing and operating automated monitoring and detection systems.

The guidance has been 18 months in development and will be formally reviewed yearly by independent swimming pool experts and representatives from the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) and Swim England, in addition to 32

LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

Jo Talbot, Commercial Director of RLSS UK, said: “We are delighted to support the industry with this new guidance for public lifeguarded swimming pools. Technologies that enhance safety and support lifeguards should be embraced, and this guidance is a huge step forward for the industry.

It will provide an invaluable resource for operators, giving them the confidence to consider the use of technology and select a system suitable for their facility.”

Richard Lamburn, Head of Facilities at Swim England, said: “We are pleased to have supported the development of this industry guidance. We believe the utilisation of technology can aid in safety improvements and increase the consumer experience of swimmers. We hope the guidance will be an informative resource for those operating and designing facilities in the future.”

Pete Wells, Head of Standards and Risk at ukactive said: “Working in collaboration with our sector partners, we want to ensure the latest technology can be, confidently, utilised to support our nation’s pools in delivering their essential role. This guidance provides clear and comprehensive recommendations to swimming pool operators that will help maintain the safety of swimmers across the UK.”

Pool Technology and Guidance

RLSS UK

Industry Guidance RLSS UK are contacted regularly by operators with questions about safety in swimming pools, including specific challenges or practices. As a charity our aim is to ensure everyone can ensure water safely, which includes supporting swimming pool operators to offer a safe environment. It is important to us to help and support operators and one way in which we do this is by providing free guidance.

We have used our experience, our expert Advisors, Partners, and information from other organisations and created simple guidance to help answer some of the questions that Operators and their employees may have about safety in swimming pools.

Free and available to all at www.rlss.org.uk/safety-guidance, along with helpful links to guidance and expertise from other organisations. There are presently statements regarding the following: • Lifeguards - Mobile Phones and Smart Devices • Ramadan and Fasting - Swimming Safety Considerations • Administering Medication • Shallow Water Blackout, Hyperventilation and Breath Holding • Do Not Resuscitate (DNR, DNACPR, ADRT, RESPECT) • Lifeguarding and Ramadan • Technology in Swimming Pools • Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools • Lifeguards working in Hot Weather (Outdoor Facilities) • Lifeguard Zone Visibility Test (LZVT) • Pool Safety Operating Procedure (PSOP) - Example content • Frequency of Ongoing Training for Lifeguards

We also plan to add new guidance statements over the next few months and more, so bookmark the page as a good reference for tricky topics.

The Importance

of Research

As an organisation with over 100,000 awards and qualifications awarded every year it is so important to us that we evolve our products and learn from research and data.

We work with a number of universities and research professionals, as well our Research and Insights Manager here at RLSS UK, to complete projects to give us a better understanding and test what we do.

Recent data collected from lifeguards produced some amazing claims about lifeguard interventions (see below) and a current project taking place in swimming pools throughout February and March will give an Operator view.

ACCIDENTS PREVENTED

RLSS UK Lifeguards prevent 1 likely in-water accident every 6 minutes, on average

INTERVENTIONS

Every 3 minutes RLSS UK lifeguards verbally intervene to stop unsafe behaviours waterside

ACTIVE RESCUES

PASSIVE RESCUES

On average, RLSS UK Lifeguards perform 5 water rescues during their time as a lifeguard

On average, RLSS UK Lifeguards assist in 7 rescues during their time as a lifeguard

Source: RLSS UK Lifeguard Intervention Data 2022 (n=346)

LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

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Consultancy

Our services span across a wide range of support, with the list below being some of the common services delivered:

The RLSS UK Consultancy team is there to support you to ensure that you fulfil your liabilities to visitors and staff around water and to manage water safety. These include local authorities, construction companies, leisure operators and private landowners.

RLSS UK has provided water safety expertise for 130 years - positioning us as the leading water safety experts in the UK and Ireland. As well as being costeffective, our water safety consultancy service delivers compliant, straightforward, clear, and practical support to help build, create, and manage safer environments.

• • • • • • • • • • •

Risk Assessments review/creation Training, Capability and Qualifications review/creation Operational Planning review/creation Signage review/design Rescue Equipment review/advice for requirement Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) review/advice for requirement Audits completion for safety systems and procedures Water Safety Plan review/creation Water Safety advice Event Safety for activities in, on or near water Mystery Visits for water venues

Any individual or organisation - with water on or around their site - should not dismiss their accountabilities for managing water safety. Request a call back by completing this enquiry form and let us help you www.rlss.org.uk/consultancy-enquiry.

TAG Live® RLSS UK Trainer Assessors have also been to Holiday Villages Turkey, to train 108 TAG Live® Kids Clubs & Activities staff in ER-Pool. TAG Live®, are a global supplier of Live Entertainment to the leisure and tourism industry. They are award-winning theatrical entertainment producers that provide resident and touring productions, events and popups for cruise lines, holiday resorts and attractions across the world.

For more information on what TAG Live® are up to, you can follow them on Instagram, @taglive_, or search for them on Linked In.

Don’t take our word for it; read what our clients say: “RLSS UK has been very helpful and incredibly supportive. The consultant who visited the site gave a pragmatic, dynamic review and was very experienced. Very happy with the RLSS UK Consultancy service so far!”

– PGL

“We’ve been working with the RLSS UK looking at Kingsbury Water Park. The consultant has been really good with excellent communication, including listening to our needs and sticking to deadlines. It has been key to the early success of the project.”

– Warwickshire County Council

“It’s a good service - efficient, professional, and work is delivered on time.” – Savills Property Management 34

LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

Aquaparks

A snapshot

of our recent Water Safety Consultancy support

Adventure Activity Centre, near Swindon Water Safety review for lakes within the boundary.

Aqua-sport Activity Centre Review of water safety operations, training, and equipment.

Estate Property Management Company Water safety risk assessment for housing development with lakes.

Carnival At the end of last year, RLSS UK staff headed to Southampton to train the crew of P&O Cruise’s Arvia, in first aid and water safety rescue skills before it heads off on its maiden voyage to Madeira, the Canary Islands, Seville and Lisbon.

Harbour Authority in Devon Risk assessment for Blue Flag beaches.

Local Authority in Essex Review of water safety operations and equipment for open water spaces.

Local Authority in Hertfordshire Water safety risk assessment for balancing ponds on a housing estate.

Local Authority in Shropshire Pond risk assessments in the locality.

Local Authority in Warwickshire Review of water safety and potential activities to take place on lakes.

Luxury Hotel and Spa in Hampshire Safety review, creation of Pool Safety Operating Procedures (PSOPs) and training for staff.

Developers based in Warwickshire Risk assessments for balancing ponds on an industrial estate.

Property Development (overlooking London’s iconic River Thames) – water safety risk assessment for balancing ponds, swales and riverside surrounding ddevelopment.

Specialist Property and Estate Management Firm Risk assessment for a swimming pool within a property.

“We have been working with RLSS UK Consultancy since 2019 to produce a number of Audit Reports that have helped us to manage and improve the safety of some of our open water sites. The audit reports have supported the work we are already doing and also provided advice for areas of improvement.”

– Telford & Wrekin Council

“Our experience of working with the RLSS UK was great. We were lucky enough to be slotted in just a matter of weeks after our request, thanks to a cancellation. I met with the RLSS UK consultant on site, we walked the site together discussing issues, and they were very helpful - explaining various options, etc. I was very happy with the service, and the report came back to us quickly with any amendments dealt with rapidly, also.”

– Broxbourne Borough Council LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

35

Spotlight on..

RLSS UK

WATER SAFETY PARTNER

A

WATER SAFETY PARTNERSHIPS: A shared passion - To help improve water safety, so everyone can enjoy being in, on, or near water safely.

n RLSS UK Water Safety Partnership is a commercial, mutually beneficial agreement for trusted brands synonymous with high standards of products and services, industry innovation and an ongoing dedication to raising awareness, educating people about water safety and promoting safe water-based activities.

All RLSS UK Water Safety Partners benefit from a bespoke package of safety guidance and support, plus exclusive use of the official Water Safety Partner of RLSS UK logo. For more information about becoming a Water Safety Partner, please email learnmore@rlss.org.uk.

We’re proud of our respected and expanding group of RLSS UK Water Safety Partners:

A dive into Red Rescue’s Inflatable Rescue Boards Recommended and used by RLSS UK Trainers and Event Team, the Red Rescue range offers unrivalled performance, transportability and safety and you can get hold of the whole Red Rescue range of Inflatable Rescue Boards through the RLSS UK Shop.

Using Red Paddle Co’s industry-leading Inflatable technology, Red Rescue delivers hard-board performance in a package which is safer and much easier to store and transport – meaning you can easily take your lifesaving gear with you and still deliver the same level of service.

How to choose which board is perfect for you?

The Red Rescue Prone range consists of two boards, the 10.4 Prone Sprint and the 10.6 Prone Rescue. Think of the 10.4 as the fast, agile sports car and the 10.6 as the stable, reliable family SUV. The 10.4 is great for fitness training and for younger or lighter lifesavers. It also works very well in the surf. The 10.6 is perfect for all operational lifesaving or training with larger lifeguards.

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LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

If you are managing a calm water environment or event, then look no further than the 11.3 Rescue SUP. Whether at an aquapark or providing safety cover at a local triathlon, the Red Rescue SUP gives you an elevated viewing position – we put our pool lifeguards in heightened chairs to help them keep a close watch on their swim zone, the Rescue SUP brings the same logic to on-water patrols. Taking you and your lifeguards closer to the action with a board designed for ultimate casualty assistance and recovery.

Based in Southwest England, the Red Rescue team are always on hand to help and can ship very quickly. For more details about the boards, visit shop.rlss.org.uk/ collections/red-rescue or email shop@rlss.org.uk.

Our partners

Wibit Peakz a new peak experience on the water

As the world market leader for water fun, Wibit Sports has been setting trends, repeatedly, for more than 25 years and is a pioneer in the market with many innovative products and concepts.

Are you ready to try something new? With Wibit Peakz, you experience the absolute world novelty on the water. Balance, dexterity, and speed at dizzying heights. The innovative floating climbing park was inspired by high ropes courses. Fun & action are guaranteed! The idea: get from one, two or three-metre-high Wibit Peakz to the next - directly on the water and completely safe.

Instruction and extensive safety equipment are not necessary – helmets, harnesses or ropes are superfluous. All Wibit products meet the high German quality and safety standards that are tested and confirmed regularly by independent test houses like the renowned German TÜV. If the visitors get off balance, they simply fall into the water, completely safe and quite honestly, it’s pretty funny too.

Visit the website to find out more about Wibit Peakz

CSR at Ruth Lee Get changed and stay warm with dryrobe®

Many of you will, by now, be familiar with the real challenge of using a Ruth Lee Pool Rescue manikin as part of your training and will have seen the benefits it has brought to your training. But did you know that the manufacturer of this great training tool also has a dedicated CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) policy?

Since 2017, the company has donated money and manikins to more than 30 rescue teams in the UK and 23 international rescue teams through a scheme called Volunteer Heroes, and this year Ruth Lee Ltd have decided to further their support for drowning prevention causes by donating manikins to low-income nations via the International Lifesaving Federation (ILS).

Open-water swimming has seen a huge rise in popularity, with people taking the plunge across the county. Whilst there are benefits to both your mental and physical health associated with getting in the cold water, it’s vital to make sure you warm up properly afterwards to avoid the effects of hypothermia.

This is where the dryrobe® Advance changing robe comes in! Designed for getting changed in and out of swim gear, it’s perfect for warming up quickly after getting out of the water.

The dryrobe® Advance’s uniqueness comes from its superwarm lining; the composition of the fleece perfectly balances insulation with the ability to wick water away from the skin.

The durable, waterproof and windproof outer shell provides you with protection from the elements.

Made with 100% recycled fabrics, it has a huge appeal for those searching for a sustainably conscious and highperformance changing robe.

Find out more at www.dryrobe.com

International Development Manager Sarah Hampson manages the company’s social commitment projects and said, “Over the last five years, we have been able to provide support to many fantastic rescue teams all around the world, and this year, we wanted to make sure that our focus was on projects which supported drowning prevention. We are very aware that some countries, where the need is greatest, do not have the means to purchase vital training equipment.

We are proud to work with the ILS on this project to deliver training equipment, and if even one life is saved due to improved skills and more confident lifeguards, we will feel that we have made the right decision in this donation.”

To find out more about Ruth Lee products, visit https://shop.rlss.org.uk/ruth-lee.

LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

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Ongoing Training

I

NEW Ongoing Training Platform Launched

n April we launched a new platform for managing Ongoing Training. The platform is now available within Approved Training Centre and Provider’s RLSS UK Account. It will replace the Ongoing Training and Competency Assessment for Pool Lifeguards and First Aiders website presently found at www.ongoingtandca.org.uk.

The new system allows: •

Managers to have access to real-time data regarding the RLSS UK qualifications of their identified staff.

•

Managers to tailor the qualifications they see from the wide range of RLSS UK qualifications, not just NPLQ.

•

You to upload bespoke lesson plans for your organisation if you want to design your own training

•

You to use RLSS UK lesson plans, trialled and tested by the industry.

•

Once individuals have completed training and been deemed as competent, a certificate (training records) is available for individuals.

•

Managers to use an indicator system, which highlights when qualifications are due to expire, to help manage their team qualification statuses.

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•

Managers with more than one site will have access to view all sites.

•

Everything is in one place – log training, see certificates, register courses, advertise jobs…..it’s all in one place your RLSS UK Account.

The Ongoing Training platform has been tested, by existing Trainer Assessors (TAs), over several months to make sure it’s ready.

The existing ongoing training website will remain operational until 31 December 2023, providing you with sufficient time to transition to the new system. RLSS UK recommend you download data from the old system to maintain your records.

It is advisable to check with your employer when you wish start using the system, as it may be coordinated centrally or by your Approved Training Centre (ATC) Co-ordinator.

RLSS UK Industry Courses are proving incredibly popular this year!

Take your career to the next level visit www.rlss.org.uk/industry-courses for future course dates.

RLSS UK 2022

Remembering Janet Castro

LIFEGUARD SURVEYS

Thank you to everyone who took part in our recent lifeguard surveys.

We had 2,317 complete responses, including 1,990 NPLQ holders and 327 OWL/NVBLQ holders. Your feedback is hugely valuable in helping us understand what matters to you as lifeguards. Below is a summary of our key findings.

38%

Leisure centres are key for NPLQ awareness...

45%

heard about the NPLQ through friends and family

heard about the NPLQ through their local leisure centre

No surprise as…

60%

86%

of NPLQ holders would recommend a job as a lifeguard to others

of NPLQ holders were attracted by the potential to earn money from working as a lifeguard. Most have already secured a paid role!

89%

have worked as a paid lifeguard since completing their NPLQ qualification

58%

of OWL and NVBLQ holders were attracted to working outdoors

Being a lifeguard is about much more than just earning a wage…

91%

agree being a lifeguard is a great start to anyone’s career

It’s fun, energetic and allows you to tap into your confidence and learn skills you wouldn’t learn elsewhere.

NPLQ holder

It is a great job that allows you to meet new people and learn skills that give way to further opportunities.

OWL holder

94%

agree that being a lifeguard is a role to be proud of

It’s so fulfilling, and every day is different. You get to be outside constantly, which is amazing!

LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

NVBLQ holder

39

Compliance

RLSS UK

Co m p l i a n ce

F I RST A I D TA A N N UA L I QA C H EC K R EQ U I R E M E N TS

LO ST ACC E S S TO YO U R F I RST A I D TA R E S O U RC E S ?

The purpose of the check (and submitting it to RLSS UK Qualifications) is to ensure First Aid Trainers are competent in both the training and assessment of First Aid Qualifications.

Where a First Aid TA has not had an annual IQA check submitted, they will lose access to their First Aid resources.

If your resources do get restricted, please do not worry!

Contact the Compliance team on 0300 323 0096, and they will advise what steps you need to take to regain access.

Before making the call, please ensure you have the following information ready: • The dates of your next First Aid Course

It is a requirement for all First Aid Trainer Assessors (TAs) to have at least one annual Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) check completed on them (for both course delivery and assessment.) This is not a new requirement; it is something that has been in place for many years.

The check must be completed face-to-face (not remotely or via live video feed) by a suitably qualified person. We adopt and follow the guidance from the First Aid Awarding Organisation Forum for this. They state: “GIES3, the HSE does specify that each Trainer/Assessor should have at least one IQA monitoring visit per year, which was accepted as the minimum recommendation.”

These checks should be completed on RLSS UK IQA forms, which can be found within the ‘Resource & Document’ tab of a RLSS UK Account of an individual that holds the relevant roles at an ATC/P.

I N T E R N A L Q UA L I T Y AS S U R A N C E AS S E S S O R R EQ U I R E M E N TS

The forms should be completed with as much detail as possible and conducted by someone who meets the following criteria:

Have attended the RLSS UK IQA Assessor Day (Or one delivered by another First Aid Awarding Organisation) OR Have a recognised IQA qualification.

AND They must also hold a current and valid regulated First Aid at Work or RLSS UK Qualifications NPLQ Certificate.

If the check does not include the correct detail or has not been completed by a person who meets the criteria detailed above, it will not be accepted. If the check highlights any areas of non-compliance, it will not be accepted. In each instance, you will be informed and request that an IQA check is completed on the next First Aid course.

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LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

• The ATC/P name and number it will be taking place at • The name of the Internal Quality Assurance Assessor that will conduct your IQA check.

S U B M I T T I N G YO U R A N N UA L C H EC K To ensure that access to your First Aid Resources doesn’t get restricted, upload, and submit a copy of your recent IQA check annually and before your IQA on file expires. To do this, follow the steps below: 1. Sign in to your RLSS UK Account 2. Hover over My Details > Additional Information 3. Click on the ‘First Aid TA Annual IQA Form Submission’ link.

H OW TO C H EC K W H E N YO U R C U R R E N T I QA E X P I R E S The easiest way to see if you have sent us your annual IQA check is by looking for the ‘IQA on File Award’ under the ‘Awards & Training’ tab in your RLSS UK Account. It will detail when the check was completed and have an expiry date.

CA L L I N G A L L I N T E R N A L Q UA L I T Y AS S E S S O R ( I QA ) H O L D E RS !

To support ATC/Ps and RLSS UK Members, our Compliance team are compiling an Internal Verifiers database of IQA holders who are happy to travel to complete IQAs required for First Aid Trainers delivering RLSS UK First Aid courses. If you’re interested in joining the database, click the link and complete the form. www.rlss.org.uk/iv-database

Compliance

ATC / P A P P ROV E D T R A I N I N G C E N T R E A N D P ROV I D E R G U I DA N C E M A N UA L A N D 2 0 2 3 AU D I TS You will be aware we have made several changes to our Approved Training Centre and Provider (ATC/ATP) guidance manual.

From 1 January 2023, the new ATC/ATP Guidance Manual became fully enforceable. As such, there will be changes in the areas checked as part of your ATC/P’s External Quality Assurance (EQA) audit. We wanted to give you foresight into some of these changes:

I N T E R N A L Q UA L I T Y AS S U R A N C E ( I QA ) ATC/P Coordinators must ensure all Trainers and Assessors used to deliver or assess RLSS UK regulated qualifications have an Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) check completed on them annually (JanDec). To achieve this, ATC/P Coordinators should: Risk- rate all Trainers and Assessors and provide evidence of how they came to their conclusion. We have created a template - available within your RLSS UK Account resource and document area to help you with this.

MEET THE

TEAM

In this edition, we would like to introduce Josephine Alder-Jeffs. Josephine is one of our Compliance Administrators. Josephine’s focus is processing audit requests and carrying out desk-based audits of some of our ATC/Ps. Josephine also offers support during this process. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email Josephine and the team at audit@rlss.org.uk.

During the first year, we understand that IQA checks for each Trainer and Assessor may not have been completed (by the time of their audit); in this instance, we expect to see plans to show that each ATC/P is working towards this.

CO N F L I C TS O F I N T E R E ST ATC/Ps will now need to demonstrate how conflicts are managed/mitigated (where they occur) in line with our policies; to view the Policy, visit www.rlss.org.uk/conflicts-of-interest-policy.

SA F EG UA R D I N G RLSS UK may check what policies, training, and criminal record checks are in place to ensure Safeguarding procedures are followed.

OT H E R A R E AS C H EC K E D D U R I N G AU D I T Have Reasonable Adjustments been applied in line with guidance and recorded correctly?

Have Special Considerations been applied in line with terms and recorded correctly?

For any guidance or support on anything contained within this article, contact audit@rlss.org.uk.

ATC/P CO-ORDINATOR WELCOME WEBINAR

W E LCO M E W E B I N A R

We are here to support you if you are new to the Approved Training Centre/ Provider (ATC/P) Coordinator role.

The ATC/P Coordinator’s role is vital as they are the key contact between us, as the Awarding Organisation (AO), and the ATC/P. They are also responsible for ensuring the ATC/P is adhering to the Ts and Cs and relevant guidance documents.

To help support you with understanding the role and requirements, we have introduced a Welcome Webinar. The online webinar will help you understand the role and relevant guidance and give you a tour around your RLSS UK Account to ensure you are getting the most out of it. There will also be an opportunity to ask the support team any questions you may have.

To book an upcoming Welcome Webinar, visit www.rlss.org.uk/welcome-webinar.

LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

41

Why I Volunteer...

E L D N U B

120 AED Trainer Bundle

ONLY £49.50

IPAD SP1 AED Package

ONLY £1800

ONLY £1330.50 42

LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

S!

Mini AED Trainer Bundle

ONLY £122.40

IPAD SP1 School AED Package

SCAN

HERE

shop.rlss.org.uk

Youth Advisors

Youth Advisor

UPDATE H

i! I am Siân and I am one of the RLSS UK Youth Advisors. I moved to Fort William in the Highlands of Scotland three years ago to study at the University of the Highlands and Islands, which is great! There’s loads of beautiful Lochs and rivers so I can do the activities I enjoy such as open water swimming.

I have been involved in lifesaving on and off since a young age, participating in youth groups where I completed my silver survival and then going on to complete my NPLQ a few years ago. However, when I moved to the Highlands I realised there were next to no opportunities for young people to get involved in activities such as Rookie or the National Lifesaving Academy. For an area where there is a lot of water this surprised me.

As a Youth Advisor, I have made it my goal to start a Rookie club in my town. I have been lucky that where I live, I have managed to meet so many people who support this idea and are willing to help implement this for the young people in the area, with many being ex-lifeguards, and some who are even currently active lifeguards who I have the pleasure to work alongside in our local leisure centre.

A note from Sheena and Helen:

‘It has been a pleasure as part of the pilot coordinating group to work with Sian to develop a new hub of lifesaving activity within the Fort William area. Through the pilot group we have been able to provide her with more local links to support a new club. If you would like support, please contact us via our email address admin@rlssuk-dns.co.uk or our Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/rlssukpilot, we look forward to working with you as well.

Remember we also run monthly online networking events which may prove useful, please contact us for further details.’

Sheena and Helen, Pilot Group

This has all given me a huge boost and determination to help spread lifesaving as far as I possibly can - maybe I will even reach the Islands!

In the future as this continues developing, slowly, but surely, I hope to grow and expand it, hopefully encouraging other towns in the Highlands to jump on board. I have been incredibly lucky to have the support of not just the other young ambassadors but as I live in Scotland, I have the amazing support of those on the Pilot Coordinating Group, which has given me access to so many wonderful people all across Durham, Northumberland & Scotland! I am also incredibly lucky to have an established Hub not that far away in Oban which I can potentially link up with once we have a club up and running. This has all given me a huge boost and determination to help spread lifesaving as far as I possibly can - maybe I will even reach the Islands!

LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

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Everyday Heroes

Everyday Heroes Rescue Round-up

It takes a special person to see someone, sometimes a complete stranger, in need of help and to step in and make a valuable difference to that person’s life. Hearing about our everyday heroes is something that can never fail to make you feel proud of those associated with RLSS UK and the heroic lengths they will go to when assisting someone in trouble.

Shaun McGuinness, Ryan Binks, Leon Quinn, Paul Kennedy, Adam Fryer and Matthew Douthwaite October 2022, Spennymoor Billy was playing walking football at Spennymoor Leisure Centre when he suddenly collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest.

Shaun McGuinness, Paul Kennedy, Ryan Binks, Leon Quinn, Matthew Douthwaite, and Adam Fryer were the staff on duty at the time and they all responded quickly to arrive on the scene to assist Billy.

The staff members immediately got the AED to Billy, made the primary survey and began CPR whilst the AED was set up. Staff delivered five shocks to Billy before he started to show signs of life.

Thanks to the staff members’ actions, Billy was breathing by the time the emergency services arrived, and he was then transferred to the hospital for further treatment.

Bandit January 2023, Newfs in Action is a Newfoundland dog club formed to enable the breed to take part in activities that they were originally bred for.

Recently, one of the dogs, Bandit, had his skills called upon when his owner, and Newfs in Action Chairman, Philip Payne was out walking the dogs.

Philip and partner Cheryl were walking Bandit and his sister Miss Dior on a cold winters day when Philip slipped on the icy mud and started heading down the bank towards a nearby lake which was partly frozen.

Bandit jumped into action and managed to stop Philip from sliding into the lake.

Shreya Veerappan

As a young water dog, Bandit could have got very excited about the situation and the prospect of going in the water, however, he showed his rescue training has worked and prevented his owner from entering the freezing lake and getting into potential danger.

May 2022, Aberdeen Twelve-year-old Shreya Veerappan was in the swimming pool at Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen when she spotted her classmate in trouble.

Shreya, who is part of competitive swimming club, Dolphins in Aberdeen, saw that her friend was unconscious in the deep end of the pool. She managed to quickly get to her, pulling her to the surface and getting her on a float. Shreya’s friend struggled for breath and the emergency services were called to the pool and the young girl was then taken to hospital.

Thanks to the quick actions of Shreya, the young girl has recovered well and was thanked by her friend and her family.

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LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

Rescue Round-up

Ellen Claydon September 2022, Essex In September 2022, Ellen had her lifeguard skills called upon whilst at home with her partner. Ellen’s partner suffered a cardiac arrest whilst in bed, and Ellen quickly began performing CPR and continued to do so for 12 minutes until the paramedics arrived. Ellen’s partner was then shocked four times with an AED before being taken to hospital.

Ellen had undertaken her National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) ten years previously so knew exactly what to do to assist her partner.

Thanks to Ellen’s quick actions, her partner has now been discharged from hospital and fitted with a Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (S-ICD).

Andrew Lomas, Beth Hindle and Jack Cooke January 2023, High Peak New Mills Leisure Centre started their new year with lifesaving actions as NPLQ holders Andrew Lomas, Beth Hindle, and Jack Cooke assisted a member of the leisure centre, Mike, as he required treatment. Mike was playing a 5-a-side game of football when he started to feel unwell and went outside to get some fresh air.

Jack checked on Mike and noticed he was slumped down and unresponsive in his van in the car park and quickly called 999.

Andrew immediately got the defib, assessed Mike and noticed straight away that he wasn’t breathing normally so the team began to move Mike from his van.

Andrew then started to give CPR to Mike and asked Beth Hindle, a newly qualified Lifeguard, to turn the defib on and apply the pads.

The defib analysed and a shock was advised. The shock was delivered by Beth and Andrew continued CPR for another two minutes. The Defibrillator advised a second shock and this was effective in restarting Mike’s heart, and no further CPR was required.

Paramedics arrived and Mike was sent to Hospital where he received further treatment.

Thanks to the training and actions of all three members of staff, Mike has made a full recovery and returned to the centre to thank staff.

Emily Deas and Lauren Campbell December 2022, Lanarkshire Emily Deas (15) and her friend Lauren Campbell (16) were near a Canal in Coatbridge Lanarkshire when they heard cries for help.

A man had been walking his dog along the canal when his pet ran onto the frozen canal and then fell through the ice into the freezing water. The dog’s owner then attempted to rescue his dog by going onto the ice himself which resulted in him unfortunately becoming a casualty as he too fell through the ice and entered the water.

After hearing the shouts for help, Emily and Lauren arrived at the bank of the canal, saw the man and his dog in the water, and immediately called the emergency services.

The Fire and Rescue Service and Paramedics arrived on scene and the two young girls were able to direct them to the man in trouble so they could perform a rescue to get the man and his dog out of the water.

To see more inspiring stories visit www.rlss.org.uk/pages/category/ everydayheroes LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

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Everyday Heroes

Lifeguard Callum saves lives in and away from the water

F

or the last seven years, Callum Kennedy-Mann, 23, has been working as a lifeguard in London, and has a vast amount of experience saving lives when supervising people in the water. However, it was in early 2020 where Callum was able to save a life in a very different way.

Callum completed his NPLQ when he was 16 and has been working as a lifeguard ever since in Hampstead Heath. He now lifeguards at two open water swimming ponds and a 65m unheated lido.

At the same age as completing his NPLQ, Callum also signed up to the Anthony Nolan stem cell register. In 2019 he received a call just before he left for university, aged 18, informing him he was a genetic match for an American blood cancer patient, who had two aggressive forms of leukaemia and desperately needed a stem cell transplant.

He said, “That was the most emotional moment for me – receiving a letter telling me she was alive.”

Two years later, Callum learned the lady who had received his donation was named Diane and she was continuing to do well since the transplant and with his donation he had saved her life.

Diane then offered Callum the chance to visit Pennsylvania, USA where she lived with her family.

I didn’t hesitate in saying I’d do it after they told me I was the best possible match. It was instinctive “From the second I saw her at airport, meeting Diane was for me, knowing I could have a the so natural – I felt like I already huge impact on someone’s life. knew her, and we didn’t feel

Callum was used to saving lives at work, so when the opportunity arose outside of the pool, he naturally wanted to help. He explains, “I didn’t hesitate in saying I’d do it after they told me I was the best possible match. It was instinctive for me, knowing I could have a huge impact on someone’s life.”

Speaking on his rescues, Callum said, “During a trip to Kent, I ended up rescuing a child from the harbour. The child was paddling in a rubber ring with his friends and, as the harbour emptied at low-tide, he became caught in the out-flow and started to be swept out to sea through the harbour mouth.

I managed to rescue the child by towing them, against the current, back to the escape ladder on the opposite side of the harbour mouth; the severity of the rescue only dawned on me when a coastguard helicopter started hovering overhead!

Callum’s compassionate nature was clear as, after medical checks, he donated his stem cells in London. A few months later he made contact with the lady’s family and was relieved to hear she was recovering well.

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like strangers at all.”

Diane said, “Callum is my guardian angel. I am so thankful for Anthony Nolan and will be forever grateful to Callum for his kind and selfless sacrifice.”

Callum recently completed his Bachelor’s degree in History and Politics. He will be beginning his Masters degree in Politics in September 2023 with ambition to become a political researcher or analyst.

For now, Callum continues to keep people safe in the water as he lifeguards in London. “Our job is often challenging when it’s busy, but the pressure of these situations forges enduring friendships that extend beyond work. On top of this, I get to spend my working days in fresh air, surrounded by nature.

Even when we’re at our busiest, I still feel lucky to spend my summer days in such a picturesque setting.”

donate

Ways to donate

How to

to RLSS UK

Do you know all of the ways you and others can donate to Royal Life Saving Society UK? We have lots of great ways to make donations so it can be easy for everyone to help raise vital funds for RLSS UK and help us to allow everyone the opportunity to enjoy water safely.

Text to donate:

Donations via text are quick and easy. All you need to do is:

Online donations:

To donate £3,

Donations can be made via our website www.rlss.org.uk/donate - for any amount that you are able to give. You can either donate a one-off amount or set-up regular payments via direct debit.

To donate £5,

Cheque donations:

text RLSSUK001 to 70331

text RLSSUK001 to 70970

To donate £10, text RLSSUK001 to 70191

Cheques made payable to RLSS UK can be sent to: Royal Life Saving Society UK Red Hill House 227 London Road Worcester WR5 2JG

Look out for the launch of our new fundraising platform GiveStar, giving our fundraisers across the UK and Ireland a simple way to collect contactless donations in a new world of digital and cashless fundraising for RLSS UK.

Leaving a gift in your Will If you would like to leave a gift to RLSS UK in your Will, you can email legacy@rlss.org.uk and we will guide you through the process of making your free Will.

Have you seen our NEW donation boxes?

We have recently created some brand new donation boxes which you can order to display in areas such as workplace receptions or at events to encourage those passing to donate. When the box is full you can pay the money into the RLSS UK bank account.

REMEMBER!

If you are a UK taxpayer please remember to Gift Aid your donation.

Gift Aid is a government scheme that allows us to reclaim the basic rate tax you pay as a UK taxpayer.

It means that we can claim 25p of tax for every £1 you donate, at no extra cost to you. All you need to do is complete a Gift Aid declaration, usually a tickbox, when donating.

LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

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Why I Volunteer...

Did you know about the

FUNDRAISING CHALLENGES you can take part in for RLSS UK? As part of our fundraising efforts to raise money to ensure that we are able to help everyone enjoy water safely, you can take part in a number of challenges to raise money for us.

From our newest challenge – Make a Splash – to a number of extreme challenges, to even building your own challenge we can support you with it all!

Extreme Challenges

How we help Anyone who fundraises for RLSS UK can receive: – Free fundraising pack with everything to get you started – Freebies including a branded t-shirt – Race entry (event depending) – Sponsorship forms – Top tips for fundraising success Take on your fundraising challenge in 2023 and help support RLSS UK to ensure everyone can enjoy water safely. www.rlss.org.uk/fundraise

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RLSS UK has teamed up with Life Changing Challenges to give fundraisers the opportunity to raise money for us whilst taking on some exciting challenges! Whether that might be trekking to Everest base camp, completing a wing walk, or trekking Machu Picchu, RLSS UK would be proud to support your achievements and help you fundraise for the charity along the way. www.rlss.org.uk/extreme-challenges

Charity Skydive RLSS UK has partnered with Go Skydive, Salisbury, organisers of sponsored charity jumps to offer you the opportunity to experience an adrenaline rush like no other. If you would like to see what it feels like flying through the sky then this is the perfect challenge for you, it certainly won’t be an experience you forget. www.rlss.org.uk/sign-up-for-a-skydive

Run a Marathon From virtual races to in-person events, we have marathon events for you. There are numerous marathons throughout the year and across the globe that you can take part in.

Whether you’re a marathon novice, you’re looking to complete your 10th marathon, or everything else in between, we’d love for you to fundraise for RLSS UK! www.rlss.org.uk/sign-up-for-amarathon

Cycling Challenges

Each year there are a number of cycling events throughout the UK of varying distances for you to take part in whilst raising money for RLSS UK. So if cycling is what you love, or you fancy trying something new, this could be the challenge for you! www.rlss.org.uk/sign-up-for-acycling-race

Build your own Challenge If you have your own idea on fundraising for RLSS UK we would love to hear from you. If you want to challenge yourself to do something a little out of the ordinary and fundraise for us at the same time then there are so many opportunities. Some ideas include a sponsored car wash, dance marathon, sports day, football match, golf day, the list really is endless! www.rlss.org.uk/forms/build-your-own-challenge

Why I Volunteer...

Make a Splash is a sponsored distance challenge that you can conplete in a location, timescale and manner that suits you. Simply choose the distance (10km, 25km, 50km or 100km) and complete the challenge your way.

Participants of Make a Splash receive a free swim hat, challenge booklet, along with discounts to products from our headline sponsor Red. When you complete the challenge, you will receive a medal and certificate to celebrate your success! We have some grat prizes for fundraisers who raise £250 or more and we’ll post your success through our social media channels.

Headline sponsor

Sign up now to take up the challenge at www.rlss.org.uk/make a splash

INFLATABLE RESCUE BOARDS

WITHOUT COMPROMISE portable and safest rescue boards on the planet. Designed by lifeguards and trusted by the world’s leading lifesaving authorities.

Red Rescue boards have been designed to deliver unrivalled performance, stiffness and control for absolute Performance Under Pressure.

Available now on the RLSS UK Store RED.EQUIPMENT

LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

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Introducing...

MEET

Matt Croxall

It’s about a year since I started my role as Senior Head of Membership and Field Operations at RLSS UK and I must say the time has absolutely flown by! It’s been such a privilege to be part of such a dedicated and hard-working team, all committed to providing people with vital knowledge and resources, as the charity has been doing for decades. I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting and working alongside many of our amazing volunteers who have such experience, expertise and passion for lifesaving.

I’m lucky to have a job which involves working with so many different aspects of the charity, so I thought I’d give an example of just a few of the things that a varied typical week for me at RLSS UK might include: Monday - Respond to emails queries from volunteers.

Support branches with their activity plans for the coming year.

Meet with an external speaker for our upcoming National Conference. Give a TV or radio interview about our current water safety campaigns.

Tuesday - Post content and respond to comments on our Membership Facebook Group. Work with the Marketing Team to produce new resources for lifesaving clubs or resources like our new Membership Booklet.

Wednesday – Hold one-to-one meetings with RLSS UK team members. Support branches with RLSS UK Honours submissions. Contact volunteers to provide case studies to support promotion of William Henry Awards. Liaise with new Club Development Executive in Ireland to devise a new strategy for club support and development.

Friday – Work with Club Development Executive to provide content for club newsletter. Support Events Coordinator with planning logistics of Open Water Festival. Attend Water Safety Wales partnership meeting.

upcoming water safety event.

Meet with new potential strategic partner. Provide content for update of volunteering pages on website. Coordinate on a fundraising lead for the Pilot Group in Scotland, Northumberland and Durham.

the RLSS UK Charity Team.

It really is amazing to play a part in all the many ways that we aim to spread the word and educate and enable everyone to enjoy water safely. We couldn’t do this without our members and volunteers, so thank you!

It’s been such a privilege to be part of such a dedicated and hard-working team, all Weekend – Attend lifesaving committed to providing people sport or other RLSS UK event. with vital knowledge and shows just a sample of resources, as the charity has been This some of the wide range of Thursday – Recruit and work we have going on in coordinate volunteers for an doing for decades

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Introducing...

Warren and Alan

W

arren Staite and Alan Mc Cormack have recently joined the team at HQ as our Club Development Executives with the aim of:

•

Growing participation in our well-known lifesaving clubs to all age, abilities and diversities

•

Engage and support with the local communities, affiliated clubs and other aquatic partnerships

•

Creating opportunities to compete in a lifesaving sport

Hear more about them….

WARREN

ALAN

“My name is Warren Staite and I am the newly appointed Club Development Executive.

“Hi, my name is Alan Mc Cormack, and I am the newly appointed Development Executive in Ireland. I am really excited to join the RLSS UK family and be a part of their mission to drive a rise in lifesaving and lifeguarding training through our clubs, sport, and training proposition in Ireland.

Focusing on building a community, so more people can benefit from the pleasure of swimming and water related activities in, on and around water safely.

Like anyone in the industry, I started out being a Lifeguard.

From there, I pursued being a swimming teacher and coach whilst obtaining a degree in BSc Water Sports Science and Development. From there, I built my aquatics journey being a Team Leader/Supervisor, Swim Manager, Tutor (both RLSS UK and Swim England) and then to Regional Development roles.

Aquatics has been my pride and passion throughout my 16 year career. I have worked with many public and private sectors to develop and manage over 20 swim schools across the UK and even in Dubai. My one and only goal is to enable the nation to swim in a fun and safe environment.

It is a huge honour to join the RLSS UK family and being part of an important mission to enhance communities, so everyone can enjoy being in, on or near water safely – because every life is worth saving. I truly believe our clubs play a key part to introduce, develop and even master these lifesaving skills to all of our members and volunteers.

I also believe that our clubs play a vital role creating a new generation of working lifeguards, instructors, managers and any other aquatic roles that will continue to grow and build our industry.

In my free time, I love to participate in or teach swimming, racket and outdoor sports. I’m also a big film lover and comic book geek.”

I have been involved in aquatics in some shape or form all my life, participating from a young age with my father, as a a swimming teacher, and a lifesaving instructor delivering all levels from water safety classes through to lifeguard courses.

I am a swimming tutor, teacher/coach and also an RLSS UK Trainer Assessor. Learning to swim, lifesaving and lifeguarding are serious subjects, but I love delivering these courses and classes in a fun and safe way, so that the candidates enjoy learning and look forward to coming back for more.

I am looking forward to meeting with everyone involved or who would like to get involved in the RLSS community and engage with you, so that we can work together to achieve our goal to keep everyone safe in, on and around water.”

Get in touch!

If you would like to chat to Warren or Alan please email clubsupport@rlss.org.uk and they will happily help!

LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

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Inclusive Lifesaving

Inclusive Lifesaving S

in Birmingham

ignpost Inclusion Specialist Swimming Club, in Birmingham has been running since 2014 and works with children and families of those with special needs, including both physical and hidden disabilities.

The swimming club runs swimming lessons and monthly family swim sessions, working with approximately 70 children. The club also offers the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s Rookie programme, to give children the opportunity to take part in varied lifesaving and rescue activities to give them the skills they need to be confident in the pool or the sea and enjoy water safely.

Thirteen children from Signpost Inclusion Specialist Swimming Club have attended the Rookie classes from across Birmingham, Solihull, Worcestershire and Warwickshire. The children’s disabilities include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), physical disabilities, communication difficulties, Down Syndrome, learning difficulties, and/or high levels of anxiety.

Tracey said, “Being able to offer a different approach has now given us the opportunity to offer progression within our swimming club. We have some swimmers that had to stop because they became good swimmers and there were no opportunities after that point.

“Once we were able to offer Rookie training we were able to develop our existing swimmers and give a reason to those who left to come back.”

One young person, Jacob, The opportunity to take part who had attended the in Rookie Lifeguard training is Rookie sessions said it him ‘feel proud’ that now building his confidence and made he was able to learn the involved and achieve giving him hope in himself to do skills his certificates. something he loves!

The club has been able to adapt its teaching of the Rookie programme using Makaton, a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate, as well as using hand signals to ensure that all of the children who attend are able to learn about lifesaving.

So far, all thirteen children who have attended the Rookie programme have achieved Bronze stage one and two, and aim to continue to complete all of the Rookie stages within the next year before progressing to RLSS UK’s newly launched National Life Saving Academy (NLA).

Tracey Devaney from the swimming club explains that so far one child has specifically needed the adapted approach, however, feels that all of the children benefit from this approach as those who experience high levels of anxiety or low confidence may be unable to verbally communicate if faced with an emergency.

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A parent of another young person said, “The training itself has helped my child who is self-harming, has extremely low body image, low confidence and communication.

“The opportunity to take part in Rookie Lifeguard training is now building his confidence and giving him hope in himself to do something he loves!”

The swimming club strives to help young people with additional needs, help them to achieve, feel included and develop self-confidence in their abilities. The club hopes to be able to expand and reach out to more young people and recruit more instructors to give the young people at the club the opportunity to learn about lifesaving, as it proves so rewarding to everyone involved.

Club Success Stories

The awards, Everybody Awards, were hosted by Baroness Tanni GreyThompson and recognises those who show a huge commitment to health, sport and physical activity across Cheshire East.

Littlehampton Wave Life Saving Club It was a triple win for Littlehampton Wave Life Saving Club at the Littlehampton Sports Awards in October 2022. The awards recognise the achievements and contributions made by local sportspeople and off-pitch community champions.

Club Success Stories

<<< Nantwich Lifesaving Club Nantwich Lifesaving Club was awarded Club of the Year 2022 by Everybody Leisure, which owns a chain of leisure centres in the North West.

Young Sportsperson of the Year was won by Sophia Hendey and Jude Morris received a Commendation Certificate. The Mayor’s Lifetime Contribution to Sport went to Wave’s Chairman David Slade.

Sophia Hendey also completed a sponsored abseil down the i360 Tower in Brighton in October and raised over £1,000 for the club.

Grantham Life Saving Club >>> Grantham LSC took part in their local Christmas Tree Festival in December and they printed some baubles designed by HQ which included facts and stats about water safety.

Tell us your successes If you have some great stories from your club we would love to hear from you!

We can include your successes in our next magazine.

Email marketing@rlss.org.uk to be featured!

LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

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Platinum Jubillee Medallion

Platinum Jubilee

MEDALLION

John Charles Centre for Sport The centre hosted a Platinum Jubilee Medallion presentation in later 2022, which was a culmination of the work of the lifesaving programmes across the pools in Leeds.

Grantham Life Saving Club Lifeguards Natasha Bradley, Fiona Hewerdine, Evie Atkinson, Riley Quinn, Cormac Stanley, and Tom Fulcher all received their awards in October 2022.

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In June last year we launched the Platinum Jubilee Medallion and in the last issue of Lifesavers we shared some of the fantastic stories of those who had completed the medallion.

We have since had lots more of you get in touch to tell us about those at your club who have completed the medallion in honour of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

Platinum Jubilee Medallion

Dawlish Warren Life Saving Club 18 of the Dawlish Warren Life Saving Club (DWLSC) members were presented with their Platinum Jubilee Medallion by District Councillors Linda and John Petherick from Teignbridge District Council, who provide support and funding for charities and community groups such as DWLSC. Junior members Charlie Turner, Larissa Bloor and Tom Wyon-Brown, were three of the youngest members to be presented with their medals.

Charlie, who has been a member of the club for just over a year, said, “I feel happy and proud getting this award. It was challenging at times, but also lots of fun. I love being part of DWLSC. I have made great friends and now feel really confident in the sea, learning new skills all the time.”

Larissa is really happy to be a member of DWLSC and participate in awards like this as she feels “everyone is kind, funny and nice and we learn to save lives.”

Proud recipients of the award are Ed Thorne (Club Captain), Rob Turner, Dave Lang, Dave Bloor, Matt Wyon-Brown, Joe Turner (12), Charlie Turner (9), Ben Wyon-Brown (12), Tom Wyon Brown (10), Larissa Bloor (9), James Bloor (12), Oli Herdman (15), Jess Herdman (12), Kesia Buckley (13), Esme Bowers (14), Amy Everett (13), Rose Byrne (12) and Jayden Lang (12).

65 years on

Val Hardy and Olive Bowes from Essex branch and former RLSS trustees proudly showing off their Platinum Jubilee Bronze at Colchester Life Saving Club. Sixty five years since they took their first Bronze Medallion.

Three Generations of Lifesavers Club member Sophie completed her award at her swimming pool, but when her mum, Carolyn, began to undertake the award at Marine Lake, Clevedon, grandmother Marilyn decided to give it a go too!

Carolyn and Marilyn are former Trainer Assessors and they maintain an interest in the RLSS UK’s work and keep their life support skills going.

LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

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Introducing...

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LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

Introducing...

It was fantastic to see competitors, clubs and volunteers from across our society coming together for this prestigious event.

The event kickstarted on Saturday 11 March with the 50m manikin carry, and saw other events such as obstacles and the line throw before moving on to the Sunday session.

Sunday saw events such as the 100m manikin tow, along with the various relays.

- David Leggett, Belfast Olympia ISC, took his brothers existing 200m Obstacles (15-18 years) record as Thomas Leggett, also Belfast ISC, moved up age groups to secure the 200m Obstacles (open) record.

Thank you to all of the parents, supporters, coaches, team managers, officials and volunteers who attended the weekend; without you all, this fantastic event would not be possible.

There were some fantastic performances throughout the weekend from our Master’s competitors and there were also a number of RLSS UK Speeds Records broken over the weekend. Highlights included:

Thank you to those who supported the event, providing discounts to attendees including The Beatles Story, Breakout Liverpool, British Music Experience, Liverpool City Sights, Tate Liverpool, and Quirky Quarter.

- Anya Hocking, Gyllyngvase Surf Life Saving club, 100m Manikin Carry with Fins (15-18 years) - Evie Hickman, Rest Bay Surf Life Saving Club, 200m Obstacles (15-18 years)

Looking ahead we now eagerly await the RLSS Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships in Canada and the European Lifesaving Championships in Belgium, both in September, as well as the National Lifesaving Championships in Leeds on 4 November.

- Luke Waterfall, RASCALS, 100m Manikin Carry with Fins & 200m Super Lifesaver (15-18 years)

To view National and Speed records, visit www.rlss.org.uk/ lifesaving-sport-records.

RESULTS

Scan the QR Code for all results from the National Speed Championships or visit https://live.lifesaving.events/ LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023

57

News from the Commonwealth

Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships 13-17 September Hosted by RLSS Commonwealth; the Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships is a bi-annual event and we are excited to be heading to Ontario, Canada for the 2023 competition. Selection is now open and the Team Managers for our home nations have been announced.

Find out more about the entry criteria for each country and how to contact the team managers to find out more about competing.

Meet the Managers Team England

Team Scotland

With 26 years involved in Lifesaving under his belt, Richard is a force to be reckoned with in the water. He has competed in six Commonwealth Championships and currently holds five masters and 1 open British record.

Shaunna is a qualified lifesaving official with over 16 years of experience in lifesaving. She is also the current traditional lifesaving National Champion and has competed at multiple Commonwealth Championships herself making her a fantastic Manager for Scotland.

Richard Jagger Affiliated Club – Crawley Town

Email: englandlifesaving2023@gmail.com

Shaunna Anderson Affiliated Club – Beeslack LSC

Email: 14sa02@gmail.com

Team Northern Ireland

Team Wales

Team Northern Ireland will be led by Ruth; the current head coach of Belfast Olympia S&LSC. The Club are currently the point aggregate National Champions (RLSS UK) and Ruth herself is a multi-time National medalist who has also coached many athletes to world level.

Simon has over 20 years of lifesaving experience and is the current Pool Coach for Vale SLSC. He is a former Masters World Record Holder and also has valuable Commonwealth Championships experience having been appointed Assistant Team Manager in 2019.

Email: ruth.mcgoudall@terumobct.com

Email: rlssteamwales@gmail.com

Ruth McDougall Affiliated Club – Belfast Olympia

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Simon Parker Affiliated Club – Vale SLSC

News from the Commonwelth

Training For Lifeguards At Aqua Parks

Youth to get the Commonwealth spotlight in 2023 At a recent meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM), the Commonwealth made a landmark decision to make ten key commitments that specifically benefit young people. These ten key commitments are outlined at http://thecommonwealth. org and directly align with RLSS Commonwealth projects, including the UNGA resolution on Global Drowning Prevention and other initiatives directed at protecting children and young people, collaborating with other agencies, supporting data collection for specific intervention, and initiatives to consider the effects of climate change. The Commonwealth focus encourages organisations to empower young people, who make up 60% of the total population in the Commonwealth. With action and implementation on the horizon, the RLSS is proud to examine any contributions that could be made to Commonwealth actions.

In 2023, the RLSS will seek opportunities to spotlight our youth and tap into the momentum that is being created by these initiatives. Members are encouraged to showcase their youth in 2023 and watch out for RLSS media and opportunities throughout the year.

The Commonwealth sees young people aged 15-29 as assets to a country’s development, who should be empowered to realise their potential.

How can Members celebrate and empower their youth in 2023?

• Support participation in processes and promote engagement in all levels of decision making i.e. adding young people to your committees, boards, and projects • Showcase and celebrate achievements of young people to highlight their capabilities • Provide support for projects, attending conferences or learning opportunities • Create a youth space within your membership i.e. a social media take over, hashtags focused on youth-directed media, youth committees or focused youth events Ask youth within your organization how they want to be acknowledged in 2023, and then share that with the RLSS.

to help everyone enjoy water safely The RLSS UK has joined forces with several of the UK’s most popular outdoor water park providers to create specialised training for lifeguards who work at outdoor aqua parks.

In 2021, 341 people lost their lives in lakes, reservoirs, rivers, ponds and canals in the UK; the partnership between the charity and Aqua Park Association UK and Ireland is aiming to reduce that number.

The partnership has created a new training module that can be completed by individuals that hold the RLSS UK Open Water Lifeguard (OWL) qualification. The training is for individuals working at aqua parks and includes additional skills and knowledge to help users enjoy the aqua park safely.

The RLSS UK has already trained a number of aqua park managers around the country to deliver the new Aqua Park Module and will be assisting the industry in upskilling more RLSS UK Open Water Lifeguard Trainer Assessors to deliver the new module.

Jo Talbot, from the RLSS UK, said: “This is another great step forward to enhancing the skills of RLSS UK lifeguards to work in new and developing water industries. We must ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy the water safely.

Aqua parks are great fun and attract a huge number of people across the UK and Ireland every year. This new module will enhance safety and provide the aqua park industry with the training needed.

The module includes an investment of six hours of additional training per lifeguard. Key elements of this training are safety, first aid, and using rescue boards, increasing the skills of all the water safety teams working with us.

A spokesman for the Aqua Park Association UK and Ireland added: “The Aqua Park Association was created by a group of park operators with the same passion - giving people safe access to fun organised water sports activities. We now have over 40 accredited water parks in the UK and Ireland, all welcoming tens of thousands of thrill-seekers in the spring and summer, we’ve worked with the RLSS UK to put in extra training for lifeguards to help keep everyone as safe as possible and we really hope that more aqua parks in the UK and Ireland will join the association to keep safety standards high in our industry.

“The new training module we’ve developed with the RLSS UK means that we will have highly qualified lifeguards in the UK and Ireland looking after people at our parks.

“The RLSS UK and Aqua Park Association of UK and Ireland both have the same goals and passion regarding keeping people safe in water and water safety. We hope to continue the partnership for many more years.”

LIFESAVERS // Spring 2023 59

The Royal Life Saving Society UK’s Conference is back for 2023!

We are delighted to announce that on Friday 23, and Saturday 24 June 2023, the RLSS UK Conference will take place at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

The speakers and seminars on Friday will focus on everything qualifications and awards related, intertwined with charity highlights.

Bequick!

Saturday’s themes will concentrate on our charitable activities, clubs, and branches.

More information can be found inside on pages 30-31.

Friday tickets are already sold out but you can still get your hands on tickets for an action-packed Saturday.

Educating everyone to enjoy water safely Visit www.rlss.org.uk/rlss-uk-conference to get your tickets