RLSS UK Lifesavers Magazine - December 2021

RLSS.ORG.UK | @RLSSUK

ISSUE 115 | DECEMBER 2021

Everything you need to know to enjoy water safely, inside!

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The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is a registered charity in England, Wales (1046060), and Scotland (SC037912).

RLSS UK CEO

LIFESAVERS

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Welcome back to

LIFESAVERS OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP MAGAZINE OF THE ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY UK ISSUE 115 | AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

ROBERT GOFTON RLSS UK’s CEO

At last, some of our crucial events have returned and we are delighted to finally start to look forward with excitement and joy of re-connecting with our members and volunteers. Some things may never be the same again, but it is great to finally see some familiar faces at real ’live’ events.

In September we hosted an open water festival at Lenches Lake, Evesham and the highlight was seeing so many smiling faces enjoying their swims. Members aged from 7 to 73 demonstrated their love for open water swimming and support for the Society. We were grateful to be joined in the water by Sportswoman, Olympic medallist, and television personality Sharron Davies, MBE. This was quickly followed in October by our Life Saving Sport Challenge. The event, held at the John Charles Centre for Sport in Leeds, was our first chance in over 17 months to get back into the pool and see some competitive action. The event showcased some of the more traditional events but also included some new ones. Hopefully, we managed to provide a balance of getting back into the competitive spirit with some fun and light-hearted events. I am sure that over time we will see more and more sporting events return to the calendar, but I am also keen to see more events aimed at widening participation within our membership and increasing involvement in all sports events and at all levels.

Join our online lifesaving community, share your stories, read news and keep up to date.

Search for RLSS UK LIVESAVERS 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 SC037912.

rlss.org.uk | 0300 323 0096

One of the most important events in our calendar is the AGM and Honours Ceremony. For the first time since 2019, we were able to hold these events in the physical as well as the virtual world. There were still some restrictions on numbers but providing the opportunity to meet, discuss and vote on Society’s activities is an important element to us. I congratulate everyone who was nominated and received an award and I also welcome two elected Trustees to the Board to take on the vital role of helping shape our future direction.

I would like to wish you a ‘Perry’ Merry Christmas, I hope this year you will all be with your loved ones celebrating, taking a break, and looking forward to a new and improved year.

Designed and produced for the Royal Life Saving Society UK by Gloss Media © RLSS UK 2022 All rights reserved. ISSN 0968 7726

Robert

RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

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LIFESAVERS

contents

Contents 03.

18.

34.

CEO’s Introduction

Water Safety Partnerships

Your Questions Answered

05.

See the benefits of becoming one of our commercial partners this year

We get to grips with more of your frequently asked questions

20.

36.

Supporting RLSS UK Account Holders

Members & Volunteers Helping the NHS

Find out what you can do with your RLSS UK account

Read the amazing stories of how some of our members are helping the NHS

President’s Column

07.

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

08.

22.

Annual General Meeting

RLSS UK Course Management System

Results from our 2021 meeting and introductions to new Trustees

10.

Discover the benefits of our Course Management System

Collaborating with grant-giving agencies to fund community projects

12.

42.

Why I Volunteer

Your Legacy in Lifesaving

Graham Wilson talks about why he’s volunteered for over 48 years

It’s been our most successful campaign so far since we started eight years ago

We pay tribute to some of the fundraisers who raise money in support of RLSS UK

Grants & Charitable Trusts Update

Steps have been taken to building a better community

Thank you for Supporting Drowning Prevention Week

Fancy Fundraising Fueling Our Work

41.

Consultation on The Strategic Framework 2020-2025

14.

38.

A look at how members have found our free Will service network

24.

46.

Online Learning

Giving Young People A Kickstart To Their Careers

Over the last 18 months, we’ve been creating and developing a range of online training modules

26.

Key Dates in 2022 Update your diary with key RLSS UK events and launches this coming year

28.

Since becoming an approved Kickstart employer in March 2021 we’ve recruited five staff to the organisation

48.

Everyday Heroes Read some of the heroic stories of our very own Everyday Heroes

Honours List 2021

50.

Find out who received an award at the annual RLSS UK’s Honours Ceremony

Grass Roots Development To help clubs return to action, RLSS UK implemented a number of initiatives

17.

32.

Open Water Festival Roundup

Inland Water Safety Solutions

51.

Former Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallist, Sharron Davies, MBE makes a splash at the festival

The RLSS UK consultancy to aid companies who have liabilities to visitors and staff around water

A yearly roundup of the British Universities Lifesaving Club’s Association

RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

BULSCA

RLSS UK PRESIDENT

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Mark Smith

RLSS UK President

As we head into winter our attention traditionally turns to prevention; keeping people off ice that they could fall through and encouraging safe routes home away from waterways after a night of festive merriment. Yet with the rise in popularity of outdoor swimming across our nations, we should also continue to focus on enjoying water, safely. There are still many swimmers who may need advice about embracing the colder waters in a safe way.

52.

57.

The Merthyr Mermaid

British Diplomat Awarded For Heroics

A Guinness World Record holding open water and ice swimmer from Wales

54.

More Funded Training Funding has been secured to make Lifeguard courses more accessible

55.

RLSS Commonwealth Update Celebrating 70th year of the Mountbatten Medal

56.

48-hour CPR Challenge Members from around the Commonwealth take part in an epic 48-hour CPR marathon

57.

The Queen Shares Her Memories The Queen shares memories of achieving her own lifesaving qualification as a young girl

Chinese consul general, awarded for rescuing unconscious woman from river

58.

Charity Impact 2021 saw an increase in the Society’s online offering during the pandemic

59.

National Competitive Lifesaving Sport Returns 2021 marked the return of Lifesaving Sport with our Lifesaving Challenge 2021 in Leeds

Indeed, before we know it the summer will be back upon us and we’ll no doubt see the typical annual spike of drownings we get when the temperature increases. So, I ask of you this; please start now to plan for next summer. There are opportunities to work with bodies such as local authorities to create organised and safe designated outdoor swimming areas in your local area. By engaging local authorities now, this will allow the necessary time to create these spaces safely, ready for the summer spikes.

I have seen the positive effect designated swimming spaces have on the public; the spaces have stopped people swimming in more dangerous areas and instead have naturally headed for the organised local authority space. They just want somewhere to swim or cool off!

Getting ready for this type of venture can take time. Working with local authorities to find agreed solutions so now is the time to reach out and make it happen! Creating a safe open water swimming space with the local authority is something you could do as a lifesaving club, as a leisure centre operator, as a group of lifeguards. If you’re not sure how to get started email volunteer@rlss.org.uk.

Have a safe winter and please do encourage others too, through our winter focussed campaigns, but also don’t forget the hot weather is only a few months away!

RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

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NEWS

RLSS UK

NEWS IN BRIEF

Staff from Spiceball Leisure Centre receive the highest praise from NHS

In Memory

Nicolle Herrington 21 May 1992 - 11 Jul 2021

Please note all Just Giving donations received will go to Nicolle’s family.

Staff at a Parkwood Leisure facility - Spiceball Leisure Centre, in Oxfordshire received outstanding feedback from the NHS after providing incredible Basic Life Support (BLS) to a gentleman who had collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest in their reception area. Their skills and the quality of their actions undoubtedly saved his life.

Adam Crosby, Head of Aftercare for Thames Valley Air Ambulance, said: “On Tuesday 13 July at 14:04, Spiceball Leisure Centre made a 999 call for an adult male in cardiac arrest. Our clinical team attended by helicopter. We arrived to find a calm and well-managed scene. We learnt that the patient had received five shocks from the on-site defibrillator and immediate, good quality CPR. “Unbeknown to the Spiceball team, the original call remained open and active, and our dispatch desk could hear everything that was going on. I cannot emphasise how immensely impressed we were.

They were well-drilled, they were well-led by Graham Bleach, Centre Manager and, they were calm. They stuck to the protocol taught to them, and the scene management was excellent. By the time our team got to the patient, he was awake and communicating and recovering so well he needed minimal support, and we escorted him to the hospital. He was, quite literally, brought back from the dead, and the Spiceball team saved his life.”

Robert Gofton, CEO, RLSS UK, added: “We could not be prouder of how Graham and his team reacted. They are all NPLQ trained, which proves our qualifications work. I was privileged to meet the team involved and individually present them with our esteemed Certificate of Meritorious Action and Certificate of Recognition for their contribution to this lifesaving rescue. Providing communities with everyday heroes who have the skills to save lives is at the heart of RLSS UK.”

RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

It is with great sadness we learnt of the sudden passing of RLSS UK Ambassador, Nicolle Herrington recently.

Nicolle had always been a passionate exponent of the Charity’s work, starting out initially as a lifeguard, progressing through the IQL UK pathway, eventually becoming a Trainer Assessor in 2018 and then our East Midlands Ambassador in 2019.

Nicolle’s recent involvement as a Charity spokesperson for Drowning Prevention Week, exemplified her life-long dedication to water safety that she shared with her wider community, through hosting water safety courses and lifesaving skills workshops. Nicolle also owned her own successful swim school called Making Waves.

Nicolle’s vibrancy and hard work will be missed by all those that knew her at RLSS UK and our thoughts are with her family and friends, in particular James, Penny, Freddy and Billie, at this difficult time. https://www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/The Yarnolds2021?utm_term=rqan4DdJw&fbclid=IwA R1SBRy2t0bkNfbjkwTeCeDPnWr9NAQKUwe D9zg_-mz5qY-nfblP0b6FJQY

RECRUITMENT

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TOP TIPS: for recruiting Lifeguards TOP TIP #ISTARTEDASALIFEGUARD National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) - it is just the beginning!

Share www.rlss.org.uk/istartedasalifeguard to inspire your next recruits.

TOP TIP Have you considered Facebook paid-for advertising for recruitment or to boost course sales?

There are two options (both from as little as 74p per day): Boost Posts – use your existing posts to reach more people and a more targeted audience.

Promote – create new adverts using customization features for a greater reach.

RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

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LIFESAVERS

CHARITY

Royal Life Saving Society UK’s

Annual General Meeting Following on from the success of our 2020 virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) this year we held a virtual hybrid AGM; members joined us online and in person at our Worcester offices on Saturday 6 November 2021.

Our President, Mark Smith Chaired the AGM and offered his congratulations to the newly elected Trustees, Dave Elliott and Bryan Finlay. A fond farewell was expressed to Trustee, Suzanne Gabb as she stood down at the end of her term. A big thank you to Thomas Bartley, Sean Kelly and Joseph Spencer who stood for election but unfortunately were unsuccessful in their campaigns. Thanks also to those who attended the event and the 300 members that took the opportunity to have their say and vote in the elections. Full results of the elections and to watch the virtual meeting is on our website www.rlss.org.uk/agm

Resolution results

Discretionary Resolution For Against (Chair’s decision)

Abstain

(1) To approve the minutes of the last Annual General Meeting.

201 1

72

26

(2) To receive and consider the Trustee Board’s Report and Accounts for the period 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2020.

193 4

77

26

(3) To appoint RSM UK Audit LLP as the auditors for RLSS UK for 2021.

192 6

85

17

(4) To authorise the Trustees to set the level of the auditor’s fees for 2021.

208 7

65

20

In the lead up to the AGM we asked our members to play their part in voting for our resolutions but also to stand as candidates for the Trustee vacancies.

Next year will be an exciting year as members will be able to run for the role of Deputy President and our current Deputy President, Debbie Hunt will start her term as our new President. Make sure you don’t miss this opportunity to get involved and cast your all-important vote!

Any questions relating to the AGM or voting should be directed to elections@rlss.org.uk

RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

CHARITY

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Getting to know your Trustees Dave has enjoyed the water from a young age, he was lucky to have the encouragement and support through various organisations which allowed him, through activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, to experience our amazing coastline, waterways and lakes.

Trustee (newly-appointed)

Dave Elliott

Through his involvement with South Shields Volunteer Lifeguards, he has seen first-hand the amazing work the volunteers do and the difference they make to the lives of the club members, along with helping to make the water safe for all to experience.

He wants to be part of an organisation which strives to give everyone that opportunity.

Bryan has been a member of RLSS UK for 33 years since joining his local lifesaving club. He has also volunteered for RLSS UK for 30 years and is a very active volunteer member involved in club, branch, regional and national level.

He previously worked in the leisure industry and currently works for the health service as a paramedic manager in Scotland.

Bryan is involved in all areas of RLSS UK from community outreach, campaigning, fundraising and is a trainer

He is an experienced IT professional with 20 years’ experience of operating and managing IT, delivering large scale projects and transformation within IT infrastructure, Data and Analytics and digital transformation for large scale global enterprise.

Dave’s current day job is within a leading FMCG global brand, with previous roles in consultancy working across multiple sectors, including blue light, government, defence, investment and financial and retail. A significant aspect of his current role involves supporting global brand, across 4 regions, through a transition from a product focused business to a consumer-focused organisation through digital and data transformation.

assessor in all RLSS UK disciplines including being a judge for lifesaving sport. He has a wealth of knowledge and understanding of RLSS UK and is extremely passionate about our vital and important charity.

Bryan is a strong supporter for our loyal and dedicated volunteers and as a trainer assessor he is a strong advocate for all our members who deliver our key messages and supports the dedication and commitment they give to uphold the professional image and high standards of our society, whether they are from a commercial organisation or a volunteer trainer assessor.

Trustee (re-elected)

Bryan Finlay RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

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CONSULTATION

Consultation to better deliver the ambitions of

THE Strategic Framework 2020-2025:

The defined purpose was to engage with stakeholders via different research methods and following this insight, to propose a community infrastructure that:

RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

March 2020 saw the launch of our new strategic framework. Our President, Mark Smith and CEO, Robert Gofton, hosted a webinar to share widely the ambitions of RLSS UK for the coming 5 years; revisiting our purpose, vision and mission, and changing the previous Drowning Prevention Charity title to Enjoy Water Safely, better reflecting new positive values, enabling everyone to stay safe in, on or around water.

One key element of the ambitions is to Build our Community, and Board felt it vital to engage widely with key stakeholders to gain their views on how to do this. A project group was initiated, that incorporated representatives from the main groups, Branches, Regional Ambassadors, Youth Ambassadors, clubs and commercial trainers. It started its work on 5th October 2020.

a) increases RLSS UK’s footprint in a community, thus growing our community b) creates a sense of belonging for all of our member groups.

CONSULTATION

“ Local knowledge is vital to the delivery of the aims of the organisation”

73.6%

of respondents indicating they strongly agreed or agreed.

“ Branches/local groups are an effective way to organise local activity”

49.4%

of respondents strongly agreed or agreed but

12.69%

strongly disagree or disagree.

“ In their current format Branches are fit for purpose to increase activity across their area”

29.4%

of respondents strongly agree or agree - including only 49 of the 109 Branch Committee members responding.

“ Running elections for branch roles is an effective way to engage volunteers”

35.6%

of respondents strongly agree or agree.

“ You want to engage with your local branch more”

40.3%

of respondents strongly agree or agree.

“ What short-term or one-off voluntary activities have you ever undertaken for RLSS UK & Ireland”

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Thanks go to Jill Bailey, Stephanie Andrews, Jo Ward, Rob Jones, Geoff Lyon, David Browne, Kelsea Murray, and Gillian Wilkinson, along with Trustees Maggie Bradley, Richard Rickwood and Cav Burchell (group Chair) and Youth Advisor to Board, James Cossons.

These members embraced the challenges of co-creating online and telephone surveys, along with undertaking virtual calls with their target stakeholder groups (see survey result on the left).

Analysing the data fell to this group, with quantitative research clearly showing some changes were needed to current branch structures, and the deeper qualitative conversations indicated the emergence of several key themes:

1. A local network is needed 2. What is currently in place is not universally fit for purpose to deliver the objectives 3. Direction for our branches needs to be strengthened, including being very clear regarding what is and what isn’t their role 4. There is a disparity in the organisations direction and the appetite, acceptance and capability for branches to engage across all society programmes and membership 5. There is a need to develop the support and proposal to provide better engagement with members at a local level 6. Lack of volunteers is a struggle and the ability of branches to engage, support and onboard volunteers is challenging, short term volunteering is favoured – the bureaucracy, role and culture of branches doesn’t lend itself to agile types of volunteering that would suit the 21Century volunteer.

Members can view the final list of recommendations The group presented these findings that to Board 2021, at along with wereApril approved Board from stakeholder research a request to agree in principle 11 recommendations. which are available in full on our website.

The work continues now with a second project group, having representatives nominated and subsequently selected from our Branches, Regional Ambassadors and Youth Ambassadors, with the intention to reach out to other stakeholder groups as the work develops, including our commercial delivery networks.

This group has recently met, is presenting and discussing conceptual ideas around what an active Branch looks like, and will further present recommendations to Board later in 2021, and will share widely with our membership in due course.

75.5%

of respondents have at some time.

View the list of recommendations -

https://www.rlss.org.uk/farfsr-14052021

RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

Why am I so passionate

about LifeSaving?

Graham Wilson The RLSS has a fair number of ‘more mature’ members. As one of those, I have been involved in lifesaving for 48 years. Friends often ask me why? An event this September gives a pretty good insight into my reasons.

One Saturday, a group of four lifesaving instructors from RLSS Surrey Branch (Ben Snelling, Ellie Prail, Jacky Arnold, and I) taught rope-throwing rescues to 200+ people and CPR to 50+. We were at an area of Walton-on-Thames as part of a multi-agency water safety event. Organised by Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, and attended by ourselves, Surrey Search & Rescue, Surrey Police, and the Maritime Volunteer Service, it aimed to engage with the community in an area in which there have been three times the number of drownings this year compared to previous ones.

CHARITY

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The members of the public ranged from very young children to ‘mature’ grandparents, some were ‘just walking past’ alone; there were young couples, and couples who were young at heart, cyclists, joggers, and even some wedding guests!

To set the scene, here’s a few vignettes from the day…

The five-year-old Asian boy, so excited at learning to throw a line to someone who could be drowning, that half-an-hour later he returned with three of his best friends to show them.

Four Russian-speaking nannies, who thought it was such a great opportunity that one of them rang her employers and asked if she could bring their kids to have a go even though it was her day off.

The wheelchair-bound lady who surprised herself.

Three grannies who, independently, persuaded their charges that they should learn CPR together (“It’s a really useful skill to have.”)

Two young sisters and their brother whose instructions to the casualty could probably be heard on the other side of the River.

The guy with mental health issues who saw a mate ‘go in’ and hadn’t known what to do.

The rowing coach who, reluctant at first, had a go, then realised that his rowers and club members should all learn too…

The six-year-old autistic boy who threw the rope dead straight to its full 20 metres length, landing it across the outstretched arms of the casualty… not once but three times – jumping up and down with excitement each time!

Why do we do this? What leads people to volunteer for so long?

There’s the grand moral purpose to save lives, prevent drowning, encourage water safety. However, except for a few with close experience of this trauma, would this sustain someone’s motivation for 48 years?

The answer, I suggest, goes a bit deeper. In many of our life-saving activities, we encounter people from every background, all kinds of circumstances, and with so many personal stories, stepping outside their personal comfort zone, ‘having a go’, and discovering that they can do something that would make a difference if they had to.

Seeing people discover their potential like this restores my faith in humanity. They go on to make that difference in so many ways, not simply lifesaving, and it’s this inspiration that keeps ME involved. I don’t try to speak for others, but I think it’s worth sparing a few minutes reflecting on what YOU get out of lifesaving – you might be surprised.

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LIFESAVERS

CAMPAIGNS

Thank you for supporting Drowning Prevention

Week

RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

Thank you to everyone who supported Drowning Prevention Week this year.

Drowning Prevention Week is our flagship public campaign, and we are delighted to announce that 2021 was, by far, our most successful campaign since it started eight years ago.

We know all too well that across the UK and Ireland there is a spike in fatal drowning incidents during the summer months, and 2021 was a crucial year to continue to spread the word about water safety, as so many families were taking “staycations” due to travel restrictions. This year’s campaign was also pivotal to capture the millions of young people that missed out on the vital opportunity to learn to swim at school in 2020 and 2021, leaving a dramatic gap in swimming and water safety education.

In low-income and ethnically diverse communities where participation in swimming and water safety activities is already traditionally low, this worrying gap in knowledge and skills

CAMPAIGNS

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This year, we sadly missed much of the support activity from our partners in the leisure sector that we usually benefit from. It is therefore remarkable that, despite this, we still managed to achieve the following headline statistics:

A Reach of

134 million Through PR and social media (versus 79 million in 2020 and 18 million in 2019)

2,000 Consumers Signed up to our e-magazine packed full of water safety tips

1,653 Schools 682,286 Children Delivery of education in schools led to children receiving a class-based water safety education lesson.

159% increase on 2019

186 Parents downloaded our educational resources

was further exacerbated by COVID-19. Our 2021 campaign focused on the impact and wake left by the pandemic on accessibility to water safety advice, with the particular aim of increasing participation and understanding among under-represented communities.

We challenged ourselves to find innovative ways to reach new audiences, and to tell the stories of success and heartache that underpin this preventable epidemic. We firmly believe that drowning is preventable and that even one drowning, is one too many.

We would like to thank you once again for your incredible support during 2021 which helped the UK and Irish public enjoy water safely – and helped RLSS UK navigate another difficult year.

RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

5 Jun 2 e 18

2022

Register now for Drowning Prevention Week 2022 Visit www.rlss.org.uk/dpw2022registernow

LIFESAVERS

EVENTS

17

RLSS UK OPEN WATER FESTIVAL 2021 ROUNDUP FORMER Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallist Sharron Davies, MBE, made a splash as part of the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s Open Water Swimming Festival.

Saturday 4 September 2021 saw over 100 families (aged seven to 73-years-old) participating in the hottest fitness trend at the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s (RLSS UK’s) Open Water Festival.

Hosted at The Lenches Lake in Evesham, this festival, which made its long-awaited return, had swim events to suit everyone, whether you were under 10-years-old dashing to make a splash, a beginner finally daring to dip, or a seasoned swimmer getting back to the great outdoors.

Sportswoman, Olympic medallist, and television personality Sharron Davies, MBE, joined us on the day and even participated (along with her 14-year-old son, Finley) in our 200m swim.

Councillor Sue Amor, Mayor of Evesham, attended the event also as our VIP Guest.

It was a perfect time to give open water swimming a try: with idyllic surroundings, professional advice on hand, attractions between the swim events, hot food and drinks available, it was a fantastic COVID-safe day out for all the family, and many did begin their open water swimming adventure!

Zone3, developers of the world’s highest-rated open water swimming products, were the headline sponsor of the festival, with additional sponsor support received from dryrobe and Swim Secure.

The day consisted of the following competitive and noncompetitive swim events which were suitable for a variety of ages and abilities*:

Event

Sponsored by

1600m swim:

Zone 3

800m swim:

Swim Secure

400m swim:

dryrobe.com

400m leisure loop

dryrobe.com

(non-competitive swim)

200m swim:

Beyond Swim

Rookie Lifeguard Splash dryrobe.com (under 10s supervised swim)

Here is just some of the amazing feedback the event received: “ An absolutely fantastic and enjoyable event.

Thank you all so much.” “ Thank you to everyone involved – it was a great day.” “ Awesome event, thank you.” “ Brilliant event and so well organised ” “ Really enjoyed it – thank you.”

All participants received a Zone3 swim hat, medal, goody bag and the chance to win great prizes. PLUS, the day raised over £2,500, which will be used to educate future generations on how to enjoy water safely.

Look out for more open water events in 2022.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at The Lenches Lake, Evesham, Worcestershire on Saturday 4 September 2021 and congratulations to all our swimmers who took part. RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

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LIFESAVERS

CONSULTANCY AND PARTNERSHIPS

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

An 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 in 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

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

learnmore@rlss.org.uk Find out more about our Water Safety Partners at www.rlss.org.uk/water-safety-partners

Always on the lookout for like-minded partners to develop the reach and impact of our water safety messaging, we are delighted to welcome Zone3, developers of the world’s highest-rated open water swimming products, as a Water Safety Partner.

As an additional boost to the partnership, a range of Zone3 products are now available from the RLSS UK Shop - www.shop.rlss.org.uk

“ We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with RLSS UK. We are confident that their knowledge and expertise will empower our customers to have a safer experience while swimming in the open water. ” Eleanor Driscoll, Marketing Executive, Zone3

“ To bring such a prestigious brand as Zone3 on board as a Water Safety Partner is a huge coup for RLSS UK. Boasting an impressive portfolio of global tri and para-triathletes as brand ambassadors, their partnership with us places water safety at the heart of everything Zone3 do. This commitment sends out a powerful message that both organisations share – you can’t be serious about open water if you aren’t serious about water safety too. This partnership champions Zone3 as a brand to be trusted, regardless of your level as a triathlete, and cements RLSS UK’s position as the ‘go-to’ organisation for water safety advice and support. ” Helen Bowker-Steer, Head of Commercial Services, RLSS UK

You can read more about Zone3 at: www.zone3.com

RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

CONSULTANCY AND PARTNERSHIPS

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INDUSTRY PROUD TO APPROVED WELCOME AQUA PARK

ROUND UP

With staycations at a record high, growth in Aqua Parks across the UK and Ireland continued to soar too. During the 2021 season, we welcomed 27 Aqua Parks on board as RLSS UK Industry Approved Aqua Parks - demonstrating that they met the operational and equipment standards set out within our guidance and making our accredited aqua parks some of the safest in the world.

As well as supporting the development of best practices in the industry, the accreditation demonstrates our passion for growing safe open water opportunities and delivering our charitable aim - to enhance communities, so everyone can enjoy being in, on or near water safely.

Throughout the aqua park season - May through to October we also shared 25 of our accredited aqua park venues on our social media channels. This increased demand for safe aqua park experiences at RLSS UK Approved Aqua Parks and provided peace of mind about high levels of safety.

To view our RLSS UK Approved Aqua Parks by region, visit www.rlss.org.uk/approved-aqua-parks.

NEW BUSINESS

We work with a growing number of national leisure providers to help improve water safety and make a positive difference to health and safety standards across the UK and Ireland. We are proud to welcome:

Northumbria University is in Newcastle upon Tyne, North East England. With campuses also in Amsterdam and London, it has over 25,000 full-time students. They are known for their statements - Making the impossible possible and, together we can take on tomorrow.

They approached RLSS UK early in 2021, requesting to move from another awarding organisation to RLSS UK for Lifeguarding and First Aid. Together we ‘took on tomorrow’ and supported their existing Trainers to become RLSS UK Trainer Assessors and be self-sufficient in delivering the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification and a suite of regulated First Aid qualifications.

“ Whenever asked, we do everything we can to support customers in a smooth transition to RLSS UK, ensuring Trainers and staff involved have everything they need to ensure high-quality training is delivered. It’s great to know that such a prestigious university share our mission to ensure everyone can enjoy water safely and chose RLSS UK for their lifeguard qualifications. ” Nick Grazier, Senior Head of Commercial Operations, RLSS UK

If you know someone who runs an Aqua Park or if you are an Aqua Park Operator and are interested in becoming accredited in 2022, please visit www.rlss.org.uk/Listing/Category/aqua-parks for more information.

To see who else we work with visit www.rlss.org.uk/commercial-partners

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RLSS UK ACCOUNT

COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING OUR CUSTOMERS WITH THEIR RLSS UK ACCOUNT RLSS UK Accounts provide many services ‘under one roof’; they give candidates, Members, Trainer Assessors, Instructors, Tutors, Training Centres, Training Providers, Clubs and Branches the tools needed.

RLSS UK Accounts also provide candidates with access to their certificates, CPD (Continuous Personal Development) and online learning opportunities; Members access to their exclusive benefits; Trainers access to training resources; and much, much more.

Our development work continues, and we are launching new features all the time.

We wanted to update you on the functionality that is already available and what is still to come!

All users can: Claim or create a RLSS UK Account Edit personal details in the system Update mailing preferences View RLSS UK and IQL UK qualification history Download current qualification and CPD certificates Access FREE Online Learning

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All Members can:

POWERED

BY TAHDAH Trainers, Instructors can: Complete Updates and Opportunities View available Updates and Opportunities Access resources for Training and Assessments Advertise a course(s) Register a course(s) Set the delivery address for course resources Set up pricing rules for courses Receive and manage enquiries for courses Add candidates onto courses Order course resources

Sign up to become a member and pay online

Manage course payments and cancellations

Renew current membership (instructions in your email reminder)

Purchase and assign credits

Set up a Direct Debit for membership payments View and access all your membership benefits

Download theory assessment papers (for First Aid, NPLQ & NPSQ only) Enter and submit assessment results Manage a failed candidate Delete a course

RLSS UK ACCOUNT

Approved Training Centre (ATC) or Approved Training Provider (ATP) Co-ordinators can: Check and edit the ATC/ATP details Invite people to link as ’staff’ to the ATC (individual and upload) Allocate user levels and roles for staff Bulk upload people to the ATC View linked staff’s CPD and qualifications records with the ability to download certificates View courses/assessments that have taken place at the ATC/ATP Access ATC/P resources

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“ I’m thrilled with the results of the new Course Management system. My candidates passed on Sunday, and I was able to have their certificates processed on Monday morning! This is game-changing stuff and will make sorting certificate enquiries so much easier! ” Sean Kelly, RLSS UK Trainer Assessor “ I’ve fully completed our profile in our RLSS UK Account and successfully registered all our courses on the new RLSS UK Course Finder. After looking at the help videos on the RLSS UK website, the system was all really easy to follow, and I would recommend these helpful videos to anyone with an RLSS UK Account. ” Rob Jones, ATP Coordinator, Broadway and Failsworth Lifesaving Club

Clubs can: Check and edit club details Create a child account Change the club role of individuals or remove individuals from the club View the qualifications and awards for members Advertise the club using Club Finder

Still to come for clubs: Pay club Membership Add child (under 13s) members to your club Check the status of Criminal Records Checks (Club Welfare (Officer(s) only) Pay membership for club members Set up to take online payments through the club Manage your email settings Manage your privacy settings

Branches can: Manage Honours nomination process View members within your branch Communicate with Branch Members Create and promote events, such as Branch AGMs

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RLSS UK ACCOUNT

RLSS UK COURSE IN YOUR MANAGEMENT RLSS UK SYSTEM ACCOUNT We hope you are enjoying the benefits of the new RLSS UK Course Management system, including the new RLSS UK Course Finder:

Register and advertise courses Instant certificates, so better for you and your candidates No surplus or wastage, so better for the environment More control, as everything is in one place Option to buy candidate packs in advance of a course or when people have booked

HELPFUL TUTORIALS & VIDEOS To help and support you to use the new RLSS UK Course Management system, we have created tutorials and videos. Visit www.rlss.org.uk/course-management-through-your-rlss-uk-account.

Not activated your RLSS UK Account yet? Don’t worry - follow our step-by-step guide by visiting www.rlss.org.uk/access-your-account-faq.

IMPORTANT DATE: Friday 31 December 2021.

Last day to use candidate packs with assessment forms.

RLSS UK COURSE FINDER IN YOUR RLSS UK ACCOUNT Follow our helpful guides and tutorials to register your upcoming courses now www.rlss.org.uk/course-management.

TOP TIP: When registering your courses, make sure each course is set to ‘Visible to Public’, and your Privacy Settings on your ATC/P, Club, or Branch Account are set to ‘Public’.

If you do not do this, courses will NOT be visible to the public. For a guide on how to advertise your course, please visit www.rlss.org.uk/advertise-a-course-faq.

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LIFESAVERS FEATURE

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WEBINAR WEDNESDAYS’ LASTING LEGACY Throughout September, we delivered a series of free, live webinars to support our Trainer Assessors, Tutors, Instructors and ATC/P Coordinators with the RLSS UK Course Management system available in RLSS UK Accounts.

For anyone who missed the live webinars, the recordings are available to watch on-demand at www.rlss.org.uk/wednesday-webinar-recordings.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP If, after reading the user guides and watching the tutorials and webinars, you still need help, please get in touch by emailing account@rlss.org.uk, and a dedicated team will support you.

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LIFESAVERS COMMERCIAL QUALIFICATIONS ISSUE: 115 AND AWARDS

ONLINE LEARNING

GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH Over the last 18 months, we have been creating and developing a range of online training modules designed to support our qualification and award holders to maintain and enhance their knowledge.

Our Online Learning offering was invaluable during COVID-19 lockdowns and is now an essential addition to our training opportunities. More online modules are in the planning for development during 2022, but, currently, these are the modules available for you to access on your RLSS UK Account subject to qualifications or awards held and membership status: NPLQ Online Training Session 1 - 11*

Lifeguards Working with Poolview Plus Technology

NVBLQ Online Ongoing Training Sessions 1 - 6

Open Water Lifeguard Online Ongoing Training Session 1

First Aid Annual Refresher

Understanding the Appearance of a Drowning*

Basic Health and Safety Awareness*

AED Awareness* NPSQ Refresher Training Preparing for your NPLQ Assessment*

* These modules are free to RLSS UK Members

ACCESSING ONLINE LEARNING All the online training modules are available in your RLSS UK Account.

Just log in, click on the Awards and Training tab, followed by the Online Learning tab. For a guide on how to access online training, please visit www.rlss.org.uk/online-learning-faq.

SAFETY COMES FIRST WITH THE NEW SWIM SCHOOL HEALTH & SAFETY AWARD At RLSS UK, we strive to enhance communities, so everyone can enjoy being in, on and around water safely.

Swimming lessons are vital to providing individuals with the confidence and swimming ability to remain safe when enjoying water.

We are thrilled to launch the RLSS UK Swim School Health and Safety Award - a new training course and award aimed at swim school owners or those working within a swim school with responsibilities for health and safety. Developed by Health and Safety and Swimming Pool experts, the award is designed to help swim school owners understand their legal duty regarding health and safety and operating a safe swim school.

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“I found the Swim School Health and Safety Award to be very informative, and it strengthened my knowledge in several areas. The regulations for pool owners and swim schools were explained, as were the implications of failing to have systems in place.

The course ran at a good pace and at a suitable level. I would thoroughly recommend anyone hiring out a pool for lessons or running a swim school to attend this course.”

Justine, Swimming Teacher (17 years) and Swim School Owner (10 years) Read more at: www.rlss.org.uk/ swim-school-health-and-safety-award.

TRAINING

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To support RLSS UK Trainer Assessors, Tutors and Instructors to teach and assess using the new guidelines, we have worked closely with our Medical Advisors to update candidate manuals and training resources.

As an added value, we have created a free update, which nearly 2,000 Trainer Assessors and Instructors have already benefitted from accessing. This free update is still available in the Online Learning area of your RLSS UK Account (powered by tahdah) www.rlssuk.tahdah.me/account/login.

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED

This update will only show in your RLSS UK Account if you are in current and correct membership. You can renew your RLSS UK Membership, log in to your RLSS UK Account.

The European Resuscitation Council (ERC) published revised guidelines for resuscitation and First Aid earlier in the year. The Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) guidelines have been adapted from the ERC guidelines and are tailored specifically to clinical practice in the UK. The new guidelines are the result of many years of international collaboration to improve the practice and teaching of resuscitation and First Aid to improve survival rates.

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LIFESAVERS

LEISURE SECTOR SUPPORT

KEY 2022 DATES & LAUNCHES TO LOOK OUT FOR* Jan - Launch of ATC/ATP Guidance Update - Trainer Assessors and Operators - Get everything for your February Term - National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) courses - Emergency Response Pool (ER-Pool) Update Launch Feb - National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ) Update - NPSQ Tutor, IQA and Mentor Courses ** Mar - Trainer Assessors and Operators - Get everything for your Easter NPLQ courses - IQA Course ** - Look out for the new RLSS UK Official Uniform & Clothing Range Apr - NPSQ Tutor, IQA and Mentor Courses ** April to December - New ‘Greater Depth in…’ and ‘Teaching for…’ Online Learning Modules Launched - Pool Plant Update Launch - Aqua Park Online Module Launch

WHY CONTINUE TO CHOOSE RLSS UK

QUALIFICATIONS & AWARDS?

We are the UK and Ireland’s leading provider of training in lifesaving and lifeguarding.

We service the leisure industry with the most robust and detailed qualifications and awards to ensure leisure staff stay at the forefront of water safety and life support skills.

Our qualifications and awards are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure the content is current and informed by the latest legislation.

We have an in-house team dedicated to the development of qualifications and awards.

We work with a panel of the most senior and highly regarded advisors and medical experts, whose expertise and knowledge expand across all relevant subjects and water environments at an expert witness level to bring you industry-leading qualifications and awards.

May - Trainer Assessors and Operators - Get everything for your May Half Term NPLQ courses ** - Aqua Park Operators - Register to become a RLSS UK Industry Approved Aqua Park - IQA Course ** Jun - Trainer Assessors and Operators - Get everything for your summer NPLQ courses - NPSQ Tutor and IQA Courses ** Jul - National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP) Update Launch - IQA and Mentor Courses ** Sep - Aquatic Therapy Shallow Pool Rescue Award (ATSPRA) Update Launch - NPSQ Tutor, IQA and NTA Courses ** Oct - Trainer Assessors and Operators - Get everything for your October Half Term NPLQ courses - IQA Course ** Nov - NPSQ Tutor and IQA Courses ** Dec - Trainer Assessors and Operators - Get everything for your Christmas NPLQ courses ** - Mentor Course ** * Scheduling is intended as a guide.

** For information on dates and to book National Pool Supervisor Qualification (NPSQ) Tutor, Internal Quality Assurance (IQA), Mentor or National Trainer Assessor Courses, visit www.rlss.org.uk/Pages/Events/Category/iql-uk-events.

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TRYING TO RECRUIT LIFEGUARDS OR FILL NPLQ COURSES? Advertise your National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) courses using our FREE downloadable #BeaLifesaver marketing resources available in your RLSS UK Account and benefit from a ‘pool’ of qualified lifeguards PLUS more course sales.

LEISURE SECTOR SUPPORT

We also work with the Resuscitation Council UK, First Aid Quality Partnership Group, First Aid Awarding Organisation Forum and European Research Council to ensure our qualifications and courses are of the highest standard, widely viewed as best practice and ratified.

We are recognised and monitored by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA Regulation in Northern Ireland. RLSS UK regulated qualifications are all formally endorsed by The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity).

Resources include digital marketing assets, leaflets, posters and even a suggested step-by-step marketing plan.

The #BeaLifesaver ‘Turn the Day-to-Day into Save the Day’ marketing resources re-position the role of a lifeguard as a lifesaver, targeting a more diverse audience to lifeguarding and helping Leisure Centres and Trainer Assessors across the country promote and fill NPLQ courses.

The #BeaLifesaver campaign targets the type of person who would benefit from the role but may not have even considered lifeguarding as an option: people needing flexibility due to studying, dependants or a tenet of their faith, people coming back to the workplace after a break or semi-retired, for example.

The marketing resources target more diverse markets, with compelling motivators for becoming a lifeguard included for each target market.

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Our trusted brand gives peace of mind to the millions of customers who access leisure facilities every year.

Any profit generated from RLSS UK Qualifications and Awards funds our charitable activity. Using RLSS UK not only gives you the best quality qualifications and awards but also helps saves lives.

“We want to encourage people to learn lifesaving skills, realise the benefits of lifeguarding and enrol on an NPLQ course. Becoming a lifeguard develops invaluable skills that could save a life. It also provides opportunities to fund studies, work abroad, start a career in the leisure industry, work flexible hours around parental responsibilities, or keep active during retirement. We see lifeguards as representatives of our society and the lifeguard workplace as welcoming, inclusive and free from discrimination. We aim to attract a more diverse audience from differing backgrounds to join our lifeguard community.” Jo Talbot, Director, RLSS UK

View the #BeaLifesaver Marketing Pack, showcasing the full suite of marketing resources, including social media posts and posters by visiting www.rlss.org.uk/get-involved-with-bealifesaver

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Honours 2021: back to our best

Celebrating the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s Honours ceremony felt like a long time coming, but the shared joy and relief at reconnecting and being together again in the eminent Worcester Cathedral, was palpable on Saturday 6 November.

Huge congratulations to all our volunteers and members that received an award on the day and our deepest gratitude to all of you, for continuing to work so tirelessly on educating and training the UK and Irish public to enjoy water safely and under such trying circumstances.

As always, we remain indebted to the outstanding contribution of our volunteers and the national presentation of Honours is both, our way of saying thank you to all who contribute to a reduction in drowning across the UK and Ireland, and a dedicated space to properly mark individual and group achievements.

Let’s take a deeper dive into the special trophies, what they mean and who the 2021 winners are: Winner: West

Brian Morrissey Cup Awarded for exceptional work undertaken on Society community programmes.

Kent Lifeguards, Kent

West Kent Lifeguards have been working with Bexley Beavers, providing free lifeguard cover, since the mid 1970s. Dedicated to providing swimming sessions for people with disabilities, their families and their friends, Bexley Beavers are wholly reliant on volunteers and donations to provide these valuable communal swim sessions for people who might not otherwise get to have fun in the pool.

West Kent Lifeguards are all NPLQ holders of course, but their training lends a focus to skills needed to support and aid disabled swimmers.

Bexley Beavers Trustee, Chris Deering said: “West Kent Lifeguards have provided this service on a voluntary basis for over 40 years, enabling access to the pool for many hundreds of disabled people and I believe, are worthy of national recognition.”

Winner: Helen

Clark and Murray Rob, Scottish Northern Branch

When the pandemic thwarted the meticulously planned fundraising barbeque at 2020’s Knockburn Open Water event, the head scratching began as to what might plug the gap in funds left by the absence of fundraising activities, and the running of awards like Rookie Lifeguard.

Ken White Trophy Awarded for the greatest commitment to fundraising work on behalf of the Society at national, regional branch, club or local level.

Having his very own “Eureka” moment, Murray suggested a regional quiz, the idea was quickly seized upon and, joined by Helen Clark, the two trophy winners set about bringing the theory to life.

Forward wind to 2021 and the bumper regional quiz saw 18 groups, joined by RLSS UK CEO Robert Gofton, pit their wits against each other on the night and it’s a testament to the hard work, perseverance and no small amount of IT savvy, that the event was a great success.

Sunday 26 April also saw Helen and her family, join the masses that opted in to RLSS UK’s 26-hour CPR Marathon fundraising event, with her children putting the fun into fundraising, by dressing up as mascot Perry Buoy.

Both Helen and Murray are looking forward to reprising the branch’s barbeque plans for more fundraising opportunities, as soon as they can!

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Clive Holland Trophy

Delivering the Gifted Young Generation programme across Gravesend, The Grand is an organisation that has worked with local young people, raising money to expand the existing 24/7 public access AED scheme, started in early 2020.

Awarded to an RLSS UK affiliated club who has done the most to carry out the objectives of the Society in their local area.

At the forefront of training Gravesend’s young people in AED use, through RLSS UK’s Save a Life series of courses, are Gravesham Lifesaving Club (GLSC), enhancing Gravesend itself and the wider surrounding communities, with valuable lifesaving skills.

Winner:

Gravesham Lifesaving Club, Kent

This ambitious project creates links with the local and County Councils through funding opportunities and has the potential for wide-reaching impact across the county, raising the profile of the Society and its work, further.

Lockdown also spawned innovation from GLSC with the creation of its ‘Virtual Life Saving Resources’ club Facebook group - sharing ideas during periods of not being able to swim and connecting 108 interested parties, around the country.

2020 also saw GLSC deliver online theory sessions for both RLSS UK’s ‘Timekeepers Award’ and ‘Lifesaving Instructor’, helping clubs to develop during lockdown.

Stanley Peck Trophy Awarded to a person who does the most to carry out the objectives of the Society in their local area.

Winner: Stuart Yeandle, West Wales Branch Committed to RLSS UK for over 50 years now, there aren’t many pies Stuart hasn’t had his finger in and he’s as active today as he’s ever been.

Currently Chair and Branch Treasurer of West Wales Branch as well as a member of the Branch Honours Committee, Stuart’s branch work has been hailed as the salvation that has secured the continuation of the Branch’s valuable work in the region; stepping into the Branch Administrator role in 2019, Stuart was instrumental in ensuring information was free flowing between Branch members, keeping the Branch relevant and proactive.

RLSS UK Merit Honour

Young Leader Winner:

Emma Sawyer,

Over the years, Stuart has taken on many roles, including ‘Awards and Sales Officer’ and ‘Competition Organiser (Branch and Regional)’, he has coached at club, branch, regional and national level and has represented RLSS UK at both regional, and national committee level.

2001 saw Stuart manage the Wales team that competed in that year’s RLSS Commonwealth event and his engagement with lifesaving sport continues in both administrative and coaching capacities, for subsequent Commonwealth and RLSS UK events.

Despite little interaction with clubs and members during lockdown, Stuart has nonetheless worked hard at engaging with people online, getting people up to speed with the shifting sands of both Government and RLSS UK protocols and policies throughout the pandemic, so no-one missed a trick.

As Branch Chair, Stuart remains committed to reversing the trend of clubs leaving RLSS UK to join Surf Life Saving Association (SLSA) Wales; by reaching out to all clubs within the West Wales region, Stuart hopes to re-engage people with RLSS UK’s vision and through regular liaison with SLSA Wales, seeks a collaborative boost for community water safety.

Through this collaborative approach, Stuart has been invited to become a member of several water safety forums across West Wales, and it is through his attendance at these forums, and other contributions to meetings involving various emergency services, councils, tourism organisations, the RNLI and SLSA Wales, that raises the profile of RLSS UK and its sphere of influence.

Stuart continues to seek ways to add value for clubs and members: hosting online training, practical lifesaving sport sessions (easing competitors back into the pool ahead of the lifesaving sport calendar recommencing), training and assessing CPR, Rookie Lifeguard and NRASTC, and supporting clubs with skills and training ideas, have all been part and parcel of Stuart’s involvement.

Leading from the front, Stuart’s lifelong dedication to water safety and the work of RLSS UK is an inspiration.

Instrumental in the smooth running of Gravesham Life Saving Club’s Save a Life series of events, it’s fair to say Emma has cemented her place in the heart of the club.

From greeting and registering course attendees, to advising on improved technique and live demonstrations, Emma could also be found on hand to help set up and break down events, across differing venues in the region.

Throughout 2020 Emma also played a vital role in maintaining club membership, by running a number of Zoom events to engage members. When lockdown allowed, she helped with and participated in a number of challenges, ran an event on Minster Beach and was always encouraging and supportive of other members.

Gravesham Life Saving Club.

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Stuart Bailey Trophy Awarded to an individual or group for outstanding work, specific to an open water environment.

Winner:

Thanet Lifeguard Club, Kent.

Excepting the seagulls, there can’t be much more regular sight on Margate beaches than a member of Thanet Lifeguard Club (TLC).

Priding itself on its community outreach and open water work, the lack of club activities and surge in beach visitors brought on by the pandemic, saw Thanet Lifeguard Club focussed on making open water a safer environment for everyone in 2020 and beyond. And although it spread across six months, they even

managed to qualify three club members with their National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification, in August last year.

Across lockdown, TLC remained a committed collective to RLSS UK’s fundraising and campaigning, joining in April 2020’s 26-hour CPR marathon and going on to promote the ‘Don’t Drink and Drown’ and ‘Drowning Prevention Week’ campaigns.

Naturally, when lockdown fully lifted, TLC were out again in force with open water training, Rookie Lifeguard and Survive & Save activities, like hand signals on beach and within water, beach fitness and stamina stroke workshops, rescue board stamina, all hosted within the existing guidelines, of course.

Recognising their beautiful coastline would once again be a magnet for UK staycationers this summer, and with more people working from home, TLC headed out to some of the most popular beaches that lacked the usual beach lifeguard presence, to spread the water safety word and raise the profile of RLSS UK. Whilst walking the beaches, Club members took the opportunity to provide key messages and advice, ensuring they spoke to as many people as possible. Families and groups of people from outside Thanet were identified and spoken to, as they were likely to have little idea of the risks the sea could pose.

TLC took a further proactive step by designing and producing vibrant, six-foot wide banners that were strategically placed along 10 beaches, with clear warnings about the hazards and promoting the drowning prevention message.

Given the number of visitors to the area, TLC also carried out local beach cleans.

It’s been a very different year, but not one that prevented TLC promoting safety in an open water environment.

Away from the trophy recipients, we’ve taken the opportunity to continue our Honours celebrations here, and have listed all our Honours recipients for this year.

Many congratulations to you all.

Service Honours

Merit Honour

RLSS UK Long Service Medal

RLSS UK Young Lifesaver

Branch

Lorraine Buttery Cornwall Jean Kitson Devon David Cosstick North & West Yorkshire Ken White Wessex Stuart Yeandle West Wales

RLSS UK Recognition of Service

Branch

Pat Kerswell Devon Paul Boulter East Wales Vincent Cassidy Republic of Ireland Christine Malone Republic of Ireland Gary Morgan Staffordshire David Gale Wessex Douglas Thomas West Wales

Branch

Emma Dunwell Bradford & Airedale Alice Nuttall Devon Joseph Field Mid Yorkshire Keir Finlay Scottish Eastern Sarah Clark Scottish Northern Phoebe Blackman Somerset Adam Rust Suffolk Frankie Phillips Sussex Owen Sargant Wessex Elliott Lewis West Wales Diego Worrall Worcestershire &

Herefordshire

RLSS UK Medal of Honour

Branch

Tina Smith Kent

RLSS UK Honorary UK Life Member

RLSS UK Medal of Distinction

Branch

Ann Norvill Avon & N Wilts Paul Gibling Devon Sheila Butcher Kent Helen Kendall Liverpool & District Eleanor Larkin Republic of Ireland Elizabeth Mapstone Somerset Margaret Nolan Suffolk Jon Gwynn West Wales

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Branch

Emma Davids James Hay

Bradford & Airedale Scottish Eastern

RLSS UK Certificate of Recognition

Branch

Joshua Hale Shirley Davids David Trimble Peter Burgoyne

Avon & N Wilts Bradford & Airedale Bradford & Airedale Kent

Branch

Emma Fishman Kent Christine Dennel Liverpool & District Diane Gray Liverpool & District Julie Hill Liverpool & District Valerie Ward Liverpool & District Matthew Quimby North & West Yorkshire Ken Bryce Scotland West Georgie Dalton-Howells Scotland West James Gallacher Scotland West Linda McCracken Scotland West Edward McGowan Scotland West Mark McKay Scotland West Susan Pearson Scotland West Catherine Perrett Scotland West Ian Sinclair Scotland West Lynne Sinclair Scotland West Jacqueline MacDonald Somerset Jacqueline Arnold Surrey Fred Cooke Sussex Robin Akers Sussex Lee Wright Sussex Bhavik Barochia Thames Valley Steve Kershaw Thames Valley Tony Kershaw Thames Valley Aled Bowen West Wales Mark Davies West Wales

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Service Honour RLSS UK Certificate of Merit

RLSS UK 2nd Bar to Service Cross

Branch

Emily Goodwin Avon & N Wilts Emma Smith Avon & N Wilts Rebecca Blease Devon Peter Eburne Isle of Man Alice Hartley Isle of Man Bridget Busfield Kent Linda Coltham Kent Rosemary Davies Kent Cheyenne Goldsmith Kent Denise McWilliams Kent Sally Robinson Kent Clare Tellam Kent Victoria Wilkinson Kent Jack Wilkinson Kent Christopher Willson Kent Alice Bombroff Leicestershire

Branch

Keith Batten Richard Huntley David Marks Carl Morton Sheila Mott Peter Burgoyne Barry Hollingsworth Paul Collins Bryan Finlay Ann Andrews David Ebbs Darren Maguire Stephanie Marsh Gail Moore Brian Pack Andrew Suter Roger Hayward

East Wales East Wales East Wales East Wales East Wales Kent North & West Yorkshire

Suffolk Suffolk Surrey Wessex West Wales

Sue Rigby

Michael Rigby

George Wright

Martin Wright

Leicestershire & Rutland Leicestershire & Rutland Leicestershire & Rutland Leicestershire & Rutland

Stuart Ainscough Liverpool & District Paul Douglas Liverpool & District Cameron Douglas Liverpool & District Robert Hawkrigg Liverpool & District James Long Liverpool & District Jennifer Metcalfe Liverpool & District Ruth Sissions Liverpool & District Robert Ward Liverpool & District John Doyle Republic of Ireland Cameron Clark Scotland West Saoirse Coia Scotland West Duncan Evans Scotland West Rachel Taylor Scotland West Phoebe Blackman Somerset Kathryn Williams Somerset Claire Llewellyn Staffordshire Anton Castens Surrey Jennifer Devine Surrey Gail Moore Surrey Lee Cornelius Sussex Olivia Kidd Sussex Paula Schofield Sussex Emma Smith Thames Valley Owen Sargant Wessex Andrew Suter West Wales Daniel Eddies Worcestershire

& Herefordshire

Jane Penn

Worcestershire & Herefordshire

Nic Penn

Worcestershire & Herefordshire

Worcestershire & Herefordshire

Branch

Jennifer Boyd David Horton Gary Watts Carl Fenwick Nicola Drever Gordon Hill Kirstin McLaughlin Paul Skipp Peter Halifax Nigel Pawsey Susan Rust Claire Bearman Jonathan Wallace

East Wales East Wales East Wales North & West Yorkshire Scottish Northern Scottish Northern Scottish Northern Somerset Staffordshire Suffolk Suffolk Sussex

Branch

Duncan Davids Gill Beesley Christopher Bennett Lawrence Cox Lisa Deacy Lyndsay Dingley Wayne Dixon Helen Dymond Chris Felton Lee Garbett Emily Harries Mark Henders Stephen Moates Joanne Ward Sarah West Hannah Glazier Paul Paulding Frances Paulding Christine Dennel Katie Astle Suzanne Bailey Gerald Coyle Patricia Cullen Anna O’Shea

West Wales

Branch Bradford & Airedale East Wales East Wales Liverpool & District Liverpool & District North & West Yorkshire North & West Yorkshire Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland Scottish Northern Scottish Northern Staffordshire Staffordshire Sussex Thames Valley Wessex Wessex West Wales

West Wales

RLSS UK Service Cross

Wessex

Andrew Schofield Antonio Panicola Duncan Thompson Stuart Ainscough Julie Hill Christopher Groom Matthew Quimby Marie-Anne Cotter John Dowling Kathleen Egan Sheila Mulhair Joanne Power Brendan Quinn William Treacy Ella Hunt Catherine Moore Jayne Duffield Jane Humphreys Gabrielle Simmonds Peter Webb Timothy Fudge Sonia Gale Gareth Abbott-Haigh

RLSS UK 1st Bar to Service Cross

Leicestershire & Rutland

Staffordshire

Leicestershire & Rutland

Staffordshire

Suffolk

Kaitlin Peberdy

Scottish Northern

RLSS UK Bar to Service Medal

Leicestershire & Rutland

Scottish Northern

Staffordshire

Charlotte Gardner

Scotland West

Scottish Eastern

& Rutland

Michael Peberdy

Branch

Celia Anderson Lorna Cruickshank Gillian Wood Claire Llewellyn Ruth Martin Nicholas Sparrowhawk Ashley Lewis

Republic of Ireland

RLSS UK Service Medal

Branch

East Wales

Martin Bridgwater Katie Swinden Amanda Clarke Gareth Hamlin Benjamin Johns Rhys Jones Neil Leigh Jennifer Lindfield Denise Todd Victoria Wilkinson Tom Bennett

East Wales

East Wales

Alistair Jardine Thomas Clarke Jake Robinson John Wiggins-Bettles William Bowen Andrew Hughes

Bradford & Airedale Devon East Wales East Wales East Wales East Wales East Wales East Wales East Wales

East Wales East Wales East Wales Kent Kent

Avon & N Wilts Bradford & Airedale East Wales East Wales East Wales East Wales East Wales Guernsey Kent Kent Leicestershire & Rutland Scotland West Wessex Wessex Wessex West Wales West Wales

Kent Liverpool & District North & West Yorkshire Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland

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LIFESAVERS

EVENTS

RLSS UK Certificate of Thanks

Years Branch

Anna Hill 4 Andrea Holder 4 Carl Martin 4 Kim Martin 4 Kathleen Pearce 4 Emma Dunwell 4 Isabella Kelley 4 Abigail Kelley 4 Millie Robinson 4 Dylan Wadkin 4 Joshua Woodyatt 4 Nicholas Christie 8 James Thompson 8 Sally Nuttall 8 Anna Bentley 4 Sioned Evans 4 Simon Neenan 4 William Norris 4 Louis Panicola 4 Benjamin Smart 4 Dominic Ham 8 Sharon Hammond 8 Brian Jones 8 Cheryl Lloyd 8 Marc Pearce 8 Daniel Richards 8 Darren Shakespeare 8 Ceri Tudor 8 Peter Eburne 4 Alice Hartley 4 Julie Bardoe 4 Bridget Busfield 4 Rosemary Davies 4 Caroline Leggatt 4 Denise McWilliams 4 Cameron Mundy 4 Christopher Willson 4 Faye Burnap 8 Stuart Cattell 8 Linda Coltham 8 Georgia Wilkinson 8 Michael Peberdy 4

Karolina Bona Niall Crowther Sharon Cummins Aoife Daly Mark Hughes Karen Kelly Fiona Lynch

Avon & N Wilts Avon & N Wilts Avon & N Wilts Avon & N Wilts Avon & N Wilts Bradford & Airedale Bradford & Airedale Bradford & Airedale Bradford & Airedale Bradford & Airedale Bradford & Airedale Bradford & Airedale Bradford & Airedale Devon East Wales East Wales East Wales East Wales East Wales East Wales East Wales East Wales East Wales East Wales East Wales East Wales East Wales East Wales Isle of Man Isle of Man Kent Kent Kent Kent Kent Kent Kent Kent Kent Kent Kent Leicestershire & Rutland

4

Republic of Ireland

4

Republic of Ireland

4

Republic of Ireland

4

Republic of Ireland

4

Republic of Ireland

4

Republic of Ireland

4

Republic of Ireland

Years Branch

Gerald Morgan 4 Republic of Ireland Nathan Neenan 4 Republic of Ireland Ken Owens 4 Republic of Ireland Adam Parsons 4 Republic of Ireland Liam Patton 4 Republic of Ireland Bernadette Ryan Rowe 4 Republic of Ireland Shane Smith 4 Republic of Ireland Cillian Spain 4 Republic of Ireland Lukasz Wachowiak 4 Republic of Ireland Michalina Zakharenko 4 Republic of Ireland Noel Barrett 8 Republic of Ireland Michael Brew 8 Republic of Ireland Noreen Connolly 8 Republic of Ireland Niall Craig 8 Republic of Ireland Yvonne Dewick 8 Republic of Ireland Sinead Donagher 8 Republic of Ireland Frances Duffy 8 Republic of Ireland Laurence Dunne 8 Republic of Ireland Oliver Gordon 8 Republic of Ireland Leesa Hickling 8 Republic of Ireland Conor Hughes 8 Republic of Ireland Martin Keogh 8 Republic of Ireland Ross Kettle 8 Republic of Ireland Mary Lowry 8 Republic of Ireland Frances McKeon 8 Republic of Ireland Marcus Mundy 8 Republic of Ireland Maria Nagle 8 Republic of Ireland Heather Barnett 4 Scotland West Steven Tweeddale 4 Scotland West Iona Halford 8 Scotland West Emily Patterson 8 Scottish Northern Neville Reilly 4 Staffordshire Samuel Murray 4 Sussex Frankie Phillips 4 Sussex Paula Schofield 4 Sussex Ben Barker 4 Wessex Neil Biltcliffe 4 Wessex Cesar Mateus 4 Wessex Mia Solomons-Green 4 Wessex Laurence Watford 4 Wessex Philip Butler 8 Wessex Morgan Thomas 8 Wessex Elliott Lewis 4 West Wales Kevin Gerard 8 West Wales Megan Gerard 8 West Wales Cara Griffiths 8 West Wales Hanna Haf Jones 8 West Wales Elliott Lewis 8 West Wales Sam Wray 8 West Wales Sarah Bigg 4 Worcestershire

RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

& Herefordshire

INLAND

WATER SAFETY SOLUTIONS

Our consultancy support services have resumed, and we are helping many operations across the country, with liabilities to visitors and staff around water, to manage water safety. These include local authorities, construction companies, leisure operators and private landowners.

WATER SAFETY PROJECTS RESUME!

CONSULTANCY

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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 cost-effective, our water safety consultancy service delivers compliant, straightforward, clear, and practical support to help build, create and manage safer environments.

HOW WE CAN HELP Risk Assessment – starting from scratch or helping you review your current assessment - our team can help you review operations/activities to mitigate risk and deliver cost-effective controls.

Training, Capability & Qualifications – identifying the most suitable training courses and training solutions.

Operational Planning – auditing your Normal Operating Procedures and Emergency Action Plans and internal systems to identify potential gaps and highlight any improvements needed. We work with your site and your team to develop systems that complement operational needs.

Signage - surveying your site to assess whether signage is necessary or if your current signage is up to date and right for the situation and making recommendations for improvements as needed.

Public Rescue Equipment (PRE) – helping you to identify the most appropriate installations, inspecting current arrangements, and making recommendations for improvements as required.

Our water safety specialists have been working with Newcastle City Council and Urban Green.

The project, postponed due to lockdown, has now seen a full review on keeping Park and Quayside users safe around the water.

With water-related deaths in the Northeast outnumbering fatalities in house fires and car accidents, the organisations have come together to develop water safety strategies for the

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – using current safety standards to advise on the best site and situation-specific PPE. Audit – appraising current paperwork, signage, equipment, and systems - making recommendations if necessary.

Integrated Water Safety Plan – a comprehensive strategy for water safety, includes recommendations for current and future safety improvements.

Advice – if you have any questions about your site and your responsibilities, what is reasonable and appropriate, relevant legislation and regulation, our team will be happy to help.

Event Safety – we can help you plan water safety for your event and provide a cost-effective team for events and festivals.

Mystery Visit – reviewing operational systems and controls by visiting a site incognito to ensure that any system is adhered to, with a comprehensive, unbiased report compiled.

Any individual or organisation with water on or around their site should not dismiss their accountabilities for managing water safety. Request a callback, and let us help you www.rlss.org.uk/forms/consultancy-servicescontact-form

future. Water Safety Consultant for the RLSS UK, Tim Puffer, who carried out the assessment, commented:

“The area has many wonderful parks and public spaces where people are beside the water.

Our job is to strike a balance between safety and enjoyment, prevent incidents, and equip those around with the equipment and skills to help when needed.”

As part of a Health and Safety review

by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, we are helping to develop a Water Safety Plan for the public access areas across three of the sites managed by the Trust - Croxall Lakes, Doxey Marshes and Wolseley Centre. The Water Safety Plan aims to ensure spaces managed by the trust are safe for public use and enjoyment.

RLSS UK will support a review of current risk assessments for water on land that they manage, leading to a Water Safety Plan detailing solutions and recommendations for Public Rescue Equipment (PRE), signage, training, campaigns and education.

Bradford Council has appointed us to review their open water spaces at Ilkley Riverside Park and make recommendations for water safety.

The advice includes physical and campaign recommendations that will help reduce the chance of drowning incidents and spread a message of water safety to prevent drowning and promote safer behaviour around water.

RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

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LIFESAVERS

TECHNICAL

YOUR QUESTIONS

?

ANSWERED

Q1 Can an experienced RLSS UK First Aid Trainer Assessor self-present their FAW (First Aid at Work) renewal assessment and not complete any training?

Q5 I’m an RLSS UK Approved Training Provider. As I move my courses onto the RLSS UK Course Management system, are you offering any support?

Yes, if the Trainer Assessor can provide proof of teaching a regulated FAW qualification course (within the three months prior to their renewal assessment) and provide evidence of a satisfactory Internal Quality Assurance observation delivering a First Aid qualification course within the past 12 months prior to their renewal assessment. To apply, please visit your RLSS UK Account (powered by tahdah) and complete the online form - found within the My Details tab.

Yes, you can find recordings of live webinars from our Webinar Wednesday series, which took place throughout September and October, on our website www.rlss.org.uk/webinarwednesday. You can watch them back on-demand. We also have ‘how-to’ guides which are small videos and guides to help with various elements of the Course Management system – www.rlss.org.uk/course-management. Of course, if this doesn’t help you can always call us 0300 323 0096 and we would be more than happy to help.

Q2 With the new 2021 CPR and First Aid guideline changes, can RLSS UK Trainer Assessors continue to use the old candidate manuals?

If you have old candidate packs (including candidate manuals, assessment paperwork, and assessment forms) bought prior to 1 September 2021, you can use these up until 31 December 2021. You will need to ensure you use the old resources to ensure your candidates are fully prepared to complete the assessment with the correct information. On completion of the course, you should provide candidates with a summary of the changes before leaving.

Q6 I’m an RLSS UK Trainer Assessor. Do I have the capabilities to download candidate certificates after I have submitted a result on the new Course Management system?

Yes, after submitting candidate results in your RLSS UK Account, you can download individual certificates for those successful at assessment. This function is on the ‘candidates tab’ within your organisation’s profile. Don’t forget the candidate will also receive an email to confirm their certificate is ready.

Q3 With the new 2021 CPR and First Aid guideline changes, can Trainers access the new candidate manuals?

Q7 I have pre-purchased course credits within the Course Management system; where can I view these credits?

Yes, we have provided Trainers with a digital candidate manual for most awards and qualifications - found within the resources area of your RLSS UK Account, within each qualification folder. If you prefer a physical manual, you can buy them at the RLSS UK Shop www.shop.rlss.org.uk/manuals.

You can find these within the events tab of your organisation’s profile. You will be able to apply these credits when setting up a course and prior to payment.

Q4 I am a fully qualified RLSS UK Trainer Assessor, but I can’t see my training resources in my RLSS UK Account.

Firstly, please check you hold the correct level of RLSS UK Membership for the Award/ Qualification you are delivering.

For more membership information, please visit www.rlss. org.uk/membership-pre-requisites. If you have the correct RLSS UK Membership and you are still having problems, you may need to check that your web browser is up to date or try an alternative web browser (e.g., try Google Chrome); alternatively, drop us an email at info@rlss.org.uk or a call 0300 323 0096, and we can help.

RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

Q8 I had 12 candidates on a new NPLQ course; unfortunately, one of those candidates failed.

How do I go about recording this on the Course Management system?

It is important to record results accurately, whether this is a pass or fail. If a candidate has failed, please record which section was unsuccessful when submitting the results. ou will then be able to select that candidate and re-book them onto a free re-assessment. For more guidance on how to manage a failed candidate, visit www.rlss.org.uk/manage-a-failed-candidate-faq.

RLSS UK Lifeguard membership

CANDICE ARNOLD

RLSS UK LIFEGUARD FOR OVER 8 YEARS

For just £15* you will receive:

“

The RLSS UK Lifeguard Membership free online learning has been worth its weight in gold. It has really helped to keep my skills and knowledge up to date so that I can return to lifeguarding fully prepared and raring to go.

•

Limited edition ‘Just your everyday hero’ #lifeguard T-shirt.

•

Online Learning for Continuing Professional Development and contribution towards CPD hours required for renewal.

•

Personal Injury Insurance, Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance.

•

Advice Helplines - including counselling, legal, personal tax, medical and bereavement.

•

Access to the RLSS UK Lifeguard Closed Facebook Group - a unique space for lifeguards to connect.

•

Benefits Platform - with offers on everything from clothes and days out to adventure holidays.

“

steve carter

Lifeguard and trainer for over 20 years

“

“

At just £15* a year, the RLSS UK Lifeguard Membership package offers NPLQ holders exceptional value for money, and I would recommend that all lifeguards sign up.

ANNUAL RLSS UK LIFEGUARD MEMBERSHIP IS AN ABSOLUTE STEAL AT JUST £15*.

To join our squad, log in to your RLSS UK Account, click on Membership & Clubs, then click on RLSS UK Lifeguard Membership. If you haven’t activated your RLSS UK Account, visit www.rlss.org.uk/your-account *2021 price correct at time of printing.

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is a registered charity in England and Wales (1046060) and in Scotland (SC037912)

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LIFESAVERS

CLUB HIGHLIGHT

South Shields

Volunteer Lifeguard Club is 60-years-old

MEMBERS & VOLUNTEERS HELPING THE Not a day goes by that we don’t hear or read about, ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

During 2021, South Shields Volunteer Lifeguard Club is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

One of the clubs young members, Joseph Bates, took the initiative and wrote to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, informing her of the anniversary, marking the occasion with a letter received from Her Majesty, congratulating the club.

South Shields Volunteer Lifeguard Club was formed in 1961, by a group of business people who saw the need for beach lifeguards to complement the work of the Lifeguards employed by the local Authority. One of the people involved in the formation of the Club, was Belle Bennett, who was also a past Chairperson of the Northumberland and Durham Branch.

The club began in a wooden hut alongside the council building on the beach on what is now known as Sandhaven.

Three years later they moved into a new building, Mowbray Lifeguard Station, which housed a kitchen, changing rooms and equipment hall as well as a boat-house, and lookout tower.

The club has a rich history on this part of the coast, and hosted the National Beach Lifeguard Championship in 1969, with teams from all over the UK visiting to compete.

The club has always boasted a strong membership, generations with families joining the club for the fun and to learn lifesaving skills.

The club delivers all RLSS UK awards to its members and outside organisations, using the beach base during summer months, as well as our pool sessions at Boldon Community Centre. COVID didn’t halt the club in their tracks, Zoom played a critical role and the club set members a challenge to help celebrate our 60 years - to walk 60 miles in 60 days. Most took up the challenge, and it proved to be very successful.

The club and its members work closely with the Northumberland and Durham Branch, and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, delivering water safety advice during the Don’t Drink and Drown campaign, throughout December on Newcastle Quayside.

Congratulations to South Shields Volunteer Lifeguard Club.

Words like ‘hero’, ‘superstar’ and ‘legend’, are increasingly used, to describe people who, in the span of their daily lives, regularly go above and beyond to help others, and give something back to the community they call home, without a second thought.

Many of RLSS UK’s qualified lifeguards, lifesavers, and first-aiders are no exception to this altruistic wave, touching the hearts, minds and lives of people, up and down the country.

Here, you can read some of their stories as we profile and celebrate our very own Everyday Heroes.

ROBERT GOFTON “I am volunteering for our local NHS Vaccination Centre based at the St Boniface Centre, near Ashburton in Devon. I was keen to put my name down to help deliver vaccinations to help save and protect the NHS. Before each shift, volunteers have to take a Lateral Flow Test.

This was the first time I had taken a COVID-19 test, so it was an interesting experience! The 20-minute wait to get the allclear gave me plenty of time to think about how embarrassing it would be if I were positive! Fortunately, the test was all clear, and along with the other volunteers, I was given my tasks for the shift ahead.

We started at 1.30 pm and went on until 7 pm. The centre vaccinated 400 people during that time. A fantastic effort for such a small centre and the team only took a 20-minute break from vaccinations.

As the ‘newbie’ I was drafted to help with car parking. The centre has a very small, and quite tight car park so it was a juggle to ensure everyone could get in for their allotted time.

Even heavy downpours could not dampen our enthusiasm and, it felt like a real privilege to be helping so many people.

I was struck by how kind and grateful everyone was to the NHS staff and volunteers.

Time permitting, I am hoping to volunteer every week and, I’ve offered to cover parking duties again as it seems to be the least popular job.

I’m just happy to be there, to feel part of this significant moment in our history and to see the end of the pandemic. ”

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COMMUNITY

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DONNA BRISTOLL “I was looking for something to do during furlough. Myself and two other HODs at Wolverhampton Swimming & Fitness Centre have a message group... we train together to keep each other motivated to reach fitness goals and just stay sane(ish).

Gordon (Fitness Manager) had a friend working for a GP clinic group, and he was going to help out at the vaccine clinics....they were looking for help and he asked if I wanted him to pass my number on...both myself and Kaye (Swim Manager) jumped at the chance!!

A few checks and forms later, we started at a clinic at 8 am in the snow, ushering over 300, 80+year olds through a system to receive their first or second COVID vaccines. We can be at one of four clinics in the area either directing the individuals through the one-way system or assisting in logging data.

It’s an amazing privilege to see the front line staff operating and to know we’re supporting them to vaccinate our communities.

It’s also quite fun talking to all these lovely people who are happy to be out of the house ....even for just 1/2 an hour if it means in the future they get to go out and see their families again!! ”

JEFFREY NIELD

OLLIE HAMPSON

“I’m volunteering at Northwich Primary Care Network in Cheshire helping the Doctors Surgery as they do the Covid Vaccinations in Northwich, Cheshire. I help with the aftercare once patients have had the vaccine. Patients who have had the Pfizer vaccine have to wait 15 mins just to make sure they don’t have any reactions. I make sure everyone is ok before they leave. I helped the Northwich PCN in the first lockdown with a Covid Hot Site they had to open.

I have a strong relationship with the Northwich PCN. They like it that I’m CPR current, defib trained with a strong first aid background with a current DBS.

“I am working for the London Ambulance Service to help during the COVID-19 Lockdown 3.0. I am based out of Chelsea Westminster Hospital, St George’s and Kings Hospital working with the Maternity unit. I get involved with transporting maternity patients from home to the hospital and assisting the midwife in charge along with delivering babies. Next week I will be dealing with transferring COVID-19 positive patients to different hospitals with a team of doctors.

I work at Brio Leisure in Northwich as a lifeguard, swimming teacher and Relief Duty Manager. I’m an RLSS UK mentor running lifeguard courses, staff training and first aid courses for Brio. I’m really lucky that Brio is very supportive of my volunteering. ”

My highlight while working with the London Ambulance Service was on the 15 January at 16:17 at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, when I delivered a baby girl called Eli. ”

TELFORD AND WREKIN COUNCIL LIFEGUARDS Approximately 75 NPLQ lifeguards from across five Telford & Wrekin Council swimming pools have been helping to support in many different areas of the council COVID response including rapid testing, vaccination centres, street champions.

Their work includes;-

STEVE BEDFORD “I have been stood down from North West Ambulance Service as a Community First Responder due to age and being diabetic but, I have done several days marshalling at Broughton Ambulance Station in Preston for COVID -19 vaccinations. ”

Rapid Testing – welcoming and checking customer bookings, supporting with their registration, taking the LFT (lateral flow test) and recording results.

Vaccination Centres – welcoming and monitoring the queue, taking temperatures, sorting out follow up appointments, monitoring customers following their injections.

Street Champions – litter picking, reporting COVID breaches, reporting graffiti and fly-tipping.

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LIFESAVERS

FUNDRAISING

Fancy Fundraisers fuelling our work In a bid to continue to increase our reach and ensure that even more communities are given the vital skills to enjoy water safely, we pay tribute to just some of the fundraisers who through blood, sweat and tears are raising money in support of RLSS UK.

Emily’s 5X5km runs In 2019 Emily Patterson - Lifeguard, Life Saving Teacher and Committee Member of RLSS UK Scottish Northern Branch - set out to run 5x5km runs in honour of her 25th birthday.

Unfortunately, she only managed to complete one (Loch Ness) before the first lockdown. Not being a fan of virtual runs, she decided to wait until real events were up and running (excuse the pun!).

Emily is now off running again. She has completed her second 5km run (River Ness) and, hopefully, by the time you read this she will have completed run number three. She will complete her fourth and fifth runs in the spring of next year.

Well done Emily. Keep going

Tom & David’s Battle of Cambridge Both Tom and David completed the Cambridge Half Marathon on Sunday the 17th of October 2021. Once in Cambridge, it was clear to see that the atmosphere was going to be amazing, there were so many people around smiling, talking and more importantly, looking ready for a race.

There were some serious runners.

They got off to a flying start, knocking off the miles. “It was amazing”, they reflected. The crowds, the shouting, the music playing and of course, the scenery. Tom said, “it might be one of the more scenic runs that I have ever done!”.

Steve Winfield Steve tragically lost his father and his father’s partner to drowning in 2015. Since then, Steve has been raising money for the charity in his Dad’s memory. Most recently he ran the London marathon virtually, raising money for RLSS UK. In addition, through his work Steve regularly donates items to support our events such as the National Honours Ceremony and The Open Water Festival.

We are delighted that Steve continues to support the charity in memory of his Dad.

To generate more awareness of the RLSS UK, they decided that in addition to donning their new and fantastic RLSS UK branded running t-shirts, that they would carry torpedo buoys. This worked a treat with the crowd responding with cries of “Go on Life Savers!”, “Keep going lifeguards” and even a shout of encouragement to Tom “You can save my life any day….!”. Encouragement Tom needed as he was struck with cramp by the seventh kilometre.

He pressed on through the pain, stopping for the odd stretch, but the cramps continued throughout the remainder of the race. Other helpful runners passed by and threw salt tablets, electrolyte-based energy gels and even ibuprofen. Towards the end the cramps were so severe that they had to keep stopping and at one point, David had to move Tom’s leg to stretch as it had totally seized up! Teamwork that Tom will never forget.

They completed the race in 2:51hr. Thank you both Tom and David for your commitment to raising money and raising the profile of RLSS UK. Fancy taking on a fundraising challenge on behalf of RLSS UK? Contact fundraising@rlss.org.uk for more detail

RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

FUNDRAISING

SEND AN eCard

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Show someone you care by sending one of our RLSS UK cards and, if you choose an e-gift card, you’ll also work with us to be environmentally responsible. Your contribution will help our invaluable work - enabling everyone to enjoy water safely.

We have partnered up with makingadifference.cards where you can send 3D personalised cards:

Share a smile this year by following these simple steps: 1. Follow this link https://makingadifference. cards/supporting/royal-lifesaving-society-uk 2. Choose your design, personalise your card, add a message, video or photo

3. Preview your card and click continue when you are happy with your design

5. Your recipient(s) will receive an email with their special 3D card

4. Make a donation, you will be taken to a secure donation page

Sign up to our RLSS UK Charity Lottery and you could

win up to £25,000 It is a simple and fun way for you to win a nice amount of money whilst ensuring that we can continue to help future generations to enjoy water safely.

For every £1 entry we’ll allocate you a unique 6-digit number. Match three or more numbers in the right order and you could win one of our great cash prizes. If you match all six numbers, you’ll win an incredible £25,000!

You must be 16 or over to enter as it is an offence to enter a lottery under the age of 16.

For more information and to enter head to our website - www.rlss.org.uk/charity-lottery Please note: This Lottery is open to residents of mainland Great Britain (this excludes Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Islands)

RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

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Member benefits

Benefits boost for you AND RLSS UK!

Always trying to do our very best for our members, partners and supporters, here we take a look at two ways you can save money AND help RLSS UK at the same time.

Shopping made ‘smiles’ better There can’t be many people on the planet who haven’t at least heard of Amazon, but what you might not know is how easy they’ve made it to shop AND donate to the Royal Life Saving Society UK, just like you do already with RLSS Direct.

“Signing up to AmazonSmile is an absolute no-brainer; it doesn’t cost me anything and every little bit adds up. It really is such an easy way to raise money and support RLSS UK. “Everyone I know seems to use Amazon and Amazon Smile is exactly the same. I’ve even been asking my family and friends to set it up too.”

Jenna Bennett, RLSS UK’s Fundraising and Events Executive.

What is AmazonSmile?

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support a charity of your choice every time you shop, at no cost to you. AmazonSmile is available at smile.amazon.co.uk on your web browser and can be activated in the Amazon Shopping App for iOS and Android phones. When you shop with AmazonSmile, you’ll find the same great choice and prices, with the added bonus that AmazonSmile will donate a portion of the purchase price to your selected charity.

Sport Benefits Strictly for RLSS UK members only, this site is dedicated to saving you your hard-earned cash.

With household names offering great discounts on everything from grocery shopping to days out, if you’ve missed this site – you’ve already missed out.

Our Benefits Platform has many and varied offers on everything from your weekly shop, clothes and days out, through to adventure holidays.

Offers include Costa, Sports Direct, Pizza Express, Tesco, Halfords, Deliveroo, Uber Eats and even fun days out at Alton Towers.

Activate your Tahdah account, get exploring and start saving!

RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

Yes, you heard that correctly…

AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products, to the RLSS UK. It sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? And you’re thinking, there’s bound to be some sort of convoluted procedure to setting it up…think again.

AmazonSmile talk you through the process, how to select RLSS UK as your chosen charity, answer all your questions and showcase the good they do:

FUNDRAISING

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2) Diversifying the water safety workforce

Grants & Charitable Trusts An update Collaborating with grant-giving organisations remains a priority so RLSS UK can develop the capital to invest in projects that enhance communities, so everyone can enjoy being in, on or near water safely – because every life is worth saving.

We are cautious about our approach to this piece of work; to accumulate we must speculate, but as always, we are being careful with the charity’s money. To help with this effort we are working with an external grant-funding expert who has two decades of experience working with grant giving organisations.

Lee Heard – RLSS UK Charity Director said, “We have big ambitions, some of which are often beyond the financial means of the charity and this unfortunately hampers our progress. Seeking external financial support on a project basis allows us to get closer to our ambitions, including how we better aid members in their pursuit of supporting the charity”.

We have two areas of focus areas when requesting the support of funders, these are areas that we know we must enhance to ensure that we break down the barriers of inequality that currently prevents people, young people especially, from accessing water safety education and training.

1) Education and Young People – funds to support young people from low socio-economic families to access school education and subsidised lifesaving training.

Despite the position of swimming and water safety on the curriculum, in England, pre-covid 19 (2019) 138,000 children (almost one in four) could not swim the statutory 25 metres when they left primary school. We should be cognizant that there are many barriers to participation and the ability to swim 25 metres is affected by both family affluence and location.

Only 42% of children and young people with a low family affluence score can swim 25 metres unaided, compared to 86 per cent of those with a high family affluence score. Only 45% of children and young people going to school in the most deprived areas of the country can swim 25 metres, compared to 76% in the least deprived areas. 95% of black adults and 80% of black children do not swim. Whilst we are unaware of recent statistics for other home nations and Ireland, we do know that this is a problem across the UK and Ireland.

These are staggering inequalities and in order to do our part to address these issues the charity is seeking funds in this area.

In partnership with other water safety partners, most notably the Black Swimming Association, we have an ambitious mission to ensure that opportunities through our charity are open to all. A major tactic to support more diverse communities into aquatic activities is creating community role models and ensuring that the workforce that supports aquatics and water safety is representative.

We are seeking funds in this area to understand how we can better support diverse communities into the workforce and how we can create opportunities for individuals from diverse communities to progress through our pathways and into work.

A big thank you to our recent funders: West Mercia PCC In a partnership with West Mercia PCC a dedicated Water Safety Education Manager has been appointed by RLSS UK. Their aim will be to create a cross-curricular pilot. This will initially be delivered across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin but the hope is it will help shape education nationally.

Commissioner John Campion said: “We need to reduce the devastating impact of water deaths. Education is such a key part of this, and by investing to focus here, we can develop something which has a significant impact on changing behaviours at a very young age, and help to prevent some of the tragic incidents which have had deep impact on our communities and on our emergency services.”

Andy Lane has been recruited as the RLSS UK Water Safety Education Manager and brings a wealth of experience in education. “I am excited to be part of this campaign, helping to develop a greater understanding of the dangers to prevent future tragedies, and ensure everyone can enjoy water safely.”

Ruth Lee Volunteer Heroes Fund We are grateful to Ruth Lee for their contribution of £5000 to support the recovery of Lifesaving Clubs. This fund helped us to ensure that clubs had grants for equipment to help support volunteer training and clubs in hardship were supported with the capital to restart activities after lockdown.

Managing Director at Ruth Lee Ltd, Paul McDonnell said, “We are proud to support the fantastic work carried out by the RLSS UK’s volunteer lifesaving groups through a donation from our Volunteer Heroes fund. Our company values include doing good work wherever we can – and supporting a charity such as the RLSS UK certainly falls under that category!

In our day-to-day business, we are committed to delivering training products which help rescuers train to be the best and we are aware that increased pressure will be placed on lifeguards in the coming months as the public ‘staycation’ instead of travelling abroad. By supporting the RLSS UK’s voluntary network, we hope that even more lives can be saved.”

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MEMBER BENEFITS

Your legacy in lifesaving Make your FREE Will and together, we can help future generations enjoy water safely.

Last year, we were delighted to launch our FREE Will Service to members. One year on, we are delighted to share three of our members’ experience.

Do I really need a Will?

A Will is one of the most important documents you’ll ever write. It’s the only way to make sure that what you have goes to the people and the causes that you care most about. It’s how you decide what happens to your money and possessions.

If you would like to find out more about Legacy including our free Will service, please contact: Email: Post: legacy@rlss.org.uk Gifts in Will Team

RLSS UK

Redhill House

227 London Rd

Worcester. WR5 2JG

Honey Legal:

a strategic partner for long-term planning and peace of mind Always on the front foot when it comes to supporting its members, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is delighted to introduce its new Strategic Partner - Honey Legal.

As one of the largest specialist legal estate planning companies in England and Wales, with in excess of 45,000 customers, Honey boast a wealth of expertise dedicated to helping people secure the most viable way, to protect their family and the family home.

According to consumer review website Trustpilot, Honey is the most trusted estate planning company in the UK, and

RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

has a five-star rating. Conscious of always doing the right thing by their customers, Honey takes their own corporate and social responsibilities very seriously: “So many of our clients are keen to see their money put to good use, both by securing a future for those they leave behind, and often, put to work for those good causes also close to their hearts,” explains Chris Millington, Head of Marketing at Honey Group.

“This altruistic approach is one we practise as an organisation, with a regular portion of our profits given to charitable works.”

Our relationship with RLSS UK came about because, we felt that there is a common purpose between RLSS UK and ourselves, with both organisations offering preventative measures to the public.

MEMBER BENEFITS

With Honey as a Strategic Partner, RLSS UK members benefit from preferential rates with Honey’s expert team.

Members can also be secure in the knowledge that RLSS UK receives a commission on any sales - directly supporting the Charity’s water safety education work.

“Strategic Partners are a proactive means of pooling skills, innovation and insight for mutual gains, in this case, benefitting our members and our charitable works,” explains Robert Gofton, RLSS UK’s Chief Executive Officer.

“We are blessed with committed members, and even in these difficult times, we want to do everything we can to repay them through the benefits we offer. Embracing Honey Legal as a Strategic Partner provides peace of mind for our members and supporters, safe in the knowledge that they are getting the best legal advice to secure the future for their loved ones.”

Based in North Shropshire, Honey’s head office hosts a 90+ strong team but acutely aware of people’s circumstances in the current Covid-19 climate, are fully

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43

equipped to host meetings via Skype, FaceTime and WhatsApp when required.

For more information on Honey Legal and to access RLSS UK preferential rates: Call Michael Waterfall on:

07930 406 920 Email: michael.waterfall@honeylegal.co.uk Visit: www.honeyfriends.co.uk/RLSSUK

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LIFESAVERS

MEMBER BENEFITS

Testimonials Jane Yelland

Antony Coia

Keith Bowden

Honorary RLSS UK Life Member

Secretary Open Water Rescue

1891 Life Fellow

My family have always had an involvement with RLSS UK - largely because of my father’s real love of swimming. He was very involved with RLSS UK and qualified as a trainer and, with my mother, started and ran the Brent and Harrow Lifeguard Club for many years. My younger brother and I spent many hours on the Thames doing lifeguard duty.

I am proud to say I had a bronze medallion and award of merit and worked as a lifeguard to earn money while studying to become a teacher.

My youngest brother also ran Ware Lido for a few years after retiring from his full-time job.

I started working as a lifeguard covering school and college swimming pools, while studying at Langside College Glasgow in 1997. With my passion for lifesaving and pool lifeguarding, I soon went on to become a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) Trainer Assessor (TA) and Lifesaving TA.

Having lived near the sea since the age of three, it was only natural that I could swim by the age of four and my teens involved considerable swimming! I joined the local swimming club, competing in the usual galas at school, town and county levels, as well as playing water polo, and I earned my first Bronze Medallion, in 1971. During three and a half years in the Royal Navy, I competed in numerous swimming and water polo events including Inter-Services competition. Then I spent a summer season working as a lifeguard.

As an honorary RLSS UK Life Member, I contacted Honey Legal after reading about the partnership and subsequent member’s discount in Lifesavers magazine.

Having spoken with Mike, I very quickly realised that there was so much more to consider when writing up my Will. Mike wasn’t pushy at all, he was efficient, very helpful and friendly, and gave me all the information I needed over the phone, which was followed up immediately by email.

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My experience as a lifeguard has held me in good stead in my career at The Scottish Prison Service. Working in a team, assisting the public and being observant are huge parts of being a lifeguard, and these are skills I continue to use in the Prison Service. After over 23 years, I am still a qualified lifeguard and RLSS UK TA. I also teach new recruits and staff in various First Aid qualifications, as well as suicide prevention.

I am currently Secretary, Rescue Officer & Trainer Assessor with Open Water Rescue (OWR), an RLSS UK Lifeguard Unit based in Glasgow - where I volunteer in my spare time. OWR are registered on the Scottish Community Asset Register and, our duties include assisting the blue light services and government organisations with water-based incidents, and missing person searches.

Having been involved in Lifesaving for over 20 years, I have chosen to leave a gift to RLSS UK in my Will to help future generations to enjoy water safely. I feel like I am now in a financially stable position to help others in the future.

I joined the Police Force and moved from Sussex to Devon and Cornwall – again surrounded by water. I continued with swimming and water polo and became involved with Surf Lifesaving and RLSS UK - securing various qualifications in the process.

Over the years, I continued progressing with various awards and I have officiated at numerous Speeds and Championships events - including the Commonwealths. I became the City of Plymouth, Devon and Regional Competition organiser, and I was also the Vice Chair and Chair of the RLSS UK Devon Branch.

Water has played a big role in my life and that is why I have chosen to leave a gift to RLSS UK in my Will so that future generations can also enjoy water safely. It’s an added bonus that I have become one of the first 1891 Life Fellows. I’m delighted – it genuinely has made my day!

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LIFESAVERS

YOUTH

GIVING YOUNG PEOPLE A

KICKSTART

TO THEIR CAREERS!

In March 2021, we became an approved Kickstart employer.

Since then, four staff have been successfully recruited to the organisation, supporting the existing team and providing valuable work experience.

The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements

for 16-24-year-olds who are currently receiving Universal Credit, who are at risk of being long-term unemployed.

The placements are all six months in duration and they are based at the Head Office in Worcester. We are delighted that four placements have already started in the organisation and we would like to extend a warm welcome to;-

Amelia – Membership Assistant Tate – Qualifications and Awards Administrator Declan – Junior Finance Assistant Hadiqa – Customer Service Administrator

A spotlight on

Declan – Junior Finance Assistant Declan joined the team as a Junior Finance Assistant in May and commented: I felt extremely fortunate to be working for the RLSS. I love to row, and my first-hand experiences of water safety makes me really passionate about working for the charity, I’m currently looking to build a career in Finance, so when I was shown this opportunity, I was very eager to get on board!

My job varies day to day. As Finance Assistant, it is my responsibility to work within my team to solve problems and process company transactions. I enjoy my work and I am very grateful to Kickstart for allowing this to happen! My experience at RLSS UK so far has been wonderful. Everyone is friendly, and professional – which has given me some invaluable work experience! The office is clean and modern and, RLSS UK was a perfect choice for me. I just wish I had seen the opportunity sooner!

A spotlight on

Tate – Qualifications & Awards Administrator Tate joined RLSS UK as Qualifications and Awards Administrator in July and commented: I really enjoy working at The Royal Life Saving Society – there is always someone to ask, support and offer guidance if I need to. Since I’ve been here, I’ve learnt a lot about the system, how to process different qualifications and, although there is a lot to take in initially, the system is really all quite straightforward and I’m confident that I know my way round now. I enjoy what I do and it really is good fun. Everyone is just so helpful and just gets on with things. On a personal level, I live locally in Worcester, enjoy watching sports and I support Manchester United.

For more information on the Kickstart Scheme go to: www.gov.uk/government/news/kickstartscheme-opens-for-employer-applications

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YOUTH

Youth Leadership Team update,

by James Cossons

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Around the time of the Euro’s (which I’m still upset about!), the YLT identified a need to push our Don’t Drink & Drown messaging as football fans pack out pubs to watch the competition. Alex Phillips, Bhavik Barochia, Alice Bombroff, Kelsea Murray and Eamon Doherty distributed hundreds of leaflets, beer and bar mats to approximately 20 pubs. This was a great demonstration that our campaigns don’t always have to be run at certain times and resources are available all year round to deliver the water safety message.

Kelsea, Alice and Bhavik have been busy working hard with the Task and Finish group. Kelsea and Alice attended the facilitated session on 25th September to provide a Youth voice in to the group.

Meanwhile, Bhavik has also been working with his branch, Thames Valley and, Jenn Devine and Ellie Prail of Surrey Branch have attended various events, of which I had the pleasure of attending one. The event was a multi-agency event to share the water safety message around Virginia Lake, Windsor. They were providing throw bag training, CPR training and helping to spread the water safety message alongside the other agencies. A simple yet effective way of raising our profile and gaining interest in our activities.

Also Alice and Bhavik provided quotations for our club volunteer drive which went out over the Society’s social media pages.

Andrea, Laurence and I have been working with Ben Barker, BULSCA Chair to see how we can work together in a more effective way. At the time of writing this, I’m just preparing to take part in their 4X25 fundraiser. Based on one of their competition events, it’s asking members to complete 25 minutes of something each day, for four days. These range from riding your bike for 25 minutes, doing 25 push ups (which I certainly won’t be doing) or even just donating £25 to RLSS UK. Please do follow their hashtag for some inspiration and to get involved!

As we come out of lockdown and hopefully look forward post the pandemic, I thought it would be a great time to update our members on the work of our Youth Leadership Team (YLT).

I’ve been continuing to input at board where appropriate as the Society looks to strive forward in achieving our strategic objectives. I also made my second media appearance, this time for Drowning Prevention Week and worked with xrhythms who specialise in providing safety messages for young people.

Lastly, after nearly two years apart, the YLT will be getting back together in Worcester! We’ll be working on our plans for our final years in office and analysing what’s worked and what we can improve on for the future.

Examples of the ”Don’t Drink & Drown“ messaging

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48

LIFESAVERS

RESCUES

Everyday Her es: Rescue round-up Pools being shut through much of the last year saw no less demand for lifeguarding and lifesaving skills, up and down the country.

We’ve all seen and read about those people, the strangers, the passers-by, who’ve stepped in to help another person in trouble, in the water, they make it easy to overlook the incidents and accidents that happen in leisure venues, in favour of the person who “jumped” or “dived” “heroically” into the unknown.

RLSS UK’s ‘everyday heroes’ is an ongoing theme across multiple platforms, that seeks to laud lifeguards and lifesavers who, through training, common sense, instinct or guidance, affect a successful rescue, with no risk to their own life, or that of others.

August 2021: Abersoch Beach, North Wales As children of fire fighter dad Matt and keen paddleboarders, you’d perhaps expect Jessica (15-years-old) and Alfie (11-years-old) to have a keen understanding of water safety and indeed, it proved to be the case one Thursday afternoon.

Already aware of a strong current that day, Jessica and Alfie were suddenly alerted to a fellow paddleboarder who, having flipped the board, found herself in the water with two young children and no buoyancy aid to hand. Finding themselves unable to stand, it was clear that they needed help.

Between them, Alfie and Jessica brought a child each to their board and, with mum holding on behind, all five of them made it safely to shore. On standby to head out and help Jessica and Alfie, dad Matt was delighted to see their hard work and common sense win the day.

July 2021: Dollan Aqua Centre, East Kilbride It was amongst the spectators that the drama unfolded one Friday afternoon, as lifeguards Aaron Brown and Daniel Kane raced over in response to the alarm raised

by Christie McSkimming, when someone collapsed.

As Duty Manager Scott Davidson proceeded to co-ordinate the emergency response, supported by Brian Sayer, Aaron and Daniel were quick to recognise the need for CPR. As testament to the rapid, efficient response from the team that day, the person went onto recover, even before the on-site AED had arrived.

May 2021: Clare Tellam, Surrey RLSS UK TA Clare Tellam, has been a long-standing member of RLSS UK, having run the NRASTC course for over 32 years!

But if her recent communication with the Society is anything to go by, her love of training and assessing water safety, lifeguarding and lifesaving skills, remains undiminished.

Having initially got in touch with a query about online training, Clare revealed that, that very day, her dedication had paid off again.

“ It was one of the most stressful days I have ever had,” said Clare, “ but a great outcome.”

Having finished NRASTC training for the day, she headed off to a friend’s house for a well-deserved dinner. On arrival, she noticed a group of people stood round an elderly gentleman on the floor, establishing that an ambulance was being called for, Clare’s instinct and training kicked when she noticed he was having agonal gasps, which by-standers had mistaken for irregular breathing, and she immediately started CPR. After a number of rounds of compressions and two shocks from the attending emergency services’ AED, the gentleman came round and began breathing on his own.

Not to rest on her laurels, Clare was then called into action to direct traffic, drawing on her training as a Special Police Officer with the Met.

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RESCUES

LIFESAVERS

49

October 2020: River Foyle, Northern Ireland Fully trained and aware of the risks, the emergency services go above and beyond as part of their jobs. Sebrina Anderson, a paramedic with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and former lifeguard, is no different.

Having been called by a passer-by, who spotted a woman in the freezing waters of the River Foyle that October night, Sebrina quickly assessed that the woman would not be able to keep hold of the life ring for much longer, due to the icy conditions.

Sebrina wasted no time in entering the water, guided by her colleague, to keep the woman afloat for as long as she could. Gratefully handing the woman into the care of Foyle Search & Rescue and local fire service teams, both Sebrina and the woman were subsequently taken to hospital to be treated for hypothermia.

Royal Life Saving Society UK Awards Young Hero Widely reported by national and regional media* at the time; Frank was quickest to react when he spotted a young girl in trouble in the hotel pool, on a last-minute family holiday in October half-term.

RLSS UK’s ‘Young Person’s Certificate of Commendation’ is awarded to those people under 18, who exemplify the quick-thinking and courage it takes to take action, and save a life.

“Frank was only nine-years-old when he saved this little girl’s life, that’s something that will stay with him and with her, for the rest of their lives,” explains Lee Heard, RLSS UK’s Director of Charity.

“For such a young person to spot the incident, then have the confidence and courage to help the girl and immediately call for help, deserves huge praise.

Following the heroic lifesaving actions of young Frank Emsley, after a pool incident on holiday last October, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has awarded him their ‘Young Person’s Certificate of Commendation’.

“RLSS UK believes that you’re never too young or too old to learn lifesaving skills and, in doing so, you become an everyday hero - ready to respond whenever and wherever an emergency situation occurs.

“It was an honour and a delight to meet Frank when we did our video call presentation, he’s a credit to his family and his community.”

Mum, Sarah, has confirmed the certificate will form part of a scrapbook she’s compiling for Frank, to commemorate the richly-deserved praise he has received, for his actions.

March 2021: Gradley Dawson, Reading Gradley was out walking his dog in March this year, when he heard a splash and realised a young woman was in trouble in the water. Gradley was awarded the RLSS UK ‘Certificate of Commendation’ and credits his former RLSS UK training, with having the knowledge and confidence that saved the girls life.

Gradley talks about his experience in this video Read more about Gradley’s heroics: www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/ thames-reading-woman-rescue-hero-20188161

HELP US LAUD THE LIFESAVERS! Share your stories: www.rlss.org.uk/rlss-uk-report-a-rescue

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50

LIFESAVERS

LIFESAVING CLUBS

Grass Roots Development It goes without saying that the past year has been hugely challenging for all Lifesaving Clubs. Firstly complete shutdown, and then when opened reduced access to facilities together with the struggles for volunteers has impacted on the Lifesaving family hugely.

To help clubs return to action, the RLSS UK initiated a number of initiatives; Initially a club survey to help give a voice and gauge where clubs felt they stood in relation to the recovery from the shutdown and what actions or help they needed.

From this a programme of Online Training is being rolled out over September - December A Volunteer recruitment programme A Club promotion programme Series of TahDah Helpdesk Days to help clubs improve their understanding of the Basic principles of TahDah A huge thank you to the 100+ clubs who took the time to complete the survey, it has given a real idea of the challenges that clubs are currently facing, and will continue to do so for the coming months.

Because of the responses in the Club Survey we have used our social media accounts to actively recruit volunteers for our clubs and also increased prominence on our website carousel banner – to showcase a number of our volunteers and the varying reasons why they do their wonderful work.

‘Volunteer in Lifesaving Week’ campaign We issued a Press Release to both National and local media - leading with the following headline - National lifesaving charity warns that a lack of volunteers will result in more drownings. Our partnership with Bauer media generated some fantastic coverage and many thanks to Rob Jones, Steve Carter, David Fielding and Lee Heard for agreeing to be our RLSS UK radio spokespeople.

Bauer Media stations include the Hits Radio Network, the Greatest Hits Radio network, Kiss, Magic and Absolute Radio and they have 18m+ listeners each week.

Some excellent coverage was secured over a number of radio stations including TFM Teeside, Magic Tyne and Wear, Rock FM Preston, Greatest Hits Manchester, City Talk FM, Swansea Sound, BBC Sussex and Gem 106. New volunteers have already come forward as part of this campaign and these have been forwarded to the respective clubs.

RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

Tahdah Help Sessions ‘Great TahDah session with Laurence on Friday. Thank you.’

In August, 3 days were set aside for Basic TahDah help desk sessions for clubs, with 28 clubs taking up the offer.

At the heart of the campaign was the aim to raise the profile of clubs will be Club Finder. Making clubs visible to people searching for a new club is seen as a vital tool to getting new members, but this relies on clubs ensuring their Public facing profile shows the great work that they do.

We want to help clubs to promote themselves in the RLSS UK TahDah system, so keeping their details updated will certainly help us help them, and enable Clubs to fully benefit from our campaigns. In the recent basic TahDah help sessions, at least 50% of clubs still had their account set to OFF which unfortunately resulted in the club not being found through Club Finder. The message here is don’t miss out on all the opportunities to gain both new members and volunteers.

information or support and, your Top 5 responses were as follows – 1. Recruitment & retention of participants

71.79%

2. Developing our online presence/usage of social media

42.31%

3. Developing a wider range 39.74% of awards offered 4. Developing a wider age range of participants

35.90%

5. Sport Competition - participating in/hosting

35.90%

To this end, we have arranged for the some FREE online training courses which included Developing a Marketing Strategy (2), Volunteer Experience (1) Participant Experience (1+4+6) and Engaging your Community (1) These courses are FREE to book on for RLSS UK clubs and individuals in England (Sport England Funded).

We are currently working with Sport Scotland, Sport Wales, Northern Ireland Sport and Sport Ireland to deliver similar for clubs in those countries.

In the Club Survey, we asked about which areas club would like more

‘Get Involved in Lifesaving Week’ campaign In early September we promoted the benefits of getting involved in Lifesaving with the ‘Thanks to my lifesaving club…’ campaign and, once again, we extensively used our social media platforms to actively promote our lifesaving clubs. Additionally we promoted this campaign on our website carousel banner and replaced our ‘Donate’ button with ‘Club Finder’ to increase its’ prominence on our website.

All the resources used in the campaigns are available for clubs to use and share.

We’ve popped them in your individual member resource tab (if you are assigned admin roles in tahdah) and we’ve added them to the website for the campaign week.

‘The Future’ The new year aim is to grow the number of Clubs in the country, and allied Sport Event programme.

Alongside this work, we will be putting in place a plan to develop clubs on a County by County basis, looking for supportive local partners to help facilitate this growth.

UNIVERSITY LIFESAVING

LIFESAVERS

51

British Universities Lifesaving Club’s Association (BULSCA) Following the AGM at the end of June 2021, the BULSCA Committee sees the return of Ben Barker as Chair and Emma Smith as Treasurer. Adam Lane also returns, however now as Secretary, after handing the Communications position to Emily Childs. Dylan Nicol comes in as Club Recruitment and Theo Levison occupies the Data Manager role. The BULSCA Judges Panel is also returned to full strength with Jamie Roberts, Tom Winter and Bobby Anderson, all eager to get competitions back on track. All are contactable via their BULSCA emails which can be found on our website.

Despite the mixture of old and new faces at the helm, all are keen to build on the foundations built over the past year, and importantly maintain the momentum to ensure this year is even more successful. Learning from prior mistakes, a better refined list of aims was released to set the framework by which the committee will focus their efforts. The most prominent is the planned overhaul of the website to make it look sleek, professional, and most importantly functional. From here our governance can be centralised, communication and transparency can be further improved, and our support offered to our members, clubs, and partner organisations developed.

Our relationship with the Royal Life Saving Society has also continued to strengthen. An example is that the BULSCA Chair now has a voice on the newly reformed Sport Action Group and attends regular meetings with a range of recognisable faces. Additionally, both organisations have pledged continuing support with upcoming campaigns, such as when our Club Recruitment Officer took part in the 48-hour CPR Challenge. We once again championed our 4x25 Challenge, however this time we encouraged participants to maintain focus on raising awareness around Water Safety, Drowning Prevention, and Lifesaving as a sport.

As a reminder, this challenge sees participants complete 25 of an activity, 4 days in a row: with activities ranging from 25 minutes teaching first aid, looking for 25 potential hazards around the beach, or donating £25 to the RLSS.

An often-highlighted issue with university sports clubs is the rapid rate of membership turnover and the subsequent difficulties this can cause. The pandemic has heightened this with many of our more knowledgeable members graduating, leaving the university lifesaving sphere. Unlike community clubs, challenges relating to funding pool session times are rare, and so our biggest task is often in retaining knowledge. For instance, this year, many of those on BULSCA club committees have never attended a BULSCA competition or event, with some now expected to organise one.

Yet, collaboration is at an all-time high, and our competition calendar looks more promising than ever. BULSCA Champs 2022 was recently announced and the entries for our first BULSCA League competition in Bristol have opened. It is our hope that members of the RLSS may attend any of our upcoming events and help us develop further. In doing so, our members would gain a better understanding of the opportunities in the wider community, so that after they graduate, lifesaving can remain a part of their daily lives.

To stay up to date with everything we are doing, from competitions to charity initiatives, follow us on our social media (Facebook @BULSCA, Twitter - @BULSCA, Instagram - @bulsca). If you have any general queries, contact us via one of these platforms or via email - chair@bulsca.co.uk.

Finally, if you’re a young lifesaver attending a university where there isn’t yet a club, get in touch and we’ll support you in getting set up, including waiving the BULSCA membership fee for the first year.

The 2021/22 BULSCA Committee

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LIFESAVERS

FEATURE

The

Merthyr Mermaid is set to take on the Sponge to Plunge Challenge!!

Cath Pendleton, known as The Merthyr Mermaid is an open water and ice swimmer from Wales. A Guinness World Record Holder for the Most Southerly Ice Swim (female), she achieved this record for becoming the first person in the world to swim an ice mile inside the Antarctic Polar circle on 22 February 2020.

Her story was captured by BBC Wales for a documentary about ordinary people achieving extraordinary things, titled “The Merthyr Mermaid” and was aired on 14 December 2020 on BBC Wales and then again on BBC One as part of the “Our Lives” series and still available to watch on BBC iPlayer at BBC - Our Lives, Series 5, The Merthyr Mermaid

A single mum of two gorgeous girls, Cath has said that exercise has always helped her to manage her mental health and ice/winter swimming has become her absolute favourite.

Adventurous and sporty since a young child, she feels lucky that she grew up in the 70s before gaming and social media etc as the only way to keep busy was to get outside with your friends. She has always swam since about the age of 4yrs, growing up in a small village called Sennybridge where the local school had a swimming pool attached to it. So all the children in the village swam after school and at the weekends. She joined the swimming club and also completed the RLSS Bronze, Silver and Gold Medallion. She fondly remembers swimming in the river during the Easter and Summer holidays with her 4 sisters and friends most days and building rafts ready for the local raft race that took place in July as part of the local carnival.

Cath rediscovered her love of open water swimming in 2013 whilst doing triathlons and also started to do some open water swimming events (all wetsuit events). Unfortunately, at the end of the triathlon season in August 2015 she had hurt her back and knew that running and cycling would not be possible for a while and wanted to keep swimming outdoors and coincidently saw an advertisement in the H2Open magazine (the previous name of Outdoor Swimmer) for a winter swimming gala in Lake Windermere in Feb 2016 and the swimmers would only be allowed to swim in a standard bathers, hat and goggles. Her initial thoughts were who would be crazy enough to do that and was instantly drawn to the challenge and started swimming without her wetsuit in September 2015 and has been addicted to winter/ice swimming since. In the winter she goes swimming 4-5 times a week, would go everyday if she could and she refers to it as her “Reset Button”.

RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

FEATURE

She has done many longer distance open water swims since rediscovering the love of open water and they include 5k, 10k, One Way Windermere, English Channel as part of a 4 person relay in July 2018 and then went on to fulfil her childhood dream of a Solo English channel swim in October 2018. In March 2019 she was selected to represent Great Britain at the World Ice Swimming Championships in Murmansk, Russia, where she won bronze in her age category for 1km.

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Always up for an adventure / new challenges Cath enjoys inspiring others to give new things a try. She’s passionate about encouraging participation in sport, particularly open water swimming. She really wants to be a great role model for all those that are anxious about dipping their toes in!

She’s often heard saying “To make me happy, just add cold water!” You can read some of her top tips here Get Outside Day (zoggs.com) She is keen to share safety messages and the importance of getting good advice before starting winter swimming. Just recently she shared the RLSS UK Sponge to Plunge message on how to acclimatise safely, during an interview on ITV This Morning with Ruth and Eamonn and challenged them both to take on the challenge as she will too ready for this winter.

She says it was the most bizarre interview she has done as ITV had asked if she would be OK to do the interview from the freezer in her ice palace!!! Freezer? Ice Palace?…… as part of her training for Antarctic she bought a chest freezer for £50 and then built an elaborate ice palace to house it (garden shed complete with chandeliers!) when she was not able to swim she would use the chest freezer filled with ice water at 0oc to help with acclimatisation but she says she really did not like it and it was a real mental game to train in her Ice Palace.

Although she loves swimming in the ice she cannot stand a cold shower or walking in the cold aisle of the supermarket even. However, during the interview in which she was sat in her freezer in ice water wearing just her favourite Zoggs swimming Cossie and a matching Charlie McLeod Bobble Hat she made a promise that if Eamonn and Ruth give the Sponge to Plunge challenge a go then she will too!! If this has inspired you to do your own Sponge to Plunge Challenge – please contact the fundraising team.

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LIFESAVERS

FUNDED TRAINING

MORE FUNDED

TRAINING

SECURED TO MAKE LIFEGUARD COURSES MORE ACCESSIBLE As an official partner of Active Apprentice’s Sector Skills Academies for Sport project, we are delighted that additional funding is available to give learners the chance to receive funded training. The funded training, available from September 2021 to July 2022, is part of the Adult Education Budget (AEB) delivered by Vision West Nottinghamshire College.

The Sector Skills Academies project will offer further support to learners who want to enter the Sport and Physical Activity Sector. It provides an opportunity to study courses that the industry values; provides learners with access to knowledge and skills for critical industry roles - such as Beach Lifeguarding, Pool Lifeguarding, Pool Supervision, Pool Management and Training; and potentially gain sustainable employment.

The Sector Skills Academy for Sport works by offering learners the chance to receive funded training as part of the Adult Education Budget (AEB) delivered by Vision West Nottinghamshire College partnered with Active Apprentice.

Learners are taught in online and face to face courses, providing all the required knowledge and skills needed to pass an assessment within their chosen discipline.

An assessment* is only taken postcourse if the learner decides to pursue the career opportunity further. Funding allocation is calculated based on individual circumstances.

The following training courses can be accessed using this funding: Introduction to Swimming Pool Lifeguard Introduction to Beach Lifeguard

Funded training is available to all candidates in England that meet the eligibility criteria, and funding will cover the cost of training. Candidates must:

Introduction to RLSS UK Trainer Assessor - NPLQ

Be aged 19 or over on the 31 August 2021

Introduction to RLSS UK Trainer Assessor - NVBLQ

Be a UK or EU (European Union) citizen for three or more years and have the right to abode in the UK

Introduction to Swimming Pool Management

“ This additional funding is fantastic for the industry and will help remove economic barriers preventing people from becoming lifeguards and lifesavers. Developing opportunities to embrace inclusivity and provide affordable access for everyone, which can unlock their potential, is one of RLSS UK’s key drivers.”

Jo Talbot, Director, RLSS UK

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To apply:

Live in England Not be in full-time education.

If candidates meet the above criteria and the funding is awarded, candidates are required to pay a £50 enrolment and administration fee.

There is also an assessment fee if certification is needed (by the employer or candidate).

- To confirm eligibility, candidates need to input their information into an online link where the College will assess eligibility for funding. https://csl.picsweb.co.uk/app/ Guest/SignUp/Applicant/40188fc15 ef94c8d8d01e34e6bba6406

COMMONWEALTH

LIFESAVERS

55

RLSS: Commonwealth

Update Celebrating

70 years

of the

Mountbatten

Medal

2021 is the 70th Anniversary of the Mountbatten Medal and to mark this occasion we will be publishing a booklet celebrating the medal, it’s history and the recipients. We were thrilled to be able to chat with the very first recipient of the medal from 1951, Robert Wardle about his recollections and the impact his rescue had.

The Mountbatten Medal is awarded for a rescue that has taken place in the previous calendar year. We are pleased to announce that the Mountbatten Medal for 2020 has been awarded to Conor Power from the Republic of Ireland. On 11th November 2020, 17 year old Conor Power was at the Northern end of Greystones South Beach, County Wicklow, Ireland, training for the practical element of his Physical Education Leaving Certificate exam. A quick inspection showed that conditions were too severe (gusty winds, strong current to the north and large waves breaking onto the shore) and the training session was cancelled. A little later, around 3pm, Conor, who holds several RLSS Awards including Survive and Save Bronze (Open Water) was on his way home with a colleague when he became aware of a lady being moved towards the rocks by the sea. A bystander told him she had not been making progress for more than 15 mins. She was being carried toward the rocks by the sea. Conor asked the bystander to contact the emergency services. In the meantime, he got a ring buoy and gave it, with instruction on its use, to his colleague should Conor have to enter the water.

Conor then ran some 200 metres to get another ring buoy for use in a rescue, if needed.

As the casualty’s situation was not improving Conor decided it necessary to attempt a rescue, so he stripped to his underwear and taking the ring buoy, swam the approximate 200 metres distance to the lady. He gave her the buoy and retaining the rope attempted to tow her clear of the dangerous rocks. After much effort he got her clear of the immediate danger of the rocks but the effort, cold water, the wind, and waves effected his strength, and left him exposed to excessive risk. He instructed the lady to not to let go of the ring buoy under any circumstance, and that help was on its way. He returned to shore, where initially he was placed in a Garda car and subsequently in an ambulance to warm up and oxygen was administered as his oxygen levels were low due to the effort. Subsequently he was brought to St Vincent’s Hospital A&E where he was observed for around 3 hours prior to release.

The casualty was recovered from the sea by Rescue 116, the local Search and Rescue helicopter (SAR), and was also evacuated to hospital where she is understood to have made a full recovery.

A Mountbatten Medal Letter of Commendation has also been awarded to Andrew Hands-Davis from the United Kingdom who on 27th June 2020, rescued a young girl from the sea at Mayflower Park in Southampton.

Don’t forget, if you hear of a rescue that is worthy of a nomination for either the Mountbatten or Russell Medal, please ensure a nomination is made via your RLSS Member Branch. Full details can be found on our website https://www.rlsscommonwealth.org/rlss-awards

RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

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LIFESAVERS

COMMONWEALTH

48CPR HOUR

CHALLENGE

In 2020 RLSS UK launched our first ever non-stop CPR Challenge. Over 26-hours, 104 people completed a ten-minute, compression only, CPR slot, all from their own homes. Individuals used manikins, pillows and even teddy bears to take part in the physically demanding and fun exercise that connected our communities across the UK and Ireland.

This year we went even bigger, connecting RLSS UK with 10 fellow RLSS Member Branches around the Commonwealth on #WorldHeartDay Wednesday 29 September 2021 for an epic 48-Hour CPR marathon. This challenge focused on raising the profile of the importance of community lifesaving and good heart health.

Participating countries included Australia, Botswana, Cameroon, Cayman Islands, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Sierra Leone, Singapore and South Africa.

Participants young and old showcased their best CPR in this epic and accessible challenge.

Every country across the commonwealth has its unique set of challenges in their pursuit of preventing drowning and increasing community water safety and CPR knowledge. One thing for sure is that we are all united by our desire to find ways to communicate the importance of our training and messages to a wide audience. The 48-hour CPR Challenge was a positive example of a joint effort that could be tailored to an individual country to increase participation and raise the profile of our vital training.

RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

Participating Countries AUSTRALIA

Just some of the highlights included: India created some incredible community led social media videos; Australia had Olympic medallists and their mascot Lachie the Lifeguard; and former Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallist Sharron Davies, MBE, and British sailor Denise Caffari, MBE, completed CPR slots in the UK.

CAMEROON

It is our focus to make this a major event in the calendar of commonwealth countries across the globe, as we aim to build on the number of countries and participants year on year.

SINGAPORE

We want to wish a huge thank you to our 30 UK participants for their incredible efforts in the 48-hour CPR Challenge for #WorldHeartDay. Thank you for showcasing the importance of CPR training, RLSS UK and for helping raise vital funds for school education.

CPR

INDIA MALAYSIA

UNITED KINGDOM BOTSWANA CAYMAN ISLANDS KENYA SIERRA LEONE SOUTH AFRICA

COMMONWEALTH

LIFESAVERS

57

THE QUEEN SHARES MEMORIES OF ACHIEVING HER OWN LIFE SAVING AWARD

Her Majesty The Queen, Patron, has shared memories of achieving her own lifesaving qualification as a young girl during a video call with the Royal Life Saving Society. The Society works across 30 Commonwealth nations with the aim of eliminating preventable death by drowning, promoting water safety, and delivering lifesaving and lifeguarding education.

Drowning remains one of the biggest causes of preventable death in the world today, with an estimated 235,000 deaths every year, of which 90% occur in low and middle income countries.

80 years ago, as Princess Elizabeth, The Queen became the first young person in the Commonwealth to achieve the Society’s Junior Respiration Award, providing an example to young people and helping to establish lifesaving and resuscitation qualifications across the network of nations.

The Queen recalled her memories of receiving the Award in 1941, telling the call participants:

“I didn’t realise I was the first one - I just did it, and had to work very hard for it!”

“It was a great achievement and I was very proud to wear the badge on the front of my

swimming suit. It was very grand, I thought.”

Prevention Plan. On presenting the Cup to Dr Beerman, Her Majesty said:

Her Majesty was hosted on the video call by Clive Holland, Deputy President of the Royal Life Saving Society, and joined by Dr Stephen Beerman in Nanaimo, Canada, recipient of the Society’s 2020 King Edward VII Cup, as well as lifesavers Tanner Gorille from Cape Town, South Africa, and Sarah Downs from Exeter, UK.

“I’m very delighted to be able to present you with this Cup, a very large cup, which one day you might see if you come to London.”

The video call was also an opportunity for Her Majesty to virtually present Dr Stephen Beerman with the King Edward VII Cup, awarded every two years in recognition of outstanding contributions to drowning prevention.

The Queen congratulated Dr Beerman for over 40 years of work to draw attention to drowning as a major public health issue, from undertaking research on the ground in the hardest hit countries, to implementing Canada’s first Drowning

The Queen’s virtual engagement with the Royal Life Saving Society came as the United Nations adopted a historic Resolution on Drowning Prevention, representing the formal acknowledgement of drowning as one of the biggest causes of preventable death in the world today.

The resolution included a historic adoption of World Drowning Prevention Day, a recurring campaign on 25 July each year.

For more on the resolution and World Drowning Prevention Day https://www.who.int/campaigns/ world-drowning-preventionday/2021

BRITISH DIPLOMAT AWARDED FOR HEROICS Whilst serving as consul-general in Chongqing in China, Mr. Ellison hit headline news in November 2020, after footage of him bringing the unconscious woman to the riverbank, went viral.

Out walking that morning, Mr. Ellison noticed the woman struggling in a fast-moving current, after falling into deep water. A seasoned open water swimmer through his participation in triathlons, Mr. Ellison wasted no time in getting into the water and bringing her to safety.

RLSS UK’s ‘Certificate of Recognition’ celebrates members of the public who successfully rescue someone from the water, and our CEO, Robert Gofton and UK President Mark Smith were delighted to award this to Mr. Ellison. Robert explained “Mr. Ellison’s selfless actions saved that lady’s life, and it is a testament to his courage and water safety knowledge that they both survived

the ordeal. I was delighted to be joined

by RLSS UK President Mark Smith, to award Mr. Ellison the certificate via a video call, and I look forward to the chance to meet him face-to-face, one day in the future.”

“It’s often the case with a situation like this, that everyone was taken by surprise by the sudden turn of events.”

said Mr. Ellison. “As someone who takes part in triathlons, I felt confident that I could safely reach the lady in the water and help.

“I was just over-the-moon that she recovered consciousness and required no further treatment. It’s a wonderful surprise and an honour to be recognised by the Royal Life Saving Society UK.” RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

58

LIFESAVERS

CHARITY

Charity

Impact Main Achievements

We would like to thank you once again for your incredible support during 2020 which helped the UK and Irish public enjoy waters safely – and also helped RLSS UK navigate a particularly difficult year.

Our main priority last year was to support pools so that they could reopen – enabling our lifeguards and lifesavers to get back to helping everyone enjoy their activities, in and around water. Here are just a few of the things that we have been able to achieve with your help:

A couple of expanded highlights for you: 244,345 online learning modules were delivered Our agility ignited a quick response when the UK and Ireland entered lockdown and saw us produce a suite of online learning opportunities for Trainers and candidates to access information and keep their skills up to date. Introducing remote online learning and flexibility around assessments, aided the delivery of training and allowed activity to continue and recover quickly.

Despite the challenges of delivering face-to-face qualifications and awards 57,759 qualifications were still delivered in 2020.

As part of our 2020 - 2025 strategic framework we desire to continue with our visionary course development, excelling in the development of internationally recognised education and training opportunities, to enhance the ability of everyone to save lives.

We increased our digital reach COVID-19 accelerated digital usage, with more than 70 per cent of us increasing our social media consumption during the pandemic.

We delivered a strategy that increased our digital output, to help support members and customers whilst in lockdown. Central to our output was providing opportunity for members to maintain their physical and mental health, so they were ‘Ready for Action’.

Our total outgoing messages increased by........................................................ 73.6% Our impressions increased by................................................................................ 35.5% Our engagements increased by............................................................................ 55.6% Our audience increased by......................................................................................... 17% We are committed to continue to find ways to communicate with members and customers in a way that it is preferrable to them. In addition, we know our approach in 2020 helped continue to educate the public and support members.

Thank you once again to all of our incredible members You can download the full 2020 Charity Impact Report here https://www.rlss. org.uk/plans-andperformance

RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

EVENTS

LIFESAVERS

59

We are back

NationaL Competitive Lifesaving Sport returns to the water

DID YOU KNOW One of RLSS UKs strategic foundations is to be environmentally responsible.

At a competition we would normally print 3683 pages, this year we reduced our printing by 61% - only printing 1426 pages.

As Lifesaving Sport 2020 marked the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was a long wait to get back in the pool competing again, but 16th October 2021 marked the return of Lifesaving Sport with our Lifesaving Challenge 2021 in Leeds, and what a weekend it was. “WE ARE BACK” was the phrase uttered by so many.

This year was a fun twist on what we are used to as we thought hard about events that would encourage Speed and Lifesaving Championship athletes to compete, as well as balancing the need to protect athletes, spectators and volunteers of any risk associated with COVID-19.

What a celebration. I have never known an event filled with so much joy. We were all so pleased just to be there, and to be there together. Old friends were joined by new faces, tales were told and medals were won. Our Lifesaving Family was back together again!

We welcomed new family members, cheered our teammates and applauded the winners. Every single competitor had a smile on their face, as they were so happy to smell the chlorine, hear the roar of a crowd and just be together. And it wasn’t just our competitors; our officials, referees, equipment team, recorders and competitor liaison were all delighted to be back. Not to mention the countless volunteers that we couldn’t compete without.

Old jokes were re-told, personal bests were achieved, and some very impressive racing took place. It was a pleasure to see established clubs taking new clubs under their wings and competitors being mentored and all the while our army of volunteers made it all possible.

Congratulations are in order to Donna Wickens for breaking European Records, as well as to RLSS Boscombe for taking part in their first ever national lifesaving sport event.

I think we took so much for granted “before” Covid-19, but no longer, and it resulted in one of my favourite competitions ever. Reuniting with old friends and making new ones. Pure joy.

Thank you, Lifesaving Family, let’s do it all over again at RLSS UK National Speed in March 2022.

See you in Sheffield.

Well done to Donna Donna Wickens of Crawley Town broke the European Female Masters Record in the 50m Manikin Carry with a time of 00’49”31 and the European Female Masters Record in the 110m Obstacle Swim with an incredible time of 01’22”57.

Old jokes were re-told, personal

RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

Free £10 Water Babies Voucher

BUY A RLSS UK Baby and Infant Membership THIS CHRISTMAS

Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of the water. A safe and secure relationship with the water starts as early as possible and enables a whole world of opportunities.

Our Baby and Infant Membership provides a blend of learning and experiences that will enhance a child’s water safety journey, preparing them for a movement into our practical water safety lessons as they grow and develop.

Visit www.rlss.org.uk/baby-and-infant to secure their membership now.

For just £10 a year, your little bundle of joy will receive: •

A welcome gift, including £10 Water Babies voucher to spend on products and our unique pack of milestone cards

•

Ongoing, technically researched water safety and infant CPR advice, guidance and tips

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Vouchers and offers to support their development and swimming journey

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Annual water safety activity pack

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Access to a free, annual online baby and infant CPR lesson

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Bi-annual E-Magazine