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

Richard Jagger

Affiliated Club – Crawley Town

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.

Email: englandlifesaving2023@gmail.com

Team Scotland

Shaunna Anderson

Affiliated Club – Beeslack LSC

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.

Email: 14sa02@gmail.com

Team Northern Ireland

Ruth McDougall

Affiliated Club – Belfast Olympia

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.

Email: ruth.mcgoudall@terumobct.com

Team Wales

Simon Parker

Affiliated Club – Vale SLSC

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: rlssteamwales@gmail.com

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 membershipi.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.