RLSS.ORG.UK | @RLSSUK
ISSUE 113 | AUTUMN/WINTER LIFESAVERS2020
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HONOURS 2020
Caring through COVID-19
Your GIFT WILL HELP FUTURE GENERATIONS ENJOY WATER SAFELY
WE CELEBRATE THE PASSION AND HARD WORK OF ALL OUR AWARD RECIPIENTS
Our extensive support through lockdown and beyond RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2020
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LIFESAVERS
Deals Extended
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RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2020
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EDITOR’S COLUMN
LIFESAVERS
EDITOR’S COLUMN WITH
“Challenging” “Unprecedented” Difficult” “Uncertain”
Claire Huggins
Marketing Communications Manager Just some of the terms we’ve come to hear so often these days, as COVID-19 (C19) still takes its toll on our everyday life. As Editor it is my hope that, just as in the spring, our autumn/ winter edition of ‘Lifesavers’ magazine isn’t dominated by pessimism and over-caution in its coverage of the last few months, quite the opposite in fact. RLSS UK has much to celebrate: we’re still here, and we’re still going strong. Friday 11 September saw CEO Robert Gofton and President Mark Smith host an in-depth exploration and discussion webinar on the launch of our new Strategic Framework (page 18), whilst pages 12-13 give a detailed overview of the extensive support RLSS UK continues to provide operators, venues, Trainers, Assessors, lifeguards and members, throughout the C19 pandemic. With lifeguards being the lifeblood of the Society, we take a look at some exceptional lifeguards busting the myths surrounding the role, delving a bit deeper into the lifeguard membership package, which presents great value for money and who doesn’t love a bargain (page 27). Page 20 introduces our brand new ‘Legacy’ offering, giving you the opportunity to register for our free Will service, your lifesaving legacy for future generations of water safety. This edition includes the usual suspects as we round up this year’s Drowning Prevention Week (page 43), we take a look at where RLSS UK has been featured in the media (page 15), we introduce you to our new partners (pages 24-25) and set our sights on 2021’s calendar of lifesaving sport (page 28). New kids on the block for this autumn edition are: the ‘Lifesaver-Lifechanger’ water safety toolkit review and the fantastic uptake of that (page 42), you can read all about our brand new Christmas campaign on the back cover and we take a look at what’s in store for the new RLSS UK Shop (page 44). I think it’s fair to say that we’ve got a lot going on!
Join our online lifesaving community, share your stories, read news and keep up to date. Search for RLSS UK
So much of what we do is driven by you, so it’s only right that we cover our inspirational award winners in our Honours feature on page 30.
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.
2020 has been and continues to be, a year like no other but it is vital we remain focused on what we do.
rlss.org.uk | 0300 323 0096
We move forward as one unified Society, towards nations without drowning and no matter what lies ahead for the remainder of this year and into 2021, two things are certain: ✓ RLSS UK is determined to see everyone, everywhere, educated and empowered to Enjoy Water Safely ✓ We can’t do this without your help
Designed and produced for the Royal Life Saving Society UK by Gloss Media © RLSS UK 2020 All rights reserved. ISSN 0968 7726
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LIFESAVERS
CONTENTS
Contents
LIFESAVERS OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP MAGAZINE OF THE ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY UK
ISSUE 113 | AUTUMN / WINTER 2020
06.
News in brief
ROBERT GOFTON RLSS UK’s CEO Welcome to Lifesavers everyone, I hope you and your families are keeping safe and well. I’m really pleased that during September, Mark and I were able to virtually launch our new Strategic Framework: it’s a bold move to talk about our mid to long-term future in 2020 but, even without a pandemic, we believed that the time was right.
A round-up of news from across the UK and Ireland
10.
Trustees and Treasurer We welcome our Trustees and Honorary Treasurer.
12.
Caring through Covid RLSS UK’s support through the pandemic.
During lockdown, more people have flocked to our coastline and local beauty spots, so it is vital that our messages empower people to enjoy themselves safely. The role our members play in this is crucial. Our aim will always be to reduce the number of people who tragically lose their life to drowning but we need to tackle this in a pragmatic way, through education, awareness, campaigning and having fun. If we get this right, we can achieve our vision of nations without drowning, where everyone can safely enjoy being in, on or near water. This marks a shift in our philosophy actively working to change behaviour. We need to channel our activity into initiatives that make a quantifiable difference and now is the time to act! This is a massive challenge, which is why part of our strategy is to partner with like-minded organisations like Papyrus. We are not suicide prevention experts and so, with water-based suicide on the rise, we have built a partnership with Papyrus, who are. Other recent new partnerships with Child Bereavement UK, the Black Swimming Association and Surfers Against Sewage, go hand-in-hand with our existing partners’ work. Collectively, we can have a greater impact. Recently, I attended a new initiative called Surfwell, developed by the Devon & Cornwall and Dorset police forces, it looks at how surfing can support mental health and well-being. Surfwell, partnered with Exeter University, harnesses the growing body of evidence that we’ve all known for years - that water is great for us. With science starting to prove this theory, our work to encourage safe and active participation is more important and more relevant than ever. There is no doubt that this has been a difficult year for us all and I would like to thank you for the invaluable support that you have given RLSS UK. I would like to wish you a ‘Perry’ Merry Christmas, stay safe with your families and let us all look forward to 2021 with new hope. Robert 4
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In the press RLSS UK’s work in the media.
18.
Strategic Framework 2020-2025 We introduce the new strapline and take an in-depth look at what the strategy means.
20.
Legacy Introducing our new, free Will service network.
CONTENTS
LIFESAVERS
48.
Youth Leadership Team How they’ve stayed connected through Covid.
49.
Working through lockdown Members of the RLSS UK family tell us about working through lockdown.
24.
52.
New strategic and water safety partners
RLSS UK consultancy services Our expertise providing multi-sector water safety solutions.
Collaborative working furthers our reach and impact.
27.
Refer A Friend Your chance to win a Yonda wetsuit.
30.
Honours 2020
57.
43.
Focus On
Drowning Prevention Week 2020 2021 date for your diary and a round-up of this year’s successes.
58.
We celebrate all our Honours recipients.
44.
34.
Plans afoot for a brand new RLSS UK shopping experience.
Working hard to keep you engaged and supported throughout lockdown.
46.
38.
Oceanographic Engineer Graham Cullen talks about his long-standing relationship with RLSS UK.
Notices, Knowledge and Nice-to-know
Shop it like it’s hot
Lockdown Learning
Fantastic Fundraising
Why I Volunteer
We take a look at the hard work and generosity of our fundraisers.
40.
RLSS Commonwealth The Mountbatten Medal winner and the first report on drowning figures.
Chair of Horsham and Littlehampton Wave LSCs, David Slade tells us about their year to date.
Marvellous miscellany including this year’s digital downloadable Perry Christmas card!
60.
RLSS UK’s Christmas campaign for 2021 Our back cover is given over to our four fabulous festive Christmas e-cards!
WISHING YOU A
‘perry’
MERRY
AND
SAFE christmas
The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is a registered charity in England, Wales (1046060) and Scotland (SC037912).
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LIFESAVERS
RLSS UK
Mark Smith
RLSS UK President
We recently had the pleasure of recognising over 400 volunteers at our virtual national Honours ceremony. We heard some great stories about how they came together in their lifesaving endeavours.
NEWS IN BRIEF
New ride for Ryde
Through this national crisis, one consistent across our nations has been a sense of togetherness; people coming together to praise health and key workers, looking out for families, and community volunteers supporting strangers with basic survival needs. It is this sense of togetherness I want us to continue in our community – lifeguards and lifesavers working side-by-side to ensure everyone can enjoy water safely. Fundamental to this, is the close relationship between lifesaving clubs and leisure facilities. I implore all members of the leisure community to help keep lifesaving clubs active. Clearly with distancing challenges, all pool time is precious and programming can seem impossible, but I want to remind all operators of the close relationship we all have together in the lifesaving community. By supporting lifesaving sessions – be it in pools or other indoor spaces – you not only help inspire the next generation of lifeguards, but support a cause that is much bigger – enabling your community to enjoy water safely. To lifesaving clubs, I encourage you to think creatively – we’ve seen CPR sessions over Zoom, outdoor socially-distanced landbased rescue practice in country parks, organised safe open water sessions and much more. It’s all a source of great inspiration through a very difficult time. As we head into December and look to the new year, I’d like to thank you for everything that you’ve done to support RLSS UK’s work and wish you a very happy Christmas and all the very best for 2021.” 6
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Many thanks to Todd Miller, Beach Manager for Ryde Beach Lifeguards on the Isle of Wight for updating us on their latest acquisition. As part of their regular schedule of reviewing their practices and operations, and after a summer of incidents and casualties last summer (2019), they felt their existing resources could be improved by purchasing an Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB). After a successful grant bid from Morrisons, Ryde Beach Lifeguards can now proudly boast ownership of a brand new IRB, further empowering the beach lifeguard team to ensure everyone can enjoy everything Ryde beach has to offer! “It’s a real coup for us,” said Todd. “This addition to our resources means we can respond to incidents with greater ease and speed, contributing to creating a safer beach environment for everyone.”
Hooper’s hopes for 2021 In the spring edition of Lifesavers, we heard from Peter Hooper about his company Cox Bank Publishing and the work he does using physical activity to improve literacy and inspire young people to write. He also shared with us his ambition to complete his own ‘60@60’ open water swimming challenge in 2020, having turned 60 this year. Earlier this year, Peter suffered a life-threatening stroke and with that and the Covid pandemic, his swim plans were put on hold. We’re delighted that Peter has got back in touch and is well on the way to making a full recovery. With guidance from his doctors and support from the open water swimming community, Peter aims to reprise his plans as soon as he can. Good luck Peter!
RLSS UK NEWS
NEWS
Severn water
safety
August saw RLSS UK Consultancy Services successfully run a dryside throwline training session on the car park of our Worcester head office, hosted by Commercial Manager Helen Bowker-Steer. Having contacted RLSS UK’s consultancy services to conduct the training, representatives from the Severn Rivers Trust were put through their paces on dry land, before heading out to practice in a live rescue scenario on Monday 5 October, hosted at Diglis Island by Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service. The staff training was all part of the ‘Unlocking the Severn’ project: delivered by the Canal & River Trust, Severn Rivers Trust, the Environment Agency and Natural England, the project aims to restore the full 158 mile length of the River Severn for rare and endangered fish, with benefits for the River Teme and other species such as salmon, eel and lamprey.
In a real coup for Worcester, Diglis Island will be home to the biggest deep vertical slot fish pass in England and Wales, with a learning facility and unique underwater observation window, on-site. The feature will reconnect people to this mighty and important river, bringing amazing wildlife, a chance to enjoy time-out in nature, and a sense of awe and wonder – flowing right through our communities. “Our consultation services deployed as part of groundbreaking projects such as this, is a great example of how we can help commercial enterprises keep their staff, customers and associates, safe around water,” explained Helen Bowker-Steer. “The work at Diglis Island is hugely significant for Worcester and we’re delighted to have been involved in the Unlocking the Severn project.”
To find out more about ‘Unlocking the Severn’, visit: www.unlockingthesevern.co.uk
Nothing beats bronze Nothing beats bronze for RLSS UK bronze medallion enthusiast, Alan Sharkey, who has now penned his own guidebook on the seminal lifesaving award. Inspired by his mother’s 1937 bronze medallion given to him as a child, Alan has maintained an interest ever since. His guidebook explains the history of the iconic bronze medallion, complete with descriptions, starting right at the very beginning in 1891, when the society was first formed. And for the aficionados amongst you, the guidebook also charts the 28 differing distinctions found within the ten types of medal. “This is very much a labour of love and a work in progress,” explains Alan. “This is just the first edition as I very much hope people will be in touch with more updates that I can incorporate into version two.” Lifesavers would like to thank Alan for submitting his story here for the magazine and for the generous provision of two copies of his guidebook that we can give away. If you would like to win a copy, please email your name, postal address and RLSS UK society number to: marketing@rlss.org.uk
Memorabilia matters Jo Hemmings has been in touch having recently found her grandfather’s Jaeger black knitted bathing suit circa 1930s/1940s. Diligently stitched on the front you can see our ‘award of merit’ in pride of place. If anyone requires further details about the suit and badge or would like to acquire it, please contact RLSS UK in the first instance: marketing@rlss.org.uk
and title your email ‘Bronze medallion’. The first two emails received after 21 December 2020, will be sent the guidebook. If you are unsuccessful in our giveaway, you can purchase a copy (postage free) directly from Alan, for £3.99. Drop him a line at: alansharkey@btopenworld.com.
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NEWS
RLSS UK NEWS
Anonymous Anne leaves
lifesaving legacy Chances are you’ll have already seen this story, hosted on RLSS UK partners Laerdal’s website but it’s definitely worth sharing. It’s estimated that this unidentified girl, whose passing would have otherwise remained unremarked upon, has gone on to save over two million lives...and counting!
National Sporting Heritage Day 30 September marked the National Sporting Heritage Day for 2020 #NSHD. Set up in the wake of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the campaign gives a focal point for sporting heritage across the UK.
Whilst events have been few and far between this year, RLSS UK were keen to get involved and show our support by celebrating our own sporting heritage: the legacy of a successful Commonwealth Festival of Lifesaving in Leeds back in November, the help, support and successful rescues affected by our dedicated lifesaving and lifeguarding club members, as well as looking ahead to our very own National Lifesaving Championships which enters its 52nd year in 2021!
Ambassador awarded Many congratulations to RLSS UK Ambassador South, Jill and her late husband, Stuart Bailey who, earlier this year, were awarded the Freddie Rowe Sports Cup, at the Poole Sports Awards. Hosted by Sport Poole with support from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council Recreation & Sports Team, the ceremony celebrates the outstanding dedication, achievements and successes, of individuals and teams across a variety of sports. Jill and Stuart were awarded the cup as a mark of recognition for their outstanding contribution to RLSS UK in Poole and across the UK, with an impressive 97 years’ service between them. Jill is pictured receiving the prestigious award from her Worshipful Mayor of Poole, Councillor Marion Le Poidevin.
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RLSS UK NEWS
NEWS
Becky Adlington Training goes virtual As lockdown hit, Becky Adlington Training was in the early stages of an exciting partnership with Total Fitness: to provide RLSS UK lifeguard training and course delivery across all 17 clubs and an education programme, progressing their own lead lifeguards and duty managers to Trainer Assessors (TAs), all supported by a network of mentors and regular standardisation and quality processes, for the TA workforce. Quick to react to the troubling times affecting the leisure sector, they transformed their approach by establishing a Virtual Academy: a delivery model for a blended online and practical approach to the qualifications and training, which allowed them to continue to train and develop lifeguards virtually. The new partnership was born and in just two weeks, the Becky Adlington Training Team saw all 17 sites re-opened, complete with all ‘return to work’ competency checks and necessary NPLQ renewals for over 150 lifeguards. Following their initial success, they now deliver robust, regular and accessible RLSS UK training to 150+ lifeguards every month through alternating online and face-to-face sessions. This approach has dovetailed with the relationship with Total Fitness’ stakeholder swim school, Becky Adlington’s Swim Stars; facilitating the standardisation of lifeguard provision across the clubs, forging stronger relationships and connecting a wide network of lifeguards, teachers, co-ordinators and managers, with high quality and bespoke training. So much more than just provision of knowledge and assessment of competency, the partnership between Becky Adlington Training and Total Fitness might have been born out of adversity but through teamwork, interaction and virtual challenges, the future is bright!
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LIFESAVERS
RLSS UK SENIOR APPOINTMENTS
a warm welcome to our NEW Trustees Saturday 10 October saw RLSS UK hold its very first virtual AGM and Honours ceremony and, despite the format being new to presenters and attendees alike, a fantastic 140 people were in attendance. You can read more about Honours on page 30.
Taking advantage of the flexible measures put in place by the Government, that permitted us to hold a virtual AGM, President Mark Smith wasted no time in updating everyone on the election outcomes and welcomed new Trustees Helen Bull and Alan Sutherland to their position, congratulating Cav Burchell for being re-elected as a Trustee too. All three were given a close run by the other candidates: Tom Bartley, Graham Cullen, Lucy Herd, John Holden, Sean Kelly, Neil Marshall and Mike Wardle and we thank them for putting themselves forward. We also say farewell to Trustee Emma Davids, as she stood down at the end of her term. We’re grateful to everyone who took time out to attend the virtual event, and to all the many members that took the opportunity to have their say and voted in the elections. To watch the virtual AGM and access the full results of the elections, visit: www.rlss.org.uk/rlss-uk-governance
Trustee (newly elected)
Helen Bull
Helen joins us as an elected trustee and brings with her over 20 years’ experience in commercial and leisure management roles.
qualifications. She also frequently takes on public speaking engagements talking about her fascinating life and career.
As a national level swimmer in her teenage years, Helen first joined RLSS UK as a Bronze Medallion holder.
Helen’s love of the water remains. She frequently swims in the sea off the south coast and enjoys taking on long-distance events. As well as being a regular swim coach for various local clubs, Helen now also enjoys being an open water swim coach.
Helen went on to have a unique career holding various roles at The Walt Disney Company, including living in Florida working at the Walt Disney World Resort. Helen then went on to work for P&O Cruises in various commercial management and HR roles. Helen returned to aquatics in 2018 and you will now mostly find her at the London Aquatics Centre in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, where she works for GLL heading up the largest single-site swim school in the UK. In her spare time, Helen is an RLSS UK Trainer Assessor delivering lifeguarding
Alan is a familiar face to RLSS UK lifesavers across the South West, having held the post of RLSS UK Ambassador for the West Region for the last four years, as well as being a regular face on the lifesaving event scene.
Trustee (newly elected)
Alan Sutherland
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Having originally come to lifesaving as a student, after the shock of finding himself powerless to help his grandmother in an incident where she needed first aid, Alan has gone on to immerse himself in the lifesaving family. He teaches lifesaving and lifeguarding awards at his local club, has previously been involved in the British
It is also worth noting that in 2019, already a fully-qualified swim teacher, Helen became the first wheelchair-user to hold a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ). Helen’s driving force to become an RLSS UK Trustee was her passion for drowning prevention work and in her determination to break down barriers, Helen wants to make RLSS UK qualifications as accessible as possible.
Universities Lifesaving Clubs’ Association (BULSCA) and he is an international official. Alan has a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Bath. He is currently employed as a Systems Engineer for a leading aerospace company in the South West and in 2016, Alan was elected as a Chartered Engineer by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. Alan enjoys supporting other members, with a particular focus on helping everyone to do more locally and regionally, within the lifesaving community.
RLSS UK SENIOR APPOINTMENTS
Having been involved with RLSS UK in many ways since the early 1970s, and first elected to a National Committee in 1986, we’re delighted that ‘Cav’ has been re-elected as a Trustee.
Trustee (re-elected)
Cavell burchell
Currently the Governance Advisor for RLSS UK, Cavell has enjoyed two extended periods on the Board of Trustees since being inaugurated in 1995. His previous roles within the Society include Chair of two former National Standing Committees, Branch Chair, RLSS UK Senior Tutor, Staff National Trainer Assessor for Lifesaving, Pool and Beach Lifeguarding and Boat Handling. The loss of a family friend in childhood brought Cavell into the lifesaving family and he is driven by this tragedy, to try and eliminate the senseless loss of life
LIFESAVERS
through drowning by promoting water safety education, encouraging the safe use of water and developing the best trained and qualified lifeguards. In 2016, his life-long contribution to RLSS UK was recognised by the Commonwealth body with his nomination as one one of the 125 recipients of the HRH Prince Michael of Kent 125th Anniversary Certificate of Merit, followed in 2017, by his appointment as Honorary Vice President of RLSS UK. Currently studying for a certificate in ‘Charity Law & Governance’, Cavell remains dedicated to the work of RLSS UK and says:
“I always wanted to make a difference.”
Introducing RLSS UK’s newly-appointed Honorary Treasurer, Tim Chadwick Tim was appointed as Honorary Treasurer on 2 January 2020, after Rhyan Barry stepped down. Now based in Twickenham but born and bred in Leeds, Tim brings a career of 22 years as a CIMA accountant, with him to RLSS UK. Trustee (newly-appointed)
Tim Chadwick
For the last three years, Tim has held the role of Finance Director with Motorsport Network, and specialises in representation agreements, sponsorship and brand partnership deals for the sports and media sectors. Tim prides himself on his commercial focus and aims to help RLSS UK develop alternative revenue streams, to boost and complement the existing income.
Away from work, Tim is a founder member and current Honorary Treasurer for a local sports community, charitable group. He is married with two young daughters, both of whom are keen swimmers for their local club, Teddington Swimming Club. It is this family passion for enjoying the water safely, seeing first-hand the work done by RLSS UK qualified lifeguards at the many pools visited for lessons, events and galas, that attracted Tim to the role of RLSS UK Honorary Treasurer. This is Tim’s first role as an official Trustee and he is really looking forward to working with the other Trustees and the Executive Board, helping RLSS UK achieve its aims.
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COMMERCIAL
CARING THROUGH COVID
Caring through COVID: RLSS UK support during the pandemic
Click the COVID-19 tab on our home page, and it might surprise you to see the length and breadth of support and advice RLSS UK has made available to the leisure and hospitality sectors, throughout the pandemic to date.
Online training, forums and courses, updates on expiry and extension dates and videos on CPR, right the way through to a short series of William Henry lectures, bringing lifesaving skills into your living room. These have all had their role to play in strengthening and maintaining links across the lifesaving and lifeguarding community. As the leisure and hospitality sectors continue to be negatively impacted by the various forms of lockdown, RLSS UK remains dedicated to ensuring our customers, members and qualification holders have had all they needed from us to make operating as accessible and compliant as possible:
“So long as we had the expertise, time and resources to train, educate and inform, we saw it as our duty to do so,” explains Jo Talbot, RLSS UK’s Commercial Manager. “Admittedly, it has been odd seeing throwline training carried out on our car park or digitalising our Face to Face Forums for example, but we were never going to go home and lock the door, just because pools were shut.“ According to the latest figures, nearly a quarter of a million people have completed an RLSS UK online learning course, with all of the NPLQ and NVBLQ modules being completely free of charge, for a limited period of time.
Our entire focus throughout the pandemic has been to ensure, that where our support and guidance have been needed, we’ve been available to assist and I’d like to think that’s paid off, especially as restrictions continue to evolve.
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Despite all this, RLSS UK has a real concern that learning to swim is becoming increasingly inaccessible to far too many people, precipitating a future water safety crisis:
“Too many community pools being shut combining with spells of hot weather and young people, all over the UK, being off school made for a perfect storm of water safety challenges,” said Robert Gofton, RLSS UK CEO. “We felt we had no option but to stress our case with the UK Government, and call for urgent action to prevent future loss of life.” You can read the letter online in full by clicking the ‘latest’ tab and going to ‘Blogs’.
CARING THROUGH COVID
COMMERCIAL
There is still plenty to be positive about: Find out more at: www.cimspa.co.uk/ cimspa-news/news-home RLSS UK was also able to further extend a wide range of vocational qualifications and with indoor lifesaving activity for the under 18s still permitted, we remain at the forefront of providing current and compliant advice and guidance.
September saw us partner with the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Activity (CIMSPA) to access grant funding for essential training. The ReTrain scheme aims to retool the sport and activity workforce and is funded by The National Lottery through Sport England. Thanks to Sport England and CIMSPA, we were able to fund over 26,000 qualifications for ATC/Ps directly affected by COVID-19.
Our debt of gratitude The extraordinary levels of support and guidance we’ve been able to provide are due, in no small part, to all our Trainer Assessors, Instructors, Advisors and participating candidates. We wanted to put on record, our profound thanks for all your dedication and co-operation, through the pandemic.
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COMMUNITY
In winter, more people who are walking or running alongside water fall in and drown than in any other season. Slippery paths, patches of ice and a lack of daylight can make being near water more dangerous than in the summer months. If you fall into the water, the cold temperatures make it difficult for you to control your breathing, to use your hands to climb out and can even cause you to have a heart attack. So, follow our safety tips to make sure that your winter walks are enjoyable and safe.
KEEP BACK FROM THE EDGE When walking alongside water keep back from the edge.
ONLY USE WELL LIT AREAS Time your walks to make the most of the daylight; if you need to walk in the evening only use well-lit areas or take a route not alongside water.
teach children not to go on to the ice Teach children not to go onto the ice under any circumstances.
For more information visit www.rlss.org.uk 14
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keep dogs on their leads Keep dogs on their leads when near ice and don’t throw sticks or toys onto the ice.
don’t go on the ice to rescue a dog Don’t go onto ice or into the water to rescue a dog, move to somewhere that the dog will be able to climb out and call them towards you.
RLSS UK IN THE PRESS
RLSS UK IN THE PRESS... Here’s a snapshot of some of the coverage:
The amount of positive coverage RLSS UK has successfully garnered over the last few months, in the face of other dominating issues, is a testament to the value of our message. Whilst national coverage from a major network or publication often feels like the ‘be-all and end-all’ of where we want to see ourselves, it’s equally as important to remember how local and regional
LIFESAVERS
coverage, reaches the audiences we often want to engage the most. A small piece in a niche publication that speaks to the precise audience we want to get on board, can often work much harder for us, than a broad, sweeping mention in passing, on a national platform. rlss.org | @rlssuk
MAR 2020
JUN 2020
National press coverage for DPW
BSA partnership launch
WRET award launch
Andrea Mackown interview about beach water safety
JUL 2020
Commonwealth drowning report
APR 2020
Support for our Lifesaver-Lifechanger toolkit
Team GB swimmer Alice Deering supports RLSS UK
AUG
RLSS UK BBC Radio 4 appeal
2020
MAY 2020
RLSS UK training fund announced
SEP 2020
RLSS UK water safety advice
James Cossons on ITV1 news RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2020
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RESCUES
EVERYDAY HEROES
Everyday Her es: Rescue round-up
We may not have been out and about as much as we’d have liked this year but as ever, water safety incidents have called us into action nonetheless.
Here, we’re always ready to shout about the amazing work done by our lifeguards and lifesavers and we take a look at some of the stories that you might have missed. Our thanks to everyone involved in the rescue work and to those who told us all about them!
Meadowside Leisure Centre, Burton upon Trent
Lifeguards Marija Millere, Olivia Harrison and Erin Egerton, with the help of two members of the public, undoubtedly helped save the life of an elderly swimmer after he suffered a cardiac episode in the deep end of the pool. The caring and quick-thinking group conducted CPR until the emergency services arrived.
Mayflower Park, Southampton
Strong swimmer and former police officer and lifeguard, Andrew HandsDavis, was first on the scene in June, when a young girl entered the water with a small inflatable and quickly got into difficulties. Andrew and his wife had been enjoying an ice-cream when the drama unfolded and he has been credited by the Hamble Independent Lifeboat Duty Coxswain, for saving the girl’s life. Hanging onto the youngster whilst they were both buffeted against the sea wall, both Andrew and his charge were in real trouble when the lifeboat arrived. The girl was lifted lifeless from the water while Andrew needed help to get into the boat, after his exertions. It’s a huge relief that both have gone on to make a full recovery. 16
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Blackpool Coastal Housing
When a vulnerable resident at a Blackpool Coastal Housing hostel suddenly became unwell, Housing Officers Charlotte Bremner and Danielle Cross wasted no time in using their RLSS UK first aid training, to help. As the resident’s situation deteriorated, Charlotte and Danielle determined that CPR was required and undertook the emergency action, until the paramedics were able to take over. Despite being taken to the local hospital, the resident went on to recover.
Jack Fletcher, Salisbury
Soon after turning 16-years-old this summer, Jack’s lifesaving training was called into action after a neighbour took a nasty fall. An active member of Salisbury Life Saving Club and Stanswood Beach Rescue Unit, Jack’s confidence in his training shone through as he took control of the situation, making sure the lady was comfortable, calling the emergency services and enlisting further support from other neighbours who wanted to help. With Jack now working towards his National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, it’s clear we have another #EveryDayHero in the making!
EVERYDAY HEROES
Vazon, Guernsey
Surf School manager and National Vocational Beach Lifeguard, Nick Hill, used his paddleboard to rescue two young surfers from the waves, this summer when he was called back to the beach to help rescue someone in the water. Having seen his mate get into difficulties in the water, surf school pupil 17-year-old Tom Creber, naturally went in to help. Using a surfboard to keep the two of them afloat, Tom managed to move them away from the hazard of a nearby rip current, making it easier for Nick to get to them. Working together, Nick, Tom and the other pupil, all made it safely to shore.
Douglas, Isle of Man
Lifeguard Pieter de Bruin welcomed back a regular, 81-year-old swimmer Roy Higgins, to the Isle of Man’s National Sports Centre pool, having saved his life following a cardiac arrest. Alongside Russell, Jordan, Oliver and Daryl (not pictured), Pieter was one of five of the lifeguard team on duty that day, who helped save the man’s life, through their quick actions, administration of CPR and use of the defibrillator.
“It’s an amazing feeling to bring someone back to life,” said Pieter, “it was very emotional to see him again and meet his wife.”
RESCUES
Crook O’Lune, Lancashire
Off-duty Shift Manager and lifeguard at the East Manchester Leisure Centre, Susan McDonald saw a day out in the sun take a dramatic turn. Susan’s RLSS UK training was really put to the test when a three-year-old fell into the water. Susan wasted no time in entering the water and retrieving the, now unconscious, little girl. Having performed five rescue breaths in the water, Susan brought her back to the riverbank where she performed CPR until the ambulance team arrived and took over. Before returning to work, Susan was able to see the little girl again with her family:
“My lasting image was of her on the riverbank unconscious in my arms. Then to see her playing and looking completely normal was amazing.”
Braye Beach, Alderney
Thanks to the RLSS UK’s Survive & Save skills learned at their school, 14-year-old Tobin Collier and 13-year-old Isaac Maurice, were able to save the life of a little boy, after he got swept out to sea on a paddleboard. The boy’s father had tried to reach him but the tide was too strong so the teenagers went in to help. Having alerted their friends to call for assistance, the boys judged the water for the safest way to get to the youngster. They reached him and prevented the board from travelling further out, calming the little lad down until more help arrived. Both young men credited their RLSS UK training for the knowledge and confidence in their actions. RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2020
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FEATURE
strategic framework 2020-2025
RLSS UK Strategic Framework 2020-2025:
signposting our future
When I joined RLSS UK in May 2019, I was really keen to develop a long term plan that would help us to re-focus our efforts in the UK and Ireland, so that we can collectively help as many people as possible to participate in water based activity - in whatever format that might be.
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I’m now delighted and proud that, in September, Mark and I were able to virtually launch the Society’s future direction in our 2020–2025 RLSS UK Strategic Framework, via an explanatory webinar, summarised on the following page - that will now underpin all of our activity moving forward. Our future direction is very much about encouraging the public to enjoy water safely, and this is reflected in a change to our website’s home page and our communications going forward. This is our unique proposition and it is as relevant today as it was back on 3 January 1891 when, determined to address the issue of drowning prevention, RLSS founder, William Henry and a group of like-minded individuals, resolved to set up an organisation to teach swimmers the skills of lifesaving. Our new Purpose, Vision, Mission and accompanying strapline are clear, succinct and easy to understand signposts, underpinned by three important pillars which demonstrate how we, as an organisation, can have real impact in reducing drowning deaths.
strategic framework 2020-2025
Our new strapline ‘Enjoy Water Safely’ has replaced ‘The Drowning Prevention Charity’ and whilst we will strive towards nations without drowning, this change signifies a shift in focus towards a much wider remit – helping everyone to enjoy water safely. If we get this right we will reduce the number of drownings. As we move forward into 2021 and beyond, we collectively need to be bolder and braver about who we are, what we stand for, who we work with and the difference we make. From the casual chat with a friend about the dangers of the local lake, to the dramatic footage we’ve seen from beaches and at the coast, to the brave souls throwing themselves out of a plane to raise funds – be under no illusion, our members and volunteers are truly everyday heroes. The work we do really does matter and, to have the greatest impact, we need to move forward as one - with clear focus and direction!
FEATURE
Webinar wise
RLSS UK CEO Robert Gofton and President Mark Smith, hosted an explanatory webinar all about the new strategic framework in September, you can access it online through the ‘about us/ who are we?’ section. You can also view and download the complete ‘Strategic Framework 2020-2025’ document, from the same page.
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FEATURE FEATURE
RLSS UK LEGACY
Your legacy in lifesaving Make your FREE Will and together, we can help future generations enjoy water safely.
Our shared vision By pledging to leave a gift in your Will, you’ll become an essential part of our continued effort, driving our vision of ‘nations without drowning where everyone can safely enjoy being in, on or near water.’ Together, with your pledge and ours, we will ensure that future generations will enhance communities, so that everyone can enjoy being in, on or near water safely – because every life is worth saving.
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Our 2019 achievements are just the start
Pledged to support local community water safety initiatives
The number of estimated pool rescues performed by qualified RLSS UK Lifeguards
£95,000
Awards and qualifications delivered
354,850
15,600
Lifesaving Awards delivered to children
50,463
People engaged through associated leisure centres during Drowning Prevention Week
740,000
Reached through our lifesaving campaigns such as #BeAMate
2 Million
Hours our amazing volunteers dedicated
289,953
Children received our class based water safety education
60,000
Rookie Lifeguard Awards delivered
65,000
Public events safely lifeguarded by the RLSS UK Lifeguard Team
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RLSS UK LEGACY
FEATURE
Our Free Will Service Network to Members (for a simple Will)* page 22 You can use a professional Will-writer or solicitor to write your Will, to ensure it is validly written and witnessed.
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.
What happens if I don’t leave a Will? If you do not have a Will or if your Will isn’t valid (i.e. if your Will is not correctly signed or witnessed) your estate is said to be ‘intestate’. This means that your wishes may not be carried out. Having a professionally written, up-to-date Will is the best way to make sure your wishes are carried out.
RLSS UK are delighted to announce that we can offer our Members an exclusive opportunity to write your Will for free. Our Free Will Service is available to any member over the age of 18, who wants to write or update a ‘simple will’. We have joined a ‘Free Will Service’ network of 900 law firms across the UK, on average, this means that the nearest solicitor offering members a free Will writing service, could be as close as just three miles away. If you would like to find out more about Legacy including our free Will service, please contact: Email: legacy@rlss.org.uk Post: Gifts in Will Team RLSS UK Redhill House 227 London Rd Worcester. WR5 2JG
What happens if I have a complex Will? With Honey as a Strategic Partner, RLSS UK members benefit from preferential rates with Honey’s expert team saving, on average, 21 per cent off the List Price of their main products for complex wills. 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. You can read more about Honey Legal and how they can help with your long-term planning and peace of mind, on page 23.
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FEATURE
RLSS UK LEGACY
1891 It is fitting that we recognise and thank those who are supporting RLSS UK by leaving a gift in their Will, or have indicated their intention to do so in the future, in response, we are delighted to announce that this generosity will be rewarded with an invitation to become a newly created
Life Fellow
leaving a lifesaving legacy
1891 Life Fellows will enjoy: Special RLSS UK events throughout the year, including a dinner where the CEO Robert Gofton and President Mark Smith, will talk about current activities and future plans for the Society An embroidered, limited edition collectable tie or cravat VIP tickets to Honours, held at Worcester Cathedral* Their name on a ‘thank you’ commemorative plaque, at RLSS UK Head Office reception So that we can invite you to become an 1891 Life Fellow, we will send you a pledge form. This lets us know, in complete confidence, about your legacy and your wishes. Indicating your support on this form is encouraging to RLSS UK but it has no legal consequences. It does not limit your freedom to alter your Will in the future and is simply a statement of your present intentions. *RLSS UK is a member of The National Free Wills Network which provides us with the opportunity to offer to pay for a limited number of ‘simple’ Wills to be written at a discount rate through participating solicitors across the UK. Whilst there’s no obligation to include a gift to RLSS UK, we sincerely hope you will be able to do so.
1891 LIFE FELLOW *Venue is subject to change
Here to help If you would like to find out more about becoming an 1891 Life Fellow, or any of our other RLSS UK Legacy features, please contact:
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Email:
legacy@rlss.org.uk
Post to: Gifts
in Will Team, RLSS UK, Redhill House, 227 London Rd, Worcester. WR5 2JG
If considering a Will doesn’t feel appropriate right now, any donation you feel you could give to the Society, is always warmly welcomed. You can donate from the home page of the
website: www.rlss.org.uk
HONEY LEGAL
PARTNERSHIPS
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.
safe in the knowledge that they are getting the best legal advice to secure the future for their loved ones.”
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.
“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.
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 equipped to host meetings via Skype, FaceTime and WhatsApp when required.
“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,
For more information on Honey Legal and to access RLSS UK preferential rates:
According to consumer review website Trustpilot, Honey is the most trusted estate planning company in the UK, and 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:
Call Michael Waterfall on: 07930 406 920 Email: michael.waterfall@honeylegal.co.uk Visit: www.honeyfriends.co.uk/RLSSUK
“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. 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.
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COMMERCIAL
CONSULTANCY, EXPERTISE & PARTNERSHIP
Consultancy, expertise & partnership
These three words capture one of the pillars at the core of our new strategic framework: where our purpose is similar to others, we will create partnerships and collaborations, and through the pooling of resources, assets, expertise and research, RLSS UK will maximise its impact and reach.
The last few months have seen six new strategic partners come on board (you can read more about our sixth, Honey Legal, on page 23).
Child Bereavement UK (CBUK) helps children, parents and families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. They also provide training to professionals in health and social care, education, and the voluntary and corporate sectors, equipping them to provide the best possible care to bereaved families.
“Our partnership with RLSS UK will help raise awareness of their important work on drowning prevention, and ensure that families bereaved by drowning, and professionals in the lifesaving sector, have access to the support they need.” Ann Chalmers, CEO, Child Bereavement UK
The BSA is the first organisation of its kind in the UK, set up as a voice, an advocate and a strategic agent for change, to drive forward participation, inclusion and diversity in aquatics for black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people. A critical part of RLSS UK’s purpose includes reaching out to communities that may be more vulnerable than others, and facilitating access to the employment pathways in the leisure sector, that lifeguarding and lifesaving training, can present.
“Only in collaborative partnership can we drive participation, engagement and inclusion, for people from BAME communities in aquatics. That is ultimately why we decided to launch the Black Swimming Association and were delighted when we were approached by the Royal Life Saving Society UK.” Ed Accura, Head of Partnerships at the Black Swimming Association
Waterside emergencies often happen in locations with no address, such as beaches, riverbanks, reservoirs or long stretches of beach, this can make it difficult for callers to describe exactly where they are. what3words has given every 3m square in the world a unique three-word address. ///kite.chats.dine, for example, will take you to a precise spot in a field next to the River Ouse in York. The app is free to download for both iOS and Android. We encourage everybody to be prepared and download the app now,
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CONSULTANCY, EXPERTISE & PARTNERSHIP
From their HQ in St Agnes, Cornwall, SAS keep an eye on the sea; a community of employees, volunteers and members dedicated to the protection of oceans and beaches, and the wealth of wildlife they support. A like-minded organisation that shares our dedication to water safety and is the guardian of our water systems. RLSS UK is supporting their petition to ‘end sewage pollution’, which demands An enhanced water-quality testing regime World-leading water quality legislation Nature-based solutions to sewage pollution Find out more: https://www.sas.org.uk/endsewagepollution/
COMMERCIAL
Surfwell
As Robert touched on in his column (page 4), Surfwell harnesses the proven benefits of surfing and surf therapy to improve staff well-being and reduce stress, for those working within the emergency services. Whilst only in its infancy, the Surfwell project has already had a positive impact on those who’ve benefitted from being involved and like RLSS UK, the safety of those in, on and around the water, is at their very heart. You can read more about Surfwell, here: www.surfwell.co.uk/about
RLSS UK also welcomes two new water safety partners into the fold:
Passionate about water safety away from the more formal surrounds of water activity venues, Loan A Lifeguard is the UK’s leading network of lifeguards and spa operatives for hire at events.
Long-time customers of RLSS UK, and innovators of training aids and manikins for professionals who save lives, RLSS UK is delighted to have Ruth Lee as a water safety partner (read more on page 50).
All their lifeguards are NPLQ, NVBLQ or OWL-qualified, not only in rescuing but also in administering first aid, DBS checked and carry both Public and Employers Liability Insurance.
“We have been making water rescue manikins for more than 25 years and we’re 100 per cent committed to creating the best training manikins for rescue professionals and volunteers, around the world.
“We are exceptionally proud to be working with, learning from, and supporting RLSS UK to be a worldleader in lifeguarding and deliver more drowning prevention education.” Rebecca Collinson, Loan A Lifeguard Co-Owner.
“We are delighted to be joining RLSS UK as a Water Safety Partner, having worked closely with the team to develop our Pool Rescue manikin. We have a shared vision of reducing the number of deaths due to drowning.” Paul McDonnell, Managing Director of Ruth Lee Ltd.
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LIFESAVERS COMMUNITY
LIVE LIFEGUARDING. LOVE LIFEGUARDING
Live Lifeguarding. Love Lifeguards.
Asked to describe a lifeguard and the average person might respond with a stereotypical image: young, white, male, listlessly flip-flopping around the edge of a pool for several hours a day. All too often, the strict fitness pre-requisites of the role and the robust training that ensures lifeguards are ready, willing and able to respond in an emergency, are over-looked. Here, we want to continue with our celebration of the work of our lifeguard squad and bust a couple of those myths:
Sweet Serendipity at 16
Caddick can-do
He can’t lay a definitive claim to being the youngest lifeguard on the books, but we can’t think of a much better sixteenth birthday present for James Tate, than passing his National Pool Lifeguard Qualification on the big day! For many people, being ‘only’ sixteen is easily dismissed as being too young to take on too much responsibility but RLSS UK knows better. Qualifying as a professional lifeguard is the first step on James’ journey to his future career; wherever that path may take him, with transferable, lifesaving skills under his belt, and the confidence to use them, whenever and wherever the need arises, James’ future is bright: Many congratulations James and thanks to mum Sandra, who dropped us a line wanting to share her son’s good news.
A week of intensive fitness work, pool and sea-based exercises designed to test you mentally and physically, all followed up by classroom-based theory work, might put a lot of people off joining Beach Manager, Todd Miller’s squad of Ryde Beach Lifeguards – not so for Annie Caddick. Having passed the test last year, Annie re-joined the team this summer as Head Lifeguard but it is only when you learn, that Annie has overcome living with cerebral palsy, and a medical prediction she would spend most of her life in a wheelchair, that her achievements really start to impress. “Being born with cerebral palsy has meant I have had to overcome a number of challenges that most people don’t have to deal with. “Despite what medical professionals said, through my mental perseverance and the support of friends and family, I have been able to take part in a number of sports and at university, I discovered rowing. “My coach recommended that I apply for the GB Paralympic Programme, which I did and recently received the news that I classify, and have been accepted into the GB Paralympic Training Programme.
“I couldn’t be happier! I am excited about the future and want to thank everyone who has supported me.” 26
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LIVE LIFEGUARDING. LOVE LIFEGUARDING
COMMUNITY
Refer A Friend today!
www.rlss.org.uk/lifeguard-membership-refer-a-friend
MIGHTY MEMBERSHIP: REFER A FRIEND FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
To be in with a shot of winning a brand, spanking new wetsuit, courtesy of our partners Yonda Sports, all you have to do is refer a lifeguard friend or colleague into RLSS UK Lifeguard Membership. You’ll need to supply your name, postcode and preferably your RLSS UK unique Society number (starting with ‘3’), to anyone you refer.
Yonda are specialists in the design and production of high-performance sportswear and we can’t think of a much better way of getting ‘open-water-ready’ for the 2021 season. With lifeguard membership a snip at just £15, it’s definitely a case of ‘the more, the merrier’; an upward trend of increasing members is mutually beneficial, ensuring you and all the other Lifeguard Members, benefit as one big group of lovely lifesavers. Through an extended network of like-minded people, your horizons will broaden and opportunities for career and professional development will increase. And did we mention the available support? With 2020 being a year like no other, being able to connect to a community of people like you, sharing your professional and lived experiences, alongside the confidential professional helplines that come as part of your membership, all make for an invaluable and exclusive resource for you to tap into, both personally and professionally. Once your referred individual signs into membership, you’ll be entered into our prize draw! Find out more: www.rlss.org.uk/lifeguard-membership-refer-a-friend
“Being a member of RLSS UK means that I have direct links to many different mediums of online learning and, during the pandemic, RLSS UK’s continual professional development online revision and tests have proven extremely helpful in these trying times. “Being a member of the RLSS also brings about many other benefits too, including insurance cover which gives me a great sense of security and support. Being a lifeguard has opened my eyes to a part of me I didn’t know I had.” Candice Arnold
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NEWS WHAT’S GOING ON
LIFESAVING SPORT
British Universities Lifesaving Club’s Association (BULSCA) update Lifesavers would like to thank Communications Secretary, Adam Lane, for updating us on the latest from the British Universities Lifesaving Club’s Association (BULSCA).
Adam tells us: “With an ambitious newly-elected committee, BULSCA has been undergoing some promising steps to rejuvenate the university lifesaving community.
We hope this activity will become a mainstay in the future of the lifesaving community, and further spread the water safety message.
With our aims now published for the coming year, our next step has been to update our look and we now have a fresh and modern look to our logo, alongside our promotional video. While 2020 has been a challenging year, we believe that our logo represents a new era for us moving forwards, a journey which we hope you will share, as a member of the wider lifesaving population.
BULSCA was first established in 2002, to be the governing body for lifesaving sport at universities within the UK, bringing together students from across the country to share their love of lifesaving. Since then, we have supported RLSS UK with its campaigns, enabled members to compete in pool lifesaving events and encouraged students to gain a wide variety of qualifications and awards, relating to lifesaving and first aid.
We’re also keen to cement our relationship with RLSS UK and other organisations within lifesaving. For us, that started with Drowning Prevention Week and continued into August, with fundraising throughout the month in support of RLSS UK’s Summer Water Safety campaign. We also championed the 4x25 Challenge, mirroring a swim and tow event, where participants do 25 of an activity, four days in a row, then post the results on social media and nominate others to also take part.
We now host around eight competitions a year, the largest being our BULSCA Championships, where university records and even British records, can be set and broken! We are also hoping to organise interclub teams to compete in the wider lifesaving community competitions, including international ones but our competitions are not just for students; we regularly welcome community clubs to compete alongside our university clubs and we are always looking
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Like most students, we’re a social bunch so, if you have any questions or want to know more about what we do, please get in touch: Facebook & Twitter: @BULSCA Instagram: @bulsca Email: chair@bulsca.co.uk. Web: www.bulsca.co.uk The video can be found on YouTube, just search for BULSCA *Filmed pre-restrictions
for officials, casualties, helpers and sponsors for our leagues and competitions, so please do contact us if you would like to get involved. If you’re a young lifesaver looking to attend university where there isn’t a club, get in touch and we’ll support you in getting one set up, including waiving the BULSCA membership fee for the first year.”
LIFESAVING CLUBS
WHAT’S GOING ON
LIFESAVING
clubs battle on Sporting events have taken a real hit right across the globe this year, perhaps the most notable being the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, it seems no sport was safe. With all this in mind, it’s come as a real joy to hear from some of the lifeguarding and lifesaving clubs, that they were (locked) down but not out. Heanor Swimming and Lifesaving Club (Surrey) and Poseidon Lifesaving Club (County Wicklow) both achieved the ‘Aspire’ level of RLSS UK’s Club Development Programme. South Shields Volunteer Lifeguard Club (Tyne and Wear) challenged Trent Maxwell (Lifeguard Maxi) alongside Billingham Forum Lifesaving Club and North Sea Volunteer Lifeguards, to their ‘Toilet Roll Challenge’ in lieu of being able to host their usual Survive & Save summer camp. Zoom calls were enlisted for quizzes and meetings, even being used to run their Young Leader’s Course and the theory section of a First Aid at Work course! They’re already planning ahead to their 60 year anniversary for 2021 too. Thanet Lifeguard Club (Kent) delivered NVBLQ lifeguard training on behalf of the RNLI, rescheduled from March to August, the course was fully Covid-19 compliant.
Thanet Lifeguard Club
Beacon Lifesaving Club (Sussex) managed to secure some big name VIPs for their Q&A sessions, welcoming Jazz Carlin, Lizzie Simmonds and Marina Macartney, to name but a few, with some pretty hard core looking dry side fitness challenges keeping them pool-prepped.
RLSS UK event update National Life Saving Championships 2020
Speeds and National Championships 16-17 October 2021
This year’s event may have been cancelled but we’ll be back with a bang in 2021, continuing the success of this exciting event into its sixtieth decade.
Our aim in 2021 is to give ourselves every opportunity to run our two major lifesaving competitions. After consultation, we have decided to move RLSS UK Speeds back to later in the year. We are planning to have one big weekend of competition holding both Speeds and Nationals over one weekend in Leeds, 16-17 October 2021. It is likely that the schedule will need to be revised, but, we hope this move will give all competitors the motivation to train and compete in 2021. We will be in touch with more detail in the new year but make sure the dates are in your diary.
Keep training, stay focused and we’ll see you all again very soon! RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2020
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LIFESAVERS
HONOURS 2020
Honours
2020
the show did go on
Photo: Matt Pereira
Congratulations to all our members and volunteers that received an RLSS UK Honour at our virtual honours ceremony. Thank you for working tirelessly to educate and train the UK and Irish public to enjoy water safely. Although we couldn’t have the ceremony in person this year, the Royal Life Saving Society UK
is indebted to the outstanding contribution of volunteers. The national presentation of Honours is designed to say thank you to all that contribute to a reduction in drowning across the UK and Ireland and allows individuals and groups to celebrate their achievements. RLSS UK Patron, Lord Storey opened the proceedings with a warm welcome and heart-felt congratulations to all the award recipients. His words and sentiments were subsequently echoed by a wealth of high-profile former lifeguards and RLSS UK supporters, including: TV presenter and voice of our BBC Radio 4 appeal, Johnny Ball, MP Charlotte Leslie and Trisha Greenhalgh, GP and Professor of Primary Care Health Care Sciences at the University of Oxford Here now, we take a closer look at the winners of the special trophies, followed by a full list of award recipients.
Clive Holland Trophy
Awarded to an RLSS UK affiliated club who has done the most to carry out the objectives of the Society in their local area. Winner Horsham Lifesaving Club in Sussex, have made big strides for a small club, achieving all the Society objectives for club activity. You can read more about them on page 59.
Stuart Bailey Trophy
Awarded to an individual or group for outstanding work, specific to an open water environment. Winner Louise Roberts of Sussex branch has been instrumental in setting up the Brighton Beach Patrol. Patrolling the Brighton beach front, this dedicated volunteer force are determined to keep Brighton beach a safe place for everyone.
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Brian Morrissey Cup
Awarded for exceptional work undertaken on Society community programmes.
Winner Save A Baby’s Life Kent, are right to be proud of their community outreach programme. Since 1998 they have reached over 24,000 course attendees, engaged people through the Sure Start Children’s Centres, as well as training legal professionals in the heart of London’s Westminster. There can be little doubt they have enhanced lifesaving skills across the county and in the process, secured a valuable boost the profile of RLSS UK.
HONOURS 2020
On the next few pages, we’re delighted to be able to celebrate all our Honours recipients for this year. Many congratulations to everyone and a huge thank you to all the people who worked so hard behind the scenes, to bring this year’s Honours ceremony to life! If you missed it, you can watch it all again here: www.rlss.org.uk/Pages/ Category/honours
Ken White Trophy
Awarded for the greatest commitment to fundraising work on behalf of the Society at national, regional branch, club or local level. Winner Jane Tosh, Scottish Northern, receives this award for her work with Aberdeen City South Lifesaving Club. Under Jane’s guidance for the last four years, this ‘happy family’ club has gone from strength-to-strength. Teamwork shines through every activity hosted by the hardworking volunteers at this popular club. The waiting list to join them is a testament to the dedication of those who run it.
RLSS UK Long Service Medal
Branch
Rod Reeves Hertfordshire Ian Symmons Lincolnshire Nigel Roylance Lincolnshire Brendan Donohoe Republic of Ireland Brian Hall Sussex Di Cooke Sussex Douglas Simmonds Sussex
Branch
Lynda White Chris Howes Lorraine Mackie Sally Baldwin Gerry McLaughlin Heather Leighton
Sue Crouch David Pollard Raymond Sproats Stuart Clark
Essex Kent Kent Middlesex Northern Ireland Northumberland & Durham Sussex Sussex
Winner Graham Dutton, Scottish Northern, has been active in lifesaving for over 17 years and is the current Chair of the Aberdeen Water Safety Management Group (AWSMG). Beyond the wider work of the AWSMG, Graham has continued his work in bringing Rookie Lifeguard and Survive & Save courses to local youngsters at Sport Aberdeen sites.
Wiktoria Seroczynska Ben Pringle
Clare McDonald Eszter Racz Hermione Cosser Edward Baker Ellie Wise Joshua Port Isabel Heath
Kent Manchester Suffolk Wessex West Wales
Bar to Medal of Distinction
Branch
Carl Davids Michael Bows Pete Moyes Denise Patterson Gordon Young Helen Clark Peter Sturgess
Bradford & Airedale Cumbria Lancashire Scottish Northern Scottish Northern Scottish Northern Worcester & Hereford
Medal of Distinction Branch
Allan Lanstein Barrington Ellis Joseph Spencer Karen Bee Marian Williams Rebecca Carroll Graham Dutton Jane Tosh Murray Robb Marcus Victory
Hertfordshire Hertfordshire Liverpool & District North Wales North Wales Republic of Ireland Scottish Northern Scottish Northern Scotland Northern Thames Valley
East Wales East Wales Republic of Ireland Suffolk Surrey Wessex Wessex Wessex Wessex
Branch
Adam Wright Nathan Strain Madeline Ashley Christopher Willson Alex Harriman Ciaran Doughty Marcelo Stringer Hiren Raichura Lily Firm
Hertfordshire
Certificate of Recognition
Young Lifesaver of the Year
Branch
Ann Huntingford Paul Paulding Michael Wardle Alison Pugh Jill Bailey Stuart Yeandle
Wessex
Branch
Christopher Hughes Hayden Edmonds Brian Spain Alison Pugh Clive Stevens Mark Shakles Peter Sturgess Roland Warmington Susan Corbin
Awarded to a person who does the most to carry out the objectives of the Society in their local area.
Sussex
RLSS UK Honorary Life Member
Stanley Peck Trophy
RLSS UK Medal of Honour
RLSS UK Recognition of Service
LIFESAVERS
Derbyshire Essex
Branch
Callum Briggs Gillian Stallion Jayne Stallion Jennie Lockwood Joe Galiszewski Terry Fox Daniel Blacklock Amber Welch Lesley Greensmyth Leanne Ayre Malcolm Bell Andrew Thomson Faye Burnap Joanne Willson Neil Morgan Stephen Goldsmith Adam Goymer
Hull & East Yorkshire
Alec Downes
Kent
Lincolnshire
Alistair Nairn
Liverpool & District
Mid Yorkshire
David Laxton
Middlesex North & West Yorkshire Northamptonshire Northumberland & Durham Scotland West Scottish Northern Somerset Sussex Staffordshire Wessex Worcester & Hereford
Paul Halford
Carl Simeson Andrew Bellis Emma Nunn Bryan Allen Christine Miller Iona Halford Linda McCracken Adam Lane Imogen Jameson
Derbyshire Derbyshire Derbyshire Derbyshire Derbyshire Derbyshire Essex Hertfordshire Hertfordshire Hull & East Yorkshire Hull & East Yorkshire Kent Kent Kent Kent Kent Leicestershire & Rutland Leicestershire & Rutland Leicestershire & Rutland Leicestershire & Rutland Leicestershire & Rutland Mid Yorkshire Middlesex Middlesex Scotland West Scotland West Scotland West Scotland West Somerset Somerset
Continued overleaf RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2020
31
LIFESAVERS
HONOURS 2020
Certificate of Recognition
Andrew Cunningham Angus Moir Ben Shuttleworth Ben Hebditch Jonathon Rodgers Megan Pugh Stephanie Marsh Jacky Arnold Luke Peel Dean Baker Heather Scott John Blackwell Nigel Divers Richard Divers Ruth Heyes Tristan Lyons Anthony Kershaw Douglas Thomas Sharon Miller
Essex
Suffolk Suffolk Suffolk Suffolk Suffolk Suffolk Surrey Sussex Sussex Sussex Sussex Sussex Sussex Sussex Sussex Thames Valley West Wales Worcester & Hereford
Branch
Kim McCulloch Paul Parkinson Zoe Stevens Adam Wright Chris Screeton Daniel Waterfall Mike Waterfall Tim Fullager Tracey West Andrew Holland Ben Clarke Christopher Felton Julia Jarius Raymond Dally Cheryl Ellis Cooper Lynn Edward Henson Elizabeth Bell Ewen Wilson Max Lowman Sharon Wyatt Declan Austin Joanna Priestal Mary Baldwin Lucy Whittaker Daryl Sibcy Phil Littlejohns Cameron Mundy Deborah Kasper Denise Todd Georgia Wilkinson Julie Bardoe Martin Fossey Maureen Campbell Valerie Nairn
Alison White Andrew Baldwin Simon Smith
Aisling Ni Fhaolain Heather Barnett Clare McDonald Douglas Mitchell Douglas Robertson 32
Branch
Essex
Suffolk
Certificate of Merit
Edward McGowan Georgina Howells Kirsten Barnett Reece Robertson Liam Clerkson Camille Russell Emily Patterson Hannah Ludwig-Thomas Jessica Chisholm Natasha Sim Robert Scrimgeour Iain Turner Ian Murphy Edward Lane Emily Jameson Hermione Cosser Jonny Bayford Pippa Gray Andrew Cunningham Angus Moir Ben Shuttleworth Ben Hebditch Gemma Marsh Jonathon Rodgers Ben Churchill Ethan Fox Ewan Conway Henry Humphries James Edwards Mikail Javaid Oliver Bun Olivia Moses Poppy Clark Zara Campbell Jason Roberts Louise Roberts Bhavik Barochia Elain Watkins Holly Graham Jenny Wiltshire Victoria Walton Aaron Woodfield
Branch
Cornwall Cornwall Cornwall Derbyshire Derbyshire Derbyshire Derbyshire Derbyshire Derbyshire East Wales East Wales East Wales East Wales East Wales Essex Essex Essex
Essex Essex Gloucestershire
Abigail Jones
Andrew Uncles
Hertfordshire
Cathryn Sellars
Hertfordshire
Hull & East Yorkshire
John Arnold
Isle of Man Isle of Man Kent Kent
Jordan Miller
Karen Keenan
Kent
Lucy Inett
Kent
Kent
Luke Haines
Kent
Kent Leicestershire & Rutland Middlesex Middlesex
Nicolas Penn
Romaine Webb
Sammie Lindsay
Northumberland & Durham Branch
Simone Inett
Republic of Ireland
Stuart Wilson
Scotland West
Scotland West
Tracy Seewoosaha
Scotland West Scotland West
RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2020
2nd Bar to Service Cross
Scotland West
Scotland West
Scottish Northern
Nina Winrow Dallas Robinson Patricia O`Toole David Clint Terence Fisher Susan Strudwick Joan Lincoln Beryl Lyon Charles Lyon Rachel Furby
Scottish Region
Scotland West Scotland West Scottish Eastern Scottish Northern Scottish Northern Scottish Northern Scottish Northern Scottish Northern
Shropshire Somerset Somerset Somerset Somerset Somerset Suffolk Suffolk Suffolk Suffolk
Branch
Elizabeth McKenna Alan Thompson Angus Moir Roger Moore Alison Angiolini Charlotte Harmer Robin Arthur Jeanne Cairns Robert Cairns David Young
Derbyshire East Wales Essex Essex Essex Hertfordshire Lincolnshire Liverpool & District Liverpool & District North & West Yorkshire Republic of Ireland Staffordshire Suffolk Suffolk Surrey Surrey Surrey Sussex Sussex Wessex
Suffolk Suffolk
1st Bar to Service Cross
Surrey
Surrey
Kevin Mosley Barry Llewellyn Ann Huntingford Valerie Graham-Clare Linda Nelson
Surrey Surrey Surrey Surrey Surrey Surrey Surrey Surrey Sussex Sussex Thames Valley Wessex Wessex Wessex Wessex Worcester & Hereford Worcester & Hereford Worcester & Hereford Worcester & Hereford Worcester & Hereford Worcester & Hereford Worcester & Hereford Worcester & Hereford Worcester & Hereford
Branch
Marie Taylor
Anthony Dunwoody Paul Ryan Bryan Finlay Helen Clark Vernon Bartlett Angus Moir Gill Cooper Valerie Wilson
Stephen Winter Dave Williams George Lee
Worcester & Hereford
Bernie Kearney Gerard Coyle Noel Mulhair Patricia Kelly Robert Cadman Lynne Sturgeon Catherine Moore Ben Shuttleworth Roger Moore Margaret Bradley
Worcester & Hereford Worcester & Hereford
Hertfordshire Hertfordshire North & West Yorkshire North & West Yorkshire Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland Scottish Eastern Scottish Northern Somerset Suffolk Wessex Worcester & Hereford
Branch
Carol Cox Daniel Woodthorpe Barry Llewellyn David Tonge David Clint Daren Sands Stephen Woodhams Paul Halford
Pamela Sharp
Worcester & Hereford
East Wales
Service Cross
Worcester & Hereford
Worcester & Hereford
Derbyshire
Derbyshire Derbyshire East Wales East Wales Essex Isle of Wight Isle of Wight Leicestershire & Rutland Lincolnshire Liverpool & District Northumberland & Durham Northumberland & Durham Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland Scottish Eastern Scottish Northern Suffolk Suffolk Surrey
HONOURS 2020
Branch
Dean Wright Lee Wright Malcolm Brewster Pamela Shaw Paul Heskett Richard Divers Joyce Thomas Keith Thomas Pamela Oddy
Sussex Sussex Sussex Sussex Sussex Sussex Wessex Wessex Wessex
Bar to Service Medal
Branch
Emma Weakley Lesley Greensmyth Mike Ferguson Martin Fossey Julie Mcconnell-Wood Katie Found Angela Harper Ann Coyle Fiona Crean Grace Meade Graham Cullen John Farragher Ken O’Connor Patrick McPartlin Paul Collins Raymond Cullen David MacLachlan Christopher Harper Catryn Davies Peter Mathewson Andrew Cunningham Angus Moir Ben Hebditch Ben Shuttleworth Cathy Atkins Andrew Smart Hannah Wiggins-Bettles Melanie Yates
Barry Dunne Corinna Nolan Frank McGuirk Jim Kelly Laura Mulhair Linda Byrne Louise Thompson
Branch
Republic of Ireland
Gail Foyle
Republic of Ireland
Scotland West Scottish Eastern Scottish Eastern
Hazel Hunter-Steele
John Brook
Scottish Northern
Lisa Swift
Somerset
Suffolk
Rebecca Minors
Suffolk
Suffolk Wessex
Beth Chandler
Cadie Chandler
Certificate of Thanks
Jenny Clark
Hertfordshire
Isle Of Man Kent Lincolnshire Lincolnshire Middlesex Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland Scotland West Scottish Eastern Scottish Northern Scottish Northern Suffolk Suffolk Suffolk Suffolk Surrey Wessex Wessex Wessex
Branch
Trefor Rees Joshua Huntingford Robert Keelan Sarah Comish Dean Greensmith Michael Kirkham Michael Lincoln Paul Schur Emma Nunn Alan Furby
Branch
Niamh Patterson Sharon Tracey James Miller Alan Whyte Julie Dixon Hannah Ludwig-Thomas Alan Sutherland Andrew Cunningham Ben Shuttleworth Ben Hebditch Louise Harrison
East Wales
Service Medal
East Wales
Branch
Adam Wright Callum Briggs Dawn Lockwood Jayne Stallion Joe Galiszewski Joseph Scurrah Leigh Selway Richard Hallam Tim Fullager Susan Woods Amber Welch Joanna Priestal Marvin Joyce Mary Baldwin Suzy Stevenson Victoria Huntingford Daryl Sibcy Phil Littlejohns Alan Sheward Richard Barton-Wood Richard Burns Rod Adams Cheyenne Goldsmith Donna Thomas Jack Wilkinson Jill Tipper Tamzin Hooker Hayley Leavis
Martin Wright
Hertfordshire
Michael Peberday
Isle of Man
Isle of Man
Ryan Stevens
Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire Lincolnshire Liverpool & District Middlesex North & West Yorkshire Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland
Sue Rigby
Ian Fulcher John Fearon Peter Munro Wendy Metcalfe Carl Simeson Andrew Baldwin Caroline Lockwood
Christopher Hirst
Republic of Ireland
Claire Brook
Republic of Ireland
Derbyshire
Julie Rogers
Derbyshire
Derbyshire
Mark Chandler
Derbyshire Derbyshire Derbyshire Derbyshire Derbyshire Derbyshire Essex Hertfordshire Hertfordshire Hertfordshire Hertfordshire Hertfordshire Hertfordshire Isle of Man Isle of Man Isle of Wight Isle of Wight Isle of Wight Isle of Wight Kent Kent Kent Kent Kent Leicestershire & Rutland Leicestershire & Rutland Leicestershire & Rutland Leicestershire & Rutland Leicestershire & Rutland Lincolnshire Lincolnshire Liverpool & District Liverpool & District Mid Yorkshire Middlesex North & West Yorkshire North & West Yorkshire North & West Yorkshire
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY! Saturday 6 November We’re already gearing up in the hope that next year Honours will be run once again, face-to-face in Worcester Cathedral. Honours nominations will open at the start of the new year so start thinking about your nominees.
LIFESAVERS
Sam Carpenter
North & West Yorkshire North & West Yorkshire North & West Yorkshire North & West Yorkshire North & West Yorkshire Northumberland & Durham Northumberland & Durham Northumberland & Durham Northumberland & Durham Northumberland & Durham Northumberland & Durham
Louise Blake Republic of Ireland Louise Sherry Republic of Ireland Una Flynn Republic of Ireland Catherine Perrett Scotland West Katie Smith Scotland West Andrew Ewing Scottish Eastern Daniel Doyle Scottish Eastern John Walker Scottish Eastern Louise Clapperton Scottish Eastern David Brown Scottish Northern Jessica Chisholm Scottish Northern Natasha Sim Scottish Northern Rebecca Ripley Scottish Northern Abigail Cooper Staffordshire Ben Hulse Staffordshire Cheryl Grimshaw Staffordshire Graeme Elkin Staffordshire Helen Elkin Staffordshire Amelia Pearce Suffolk Angus Moir Suffolk Ben Hebditch Suffolk Gemma Marsh Suffolk Jonathon Rodgers Suffolk Megan Pugh Suffolk Neve Maguire Suffolk Avril Gorringe Sussex Daisy Pamment Sussex Edward Baker Sussex Elish Edwards Sussex Jade Hand Sussex Julian Lee Sussex Karen Pamment Sussex Kyle Steward Sussex Milly Pamment Sussex Neil Pamment Sussex Samuel Lawson Sussex Tristan Lyons Sussex Ethan Fox Wessex Fenella Walker Wessex Maisie Rafferty Wessex Martin Traves Wessex Richard Oddy Wessex Clara Forson Worcester & Hereford Jacob Goodall Worcester & Hereford James Andrew Worcester & Hereford Lara Harding Worcester & Hereford Mia Bayliss-Cutler Worcester & Hereford Millie Young Worcester & Hereford
RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2020
33
LIFESAVERS
LEISURE SECTOR SUPPORT
RLSS UK: supporting the leisure sector through lockdown and beyond! Never resting on their laurels at the best of times, during some of the worst of times the team of qualification and industry experts have been on-hand throughout the pandemic, to ensure our partners and leisure sector customers have been able to operate as safely and easily whenever possible.
Learning through lockdown
Being able to move key elements of various courses online, has meant that learning and training have been able to continue, since the first lockdown in March. Whether it be NPLQ and NVBLQ modules, leisure industry-focused webinars or Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) courses, it’s been ‘all hands to the pump’ to ensure industry trainers, instructors and employees are prepared and ready for every fluctuating stage lockdown has presented. Platforms such as Vimeo and YouTube were also harnessed to make this training and education, as accessible as possible, with many of them free of charge. We were naturally over the moon to hear how well they’d been received:
These are fab! For those of us that work full-time, have a family and hold an NPLQ certificate but can’t always get to the pool for training – these are perfect! Laura Whyte
Thank you all for the training modules you have been uploading. Most of my staff have either fully completed them or are working through them (in fact there’s been a bit of competition to see who can complete a module each week) Grant Gallagher
Just wanted to say these CPDs have really helped me, especially now the full NPLQ has moved to a written paper for the exam and is a multiple-choice paper. They have got me used to question styles and answering the questions. They have been particularly helpful during the isolation period and, I have really enjoyed completing them. Thank you Sarah Goodale
The table below lays out the key stats about the extent of the online learning we’ve provided and the uptake (at time of writing) – we think you’ll agree, it’s pretty impressive stuff! Total
Name
RLSS UK Webinar:
Open Water Swimming and Beach Venue Operators Managing Lifeguards During COVID-19..........................................
Delivering and Assessing RLSS UK Qualifications and Awards During COVID-19...................................................................
Swimming Pool Operators Managing Lifeguards During COVID-19...............................................................................................
Name
Total
Industry Webinar: 767 1434 1115
Swimming Teachers Providing Safety Supervision During COVID-19...............................................................................................
Return to the Pool – An Overview of Swim England Guidance................................................................................
TN45 - Reopening a Pool after COVID-19 Shutdown.................
Achieving Bacteriological and Chemical Levels in Pools Prior to Re-opening.............................................................................
Q&A with Pool Water and Plant Rooms Experts............................
782 484
277 172 Health and Safety Considerations During COVID-19................... 189
How to Ensure your Facility is Clean and Safe to Open
During COVID-19.................................................................................
901 Delivering Rookie Lifeguard Sessions............................................... 264 Delivering The Save A Life Series....................................................... 123
Delivering and Assessing RLSS UK Qualifications and Awards During COVID-19...................................................................
377
Operating A Lifesaving Club And Lifesaving Awards During COVID-19...............................................................................................
222
Drowning Prevention Week Lesson (5-10-years-old) 3,087
Virtual Face-to-Face Forum
146
COVID-19 TA Update 3,340
Q&A with Pool Water and Plant Rooms Experts 52 Online First Aid Annual Refresher (£7.50 fee) 34
RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2020
335
139
NPLQ Online Ongoing Training 216,016 NVBLQ Online Ongoing Training 5,309
Lifesaver-Lifechanger
16,060
LEISURE SECTOR SUPPORT
LIFESAVERS
Passionate partners provide pastimes
RLSS UK would also like to take this opportunity, to express its immense thanks to all our partners who have gone above and beyond, in our mission to educate, entertain and engage everyone through lockdown. The Easter Egg Hunt, that took participants across many of our partners’ sites in the hunt for lettered eggs to spell a bumper prize-winning phrase, was a real hit, our thanks to all those involved.
The Easter egg hunt winner was Victoria Bennett, the lucky recipient of an Easter egg, a towelling dryrobe, a Yonda Sports hooded jacket, a Selkie sweatshirt and t-shirt bundle, a Kitbrix bag and an Aquaplane.
Also thanks to Water Sports World, for the generous donation of a Mystic hoodie, won by Jacob Wood, for celebrating the NPLQ Gen9’s second birthday, by telling us what he loves about being a lifeguard.
It’s new business, it’s Newport Live
Conveniently announced on National Fitness Day (23 September), RLSS UK welcomed Newport Live on board. The Welsh leisure operator has committed to training their staff from the suite of RLSS UK qualifications including the professional lifeguard standard, the NPLQ. Neil Sargeant, Director of Operations at Newport Live, said:
“We have been impressed by the extent of support provided during lockdown from the Royal Life Saving Society UK and the quality of the training. We are pleased to be able to upskill our team members and colleagues, to continue to provide safe environments in our facilities.” “We are looking forward to working with Newport Live; supporting them in their mission of enhancing their reputation within the leisure sector and offering high-quality opportunities, services and events, that inspire the people of Newport to lead healthier and happier lifestyles,” added Jo Talbot, Commercial Director at RLSS UK.
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COMMUNITY
FOLLOW RLSS UK ON SOCIAL MEDIA for all the latest news, advice & updates #EnjoyWaterSafeLy
Closed groups To find out more, visit rlss.org.uk IQL Trainer Assessors RLSSUK
@RLSSUK
@RLSSUK Lifeguard
Royal Life Saving Society UK - RLSS UK 36
RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2020
Membership Conversation
GRANTS AND TRUSTS
LIFESAVERS
Grants and charitable trusts: a small but important fundraising means The Directory of Social Change’s ‘Directory of Grant Making Trusts’ is a weighty tome, dedicated to data from grant-making charities, each with the potential to give out £50,000+ every year. Unlike a lot of charities, RLSS UK can’t boast a dedicated head solely for grant applications, however, our Fundraising and Events Executive Jenna Bennett, is delighted to confirm that some headway has been made: “The money we’ve raised to date, from any sort of grant or application to a charitable trust, has been done on a fairly ad-hoc basis, with team members often seizing an opportunity as it presents. “We were very excited about the donation Robert Gofton surprised us with, from the clothing chain, Next, when they gave us £2,000 at the end
of last year. They have a strong sense of corporate and social responsibility (CSR), and this money is allocated for lifeguard training for the long-term unemployed, in London. “We even had the added bonus of a £5,000 donation from the Sir John Priestman Charity Trust, an application we’d overlooked when staff responsibilities changed.
“Worcester City Council have also been very generous, giving us £5,000 towards our charitable work. “It can be a slow process but it is nevertheless an ongoing one, and plays a vital part in our fundraising processes.”
It’s important to remember that these sums of money aren’t just given away because we ask nicely, if only they were! As part of our ongoing drive to engage more businesses with our charitable aims, we need time to forge positive and long-lasting links that don’t just secure a one-off donation but rather, are mutually beneficial and bear fruit for years to come. Looking ahead, our next iron in the fire is a grant application to the Postcode Dream Trust – which award funds thanks to the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery. Its Postcode Recovery Fund offers charities the chance to apply for up to £1 million for:
an innovative project that tackles a systemic societal problem that has been highlighted by the recent pandemic.
We are seeking to fund an ambitious project that delivers water safety lessons nationwide, to those children who have missed out on swimming lessons due to the pandemic. The submission upholds our belief that dry-side, practical, common sense lessons on how to keep themselves safe around water, do not necessarily mean pupils have to get wet, and the education they receive will insure against accidental drowning in the future.
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FEATURE COMMUNITY
FANTASTIC FUNDRAISING
Fantastic fundraising sees funds flood in We would like to take this opportunity to thank our donors for their generous donations to our ‘Protect Our Future’ donation charity appeal.
Clive Holland Nial Elliot Clive Elliot Peter Moyes
W J Stoot Heather Leighton Janet Wilson Ed Duffy
During this time of unprecedented crisis our motto ‘whomsoever you see in distress, recognise in them a fellow human being’ has never been so poignant, and your donation has really helped us get through the first wave of lockdown.
Alan Sutherland Debbie Weston Debbie Hunt Cavell Burchell
‘Protect Our Future’ was a direct appeal for one-off donations, however big or small, to help the Society keep going, as our activities and initially, all of our work, closed down.
To date, we’ve raised over £7,700!
Trevor Bankhead was first introduced to RLSS UK by the family of Euan Coultard. Euan tragically lost his life after a night out in Durham in 2015 and Trevor helped find his body in the River Wear. Five years on and this summer, Trevor decided to put his passion for hill walking to use, raising funds for RLSS UK. Accompanied by daughter Rosie, they set about tackling the West Highland Way, a 96-mile walk running from Milngavie to Fort William and if that doesn’t sound ambitious enough, they topped the challenge with a climb up Ben Nevis.
For Trevor, raising money for RLSS UK was a “no brainer” and to date, he and Rosie have raised over £500. If you would like to donate, head to: www.rlss.org.uk/fundraisers/trevor-and-rosieswest-highland-way-challenge-wall
RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2020
Sue Flush Billingham Forum Lifesaving Club
We have certainly not forgotten your generosity and wanted to update you to the effect that, once we have reopened our offices after this second lockdown and, hopefully returned to some sort of normality, we will ensure your recognition will be fully rewarded as our absolute priority.
Trevor’s Travels
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Jill Bailey Rick Tazzini Ella Hunt David Browne
Skydive sensation It was on, then it was off, then it was on again but eventually, Megan Courtman and Bethan Laker flung themselves out of planes, all to raise funds for RLSS UK. A fully-qualified lifeguard and passionate about water safety, Megan took the brave decision to do a skydive with the Go Skydive team in Salisbury, raising £480 and later, after finally securing her rescheduled date in October, Bethan took a leap for lifesaving, raising £1,065. Not wanting to miss out on the action, brave souls Morgan Thomas and Lauren Todd are soon to get their rescheduled skydive date, already reaching their target of £600 before they’ve placed a foot on board the plane. If you want to tap into your inner daredevil and follow where Megan leads, keep your eyes on our website for details of the next chance to get involved.
FANTASTIC FUNDRAISING
COMMUNITY LIFESAVERS
The 2.6 Challenge In lieu of this year’s cancelled London Marathon, the 2.6 Challenge was set up in support of all UK charities who, through the loss of fundraising events and activities, faced a potentially catastrophic loss of funds in 2020. RLSS UK was keen to do its bit and set about creating their own 2.6-based event and encouraging others to create their own too. The RLSS UK CPR Marathon 26-27 April saw loads of you rise to the challenge of maintaining CPR for a full 24-hour period. As you can imagine, Little Anne manikins abound but there were some novel approaches to a ‘stunt’ manikin, with pillows and even soft toys, making an appearance, with plenty of volunteers taking on the shifts in the wee small hours.
Fifty per cent of all the money we raised went straight to the NHS and in total, we raised just over, an incredible £14,300. It was a phenomenal effort and our thanks go to everyone involved.
Current RLSS UK Trustee and former President, Peter Moyes and his wife Hazel were keen to get in on the act, as was their dog Maya. Peter tells us: “In a moment of isolation madness, Hazel and I thought we may be able to run a bit to help RLSS UK. “We knew that charities were struggling to cope with the difficult circumstances plus, we both believe that now, more than ever, it is important that young people are able to get help to make safer choices around water, and that people enjoy water safely. Our chosen charity is at the heart of these issues and we need RLSS UK to continue doing their good work for another 125 years. “We ran 26.2 miles between us in three-mile stints, over two days. Given we hadn’t done any training for this, the relay option felt like a sensible approach to such a daunting distance. “Maya joined us for a three mile run each day in place of her normal walk and I think she ended up fitter than us! We then did all the other running on the treadmill in the safety of our home, finishing with a 1.2 mile run altogether on the anniversary of the fortieth London Marathon.”
Team Moyes raised £371.20, which rose to an impressive final total of £456.60 after GiftAid.
RLSS UK’s Director of Charity Lee Heard, put himself through some paces too, running 126 miles in 26 days for his own 2.6 Challenge. Sore legs now fully recovered, Lee raised over £1,100.
Johnny’s on the ball for national radio
This August, television personality and maths enthusiast Johnny Ball, voiced RLSS UK’s first-ever national radio charity appeal, on BBC Radio 4.
The appeal has raised over £7,275, with all the money donated pledged towards helping people enjoy water safely. Our key call to action was the £250 it takes to fully-qualify a lifeguard, as we aimed to help the listeners understand for every £250 raised, we could provide a gateway to a career in leisure as well as enhancing communities, with people knowing vital lifesaving skills coupled with the confidence to use them.
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LIFESAVERS
RLSS Commonwealth
RLSS: Commonwealth Update Royal Life Saving Society releases Commonwealth drowning mortality data February 2020 saw the completion of an illuminating report, the first of its kind, to provide a detailed analysis on the issue of fatal drowning across the Commonwealth, with additional information on both strategic and practical, achievable preventative measures. Published in July, the report, led by Dr Aminur Rahman, the Royal Life Saving Society’s (RLSS) Drowning Prevention Director, based with the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research Bangladesh (CIPRB), the RLSS Member in Bangladesh, gives an evidence-based estimate of fatal drownings in Commonwealth nations. This data provides a better understanding of the mortality burden in Commonwealth countries, ultimately leading to more effective prevention actions. The most recent figures estimate Commonwealth drowning fatalities number 110,594, accounting for over a third of all fatal drownings globally. Of all the countries in the Commonwealth, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan bear the heaviest burden of tragedies, accounting for over three quarters of the estimated Commonwealth drowning fatality total.
“More than 300 people die from drowning each day across the Commonwealth, with low and middle-income (LMIC) countries the most vulnerable. Now is the time for action by the Commonwealth nations, to prevent these unnecessary deaths” highlights the report lead, Dr Aminur Rahman.
The Mountbatten Medal
The Mountbatten Medal is awarded annually for the most gallant rescue or rescue attempt undertaken in the previous calendar year, celebrating the recipient’s confidence in using lifesaving skills. The rescue must be made by the holder, or previous holder, of a lifesaving award delivered by a Royal Life Saving Society Member Branch. It can only be awarded to a citizen from a Commonwealth Nation, but the rescue or rescue attempt can be performed anywhere in the world. If you know of a rescue that has taken place in 2020 that deserves a Mountbatten Medal nomination, please visit our website www.rlsscommonwealth.org for a nomination form.
70 years and still going strong
Great work Clifford!
Many congratulations to Clifford Coombe from South Africa, who has been awarded the Mountbatten Medal for 2019. Overlooking his own recovery from a recent operation, Clifford helped rescue three teenage boys who were pulled into a rip tide by large waves close to some rocks at Herold’s Bay, Southern Cape, South Africa.
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RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2020
2021 will mark the 70th anniversary of the inauguration of the Mountbatten Medal and we would like to mark the occasion by celebrating previous recipients and conducting some research into the heritage of the medal, the skills used and the impact on recipients, with a view to publishing a record covering the seventy years. Were you a recipient of the Mountbatten Medal? Were you rescued or involved in a rescue that was awarded a Mountbatten Medal? If so, we would like to hear from you. We are also looking for anyone who would be interested in helping us to carry out some research for this project. If you can help in any way, please contact us at commonwealth@rlss.org.uk
FATAL DROWNING IN FATAL DROWNING IN COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES FATAL DROWNING IN COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES IN 2017 IN 2017 PEOPLE DIED DIED FROM PEOPLE DROWNING DROWNING INFROM 2017 COMMONWEALTH 110,000IN COUNTRIES IN COMMONWEALTH
110,000
110,000
37%
PEOPLE DIED FROM DROWNING IN COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES
RLSS
TWO THIRDS OF TOTAL DROWNING DEATHS IN COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES LIFESAVERS WERE MALE Commonwealth
OF GLOBAL DROWNING DEATHS OCCURRED IN COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES
51%
OCCURRED AMONG CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS (0-19 YEARS)
TWO THIRDS OF TOTAL DROWNING DEATHS IN COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES WERE MALE
26%
OCCURRED AMONG CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS
COUNTRIES
PEOPLE DIED
OF GLOBAL FROMDROWNING DROWNING
OCCURRED 110,000DEATHSOF IN COMMONWEALTH GLOBAL DROWNING 37% With the world’s attention currently IN COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES DEATHS OCCURRED COUNTRIES focused on managing the COVID-19 IN COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES pandemic, it is hard to see past the current crisisTWO and returning to THIRDS OF TOTAL OFlife GLOBAL DROWNING DROWNING DEATHS DEATHS OCCURRED RLSS normality once again, however, IN COMMONWEALTH IN COMMONWEALTH TWO THIRDS OF TOTAL WERE MALE believes thatCOUNTRIES current restrictions COUNTRIES DROWNING DEATHSpresent COMMONWEALTH an opportunity toINbe proactive, devising COUNTRIES WERE MALE and implementing drowning OCCURRED AMONG prevention THIRDScountry’s OF TOTAL CHILDREN strategies, suitedTWO toAND each 51% ADOLESCENTS DROWNING DEATHS needs, to ensure against future IN COMMONWEALTH (0-19 YEARS) OCCURRED AMONGloss COUNTRIESAND WERE MALE CHILDREN of life.
37%
37%
51%
ADOLESCENTS (0-19 YEARS) Commonwealth President,
RLSS HRH OCCURRED AMONG Prince Michael of Kent GCVO, added CHILDREN OCCURRED AMONG 26% 5 YEARS AND CHILDREN his voice to UNDER the call for action:
51% 26%
ADOLESCENTS OCCURRED AMONG
26%
OCCURRED AMONG CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS
(0-19may YEARS) “People’s attention be focused on CHILDREN UNDER of 5 YEARS the worldwide effects the COVID-19
OCCURRED AMONG CHILDREN AND but sadly that does ADOLESCENTS (0-19 YEARS)
51% pandemic, not mean that other deaths are not occurring which are avoidable. OCCURRED AMONG “There is a real concern that the loss CHILDREN of26% life mightUNDER be much 5 YEARShigher in many Commonwealth nations, given that not all deaths by drowning are recorded accurately, or even at all. The figures we do have, tell us that the number of lives lost is extremely high, given that some simple interventions could prevent people from drowning.
“I am calling on all Commonwealth Governments and supported agencies, to use the data in the Commonwealth Fatal Drowning Fact Sheet, in
collaboration with key agencies and lifesaving organisations, to start the process that ultimately could see accidental drowning a thing of the past. “I implore you to share this important issue with your governments and put an end to the unnecessary loss of life through simple, yet effective, drowning prevention interventions.” The full fact sheet can be downloaded at: www.rlsscommonwealth.org/ drowning-prevention/fatal-drowning-in-commonwealth-countries/
Social Media Mash-up! Lifesaver Socials
@RLSSUK Our first virtual course took place this week, Loz Matcham @Places for People said: “Thanks for an informative, proffessional & fun course. I was concerned how it would go, but it worked well, and saved a long drive to HQ!” For more remote courses, visit rlss.org.uk/Pages/Events/C...
@RLSSUK Yesterday, Helen Bowker hosted training at Diglis Ilsand, Worcester for @severnrivers & @HWFire. Personnel performed staged, emergency, water rescues using skills gained during theory-based training held at RLSS UK HQ in August. rlss.org.uk/Pages/Category...
thelakekilrea A perfect morning for our RLSS Lifeguard training course at The Lake Kilrea #rlssuk #sub6life #thelakekilrea
@RLSSUK This week, our Strategic Partners, @Water Babies are hosting #NationalBabySwimmingWeek to support families to safe safe and healthy - even if you can’t get to a swimming pool. For hints and tips about how to support your baby to have water confidence visit waterbabies.co.uk/lessons/learn
leedslifesaving @withregram · @rlssuk Have you entered our Rookie Lifeguard competition yet? There is the chance to win a year’s free membership to RLSS UK’s Lifesaving Academy. Simply, complete our free water safety activity sheets, get creative, and share photos of the fun you have had on our social media channels.
csedge86 Guess I’m a certified lifegeek (Lifeguard) for another 2 years
Real Federación Española de Salvamento y Socorrismo The Royal Life Saving Society UK RLSS UK, a homonymous entity for the Royal Spanish Ferderation of Rescue and Socorrism in the United Kingdom within the International Rescue Federation (ILS), has warned of the need to take some precautions this autumn whilst touring alongside water spaces, such as moving away from the edges of the channels and always letting someone check the places you plan to visit.
Open Water Rescue Over 20 people (11 in Greater Glasgow) have unfortunately drowned in Scotland within 115 days of lockdown, along with countless others being rescued. Please #staysafe and follow the Summer Water Safety advice of the Royal Life Saving Society UK - RLSS UK & Water Safety Scotland https://www.rlss.org.uk/ summer-water-safety Gorsaf Dân Ac Achub Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr / Bridgend Fire and Rescue Station The effect on the body after entering cold water is often underestimated. Cold water shock can be a precursor to drowning. For more information on staying safe around the water visit Royal Life Saving Society UK - RLSS UK at www.rlss.org.uk #DPW #BeALifeSaver #FloatToLive
dave_tonge Maindy Swimming Pool Another successful NPLQ renewal this week at Maindy swimming pool. I had the pleasure of working alongside my old friend @steven.moates.9.
RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2020
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LIFESAVERS
CAMPAIGNS
Lifesaver-Lifechanger: the stats don’t lie
16,306
That’s correct, as of mid-November, 16,179 people have fully completed the #Lifesaver-Lifechanger course, and that total continues to rise! Started back in March as the first lockdown took hold, the free, online water safety toolkit, brainchild of RLSS UK, has been snapped up ever since. It doesn’t take a genius to work out that, 16,149+ people equipped with the knowledge of how to enjoy water safely, means so many more people are clear on and confident about, keeping themselves safe in, on and around the water. With reports still hitting the news of people getting into difficulties, and even losing their lives around water, it’s clear - our #EnjoyWaterSafely message is as valid and relevant as ever. We know seasoned, experienced participants in water activities, eg ‘wild’ swimmers, paddle-boarders, surfers etc. remain largely undaunted by winter weather, and even with increasingly limited opportunities to indulge in organised water-based leisure activities, our Winter Water Safety campaign recognises that whoever and wherever you are, people can still be caught out by the conditions.
FACT: Lifesaver-Lifechanger isn’t just for the beginners, for the curious or for those with dependents in their care. FACT: Lifesaver-Lifechanger is free. FACT: Lifesaver-Lifechanger is applicable all year round. FACT: Lifesaver-Lifechanger is the water safety toolkit that equips EVERYONE EVERYWHERE, with the knowledge of how to keep themselves and others, safe around water. FACT: Lifesaver-Lifechanger is still available now! What are you waiting for? www.rlss.org.uk/Pages/Category/ lifesaver-lifechanger
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DROWNING PREVENTION WEEK
COMMUNITY LIFESAVERS
DPW 2020:
we called and you answered!
Hamstrung by variable lockdown restrictions nationwide, Drowning Prevention Week 2020 looked doomed, but how wrong we were. Prioritising free, easily-accessible online resources meant moving the campaign to a predominantly digital one, a stroke of simple genius that you embraced in your droves! Fire & Rescue Services
Swim schools
Schools
Local Authorities
Tourist Centres Utility companies
Swim Ireland
Leisure Operators
Tarmac
HM Coastguard
First Aid trainers
Just a short list of the many, many organisations, that joined the host of individuals who accessed our messages and resources to spread the water safety word, all in the name of helping people stay safe in, on and around water.
In the press
Drowning Prevention Week occurred in the press over 64 million times through a combination of coverage from the national and regional press, online, in print and broadcast media, with some bloggers also taking the cause to their hearts. And these figures don’t include social media where some of the numbers make the mind boggle. In the campaign week of 12-20 June alone, we reached over 14 million people on Twitter and over nine million people on Facebook. And don’t forget, whilst activity might be low, using the campaign title and sharing the resources, continues beyond the limit of the campaign week dates.
prize winner
Many congratulations to our DPW competition winner BULSCA, who won a Red Original weight belt and Pro Change jacket, from our partners Red Paddle. Thank you to them for being so generous too!
And so, we look to Drowning Prevention Week 2021, who knows what next year will hold? What we know for sure is the date: Drowning
Prevention Week 2021: 19-26 June RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2020
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LIFESAVERS COMMERCIAL
NEW RLSS UK SHOP
SHOP it like it’s hot! “It’s an exciting time for the Society, we’re working hard to bring our online shop facility closer to the Charity, and improve its offering and functionality for members and customers.” explains Mike Dunn, Director of Business Services.
“Alongside Hans Ziebeck, our Head of Retail and Procurement, the Business Services Team are aiming high with easier purchase and delivery options, member benefits and a smarter, faster user experience, all in the pipeline.”
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As the upgrade to RLSS UK’s systems and processes continues apace with tahdah, here we take a look at what 2021 has in store for our online shop. Previously known as RLSS Direct, the RLSS UK Shop will sit firmly within the wider brand of RLSS UK. RLSS UK Shop will have a fully re-designed website, where members can benefit from preferential pricing options and the ability to pay online by purchase order, for those who have credit accounts. And as the platform’s reputation grows, it is hoped the wider, water-loving public, will come to see the RLSS UK Shop as the ‘go-to’ site for partner brands such as Selkie, Fin2Fit, Yonda, Swim Secure and many others. ApplePay and GooglePay services will facilitate a quick and easy checkout, with a simplified postage pricing structure and the ability for people to log in and shop securely, using their tahdah credentials.
“There’s still a lot to do between now and the launch day but we promise it’ll be worth the wait,” adds Mike.
WATCH THIS SPACE!
OPEN WATER SCOTLAND
COMMUNITY LIFESAVERS
Great Scot!
“It was a huge boost to have such fantastic support from Tunnock’s,” explains Antony D. Coia. “Having the trailer makes attending incidents a quicker and more efficient process, saving vital seconds when lives are at risk. “We can’t thank Tunnock’s enough so it was the least we could do, to name the trailer ‘Teacake’ of course!”
New lifesaving tackle from Tunnock’s treats
Lifesavers would like to thank Open Water Rescue’s Secretary Antony, for writing in to show off their new box trailer, courtesy of legendary Scottish bakery and ‘stars’ of the 2014 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, Tunnock’s.
Open Water Rescue (OWR), has been serving the Greater Glasgow community for over six years. They are a voluntary Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) Lifeguard Unit based in Glasgow and their primary focus is water search and rescue, flood response and water-based activities. Working as part of the Scottish Community Asset Register, their role supports the local emergency services, National Government, Local Authorities, NHS Scotland, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, sporting governing bodies and community groups. This spring OWR volunteers realised it was high time they secured an upgrade to the rescue equipment, ensuring they all had the appropriate equipment for their varying duties. With this in mind, the OWR Committee approached internationally-known, local businessman Sir Boyd Tunnock CBE, of Tunnock’s Bakery, to see if he could assist with purchasing a new ‘box trailer’. A new box trailer meant OWR had an easy way to store and transport the equipment for call outs, and it would be a vital addition to the service. Imagine their surprise and delight when Sir Boyd Tunnock not only agreed to help, but generously donated the full cost to purchase a brand new trailer!
Find out more:
www.openwaterrescue.co.uk Twitter @Water_Rescue Facebook @OpenWaterRescue Instagram @openwaterrescue
Volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure that the trailer was suitably fitted out, then kitted out with the appropriate equipment, boat, outboard engine, generator, rescue equipment and PPE for the volunteers. All OWR members are volunteers and receive no personal reimbursement for their work. They give their own time and effort to help protect lives and serve their communities of Greater Glasgow. Open Water Rescue are proudly affiliated to and are members of RLSS UK.
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COMMUNITY
WHY I VOLUNTEER
Why I Volunteer RLSS UK Ireland Branch Secretary, Graham Cullen
An Oceanographic Engineer for Techworks Marine in Ireland, Graham spends his time “measuring the ocean”, providing marine scientific data to major infrastructural projects, like ports. He credits a lifetime in lifesaving for helping him get to where he is today.
“It’s fair to say that with a mother who volunteered as a lifesaving instructor, my fate was sealed when I was just three-years-old, as she took me along to play in the ‘baby pool’. Now, over three decades later and I am giving back to a wonderful organisation that has given me so much throughout my life. I had a lot of fun progressing from the ‘baby pool’ into the ‘big pool’ and down to the deep end all the while learning lifesaving and how to swim. The club events throughout the year were always something to look forward to, including the club lifesaving competition, colouring competitions and meeting Santa at Christmas.
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I then moved on to start lane swimming, eventually achieving my Bronze Medallion, which led to me getting a job at a swimming pool for people with disabilities. It was at this time that my volunteering began, I started shadowing the teachers in my club and I started training to be a Lifesaving Trainer Assessor.
WHY I VOLUNTEER
COMMUNITY
At university I remember my first night training with the water polo team. As the fastest swimmer in my lifesaving club, it came as a shock to find myself the second slowest swimmer there! I got chatting to the slowest swimmer and found out that he was a member of our rival lifesaving club! I quickly realised that there was room for improvement in my own lifesaving club. There were a number of instances like that, like the first time I was doing the council swim test to be a beach lifeguard; I swam the timed swim with my head up because that is how I had been trained in my club, needless to say I was quite slow compared to everyone else who swam with the heads down! Luckily, I was offered a few weeks of work as a beach lifeguard towards the end of that summer and I was introduced to surf lifesaving sport. I began training with the other beach lifeguards and that is when my passion for lifesaving and lifeguarding, really started to take off. At university, I became Treasurer of the Water Polo and Swimming Club, President of the Irish University Swimming and Water Polo Association, and manager of our National University Swimming and Water Polo team, all of which prepared me for a greater volunteering role in my own club. My main goal was to secure an easy transition for the next generation of lifesavers and lifeguards, guiding them through their progression from the ‘baby pool’, to becoming a qualified lifeguard or competitor in our national lifesaving team. Quickly realising I couldn’t train everyone in the club myself, I started training members, ex-members and parents, to be Survive & Save instructors whilst I became Treasurer of the club and Secretary of the Ireland Branch. All of my lifesaving experience has really helped me in my career as an Oceanographic Engineer; for one, I really feel that all of my time spent on surf rescue training has helped me to avoid getting seasick on operations! The skills I gained coiling ropes every week, are beneficial when I’m working on the boats, and the experience I gained through the Committee roles, help in my role as Field Team Manager, managing a small team of field engineers and scientists.
I am giving back to a wonderful organisation that has given me so much throughout my life.
I’ve had an amazing journey through lifesaving over the past three decades of my life. I get an overwhelming sense of happiness and pride, when I witness the excitement of a young lifesaver as they release the side in the deep end for the first time, or perform a straddle jump without getting their head wet. It is all the more rewarding to have an Instructor that I trained, tell me of the same feelings they have, in seeing their young lifesavers improve their skills.
Why do I volunteer? Because I want to ensure that the next generations receive an even better opportunity than I did.”
I get an overwhelming sense of happiness and pride, when I witness the excitement of a young lifesaver as they release the side in the deep end for the first time
RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2020
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LIFESAVERS COMMUNITY
YOUTH LEADERSHIP TEAM
Youth Leadership Team:
connected throughout COVID.
Created to lead on improving RLSS UK engagement with young people nationwide, the Youth Leadership Team (YLT) has still managed to keep themselves connected throughout lockdown.
Our thanks to James Cossons, RLSS UK Youth Advisor, for the updates. Whilst much of the project work has been put on hold during lockdown, there’s been some great work done keeping the YLT in touch with each other and supported, as they faced being furloughed or having their education disrupted. They’ve been focussing on what they can do to get their clubs active as soon as is possible, sharing best practice ideas, member retention and risk assessments, as the leisure industry slowly gets back on its feet. Three quizzes have helped keep morale in the group high and included some BULSCA members in the mix. The YLT is also contributing to RLSS UK’s Task and Finish Group (TAFG). Set up to ensure all members have a voice in any Society-wide consultation, the TAFG seeks to encourage a two-way process of feedback between Head Office and the wider RLSS UK membership. James Cossons and Kelsea Murray provide the Youth Voice for the most recent piece of TAFG work – looking at our existing structures and assessing how they align with our new strategic framework. The Youth Voice piece will garner input from all members of the YLT and the young people they represent. A special shout-out to Alex Phillips and Alex Ecclestone, who are now both co-chairing Shropshire Branch committee. Working remotely from their universities, Alex Ecclestone has taken on the finance side of committee operations as both of them also work as Chair, to drive member activity across the branch’s sphere of influence. With most people already familiar with virtual meeting platforms, the dynamic duo are already well into their plans for 2021! Say hello, wave goodbye: the YLT welcomes a new Youth Ambassador, Eamon Doherty but bids farewell to Jacob Williams, wishing him well. Spread the word and get involved: any questions about the YLT, their work or how you can get involved, can be sent direct to: james.cossons@ rlss.org.uk, or you can head to the ‘RLSS UK Youth Network’ Facebook group where younger members can connect and interact.
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Lockdown no barrier to RLSS UK advocates
The Thursday night clapping, in support of our key workers throughout much of the pandemic may have died away, but many RLSS UK members and volunteers, have continued to work throughout. Here, we take time to acknowledge some of those members of the RLSS UK family.
Jen Lindfield
An RLSS UK lifeguard for 12 years, Jen has been a Trainer Assessor for six years at Beau Sejour Leisure Centre, Guernsey’s only ATC. For the last six years, Jen has also worked with the Guernsey Ambulance Service and, as an Emergency Medical Technician, has been on the frontline throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “I love my job because every day is so varied, meeting so many different people and hearing about their lives. Helping people is incredibly rewarding, knowing you’ve helped them in the right way so they can carry on their lives. The close-knit team I work with definitely help the long shifts go faster too. “We’ve been very lucky in Guernsey, with no dramatic overload on the service and coming out of lockdown fairly early, that’s not to say that wearing a mask all the time was easy, it’s hard to do your best when you can’t see through steamed up glasses! I missed my parents too, I opted to move away from parents to protect them and that was hard on us all. “RLSS UK has given me a lot of opportunities in my life so far, from my first shift as a lifeguard to helping me determine on a career that helps others. There are always new and exciting opportunities with RLSS UK to push me further, bettering myself and my qualifications.“ Such is Jen’s commitment to her work for RLSS UK, she even managed to run a fully COVID-compliant NPLQ course: “It was a bit surreal because I’m used to having a lot more freedom in my way of teaching and like to get as hands-on as possible. Admittedly, I only had one person on the course but maintaining distance and insuring against cross-contamination of the materials, took a lot of preparation and focus. Poolside in a mask and apron was an interesting experience but it made me re-think some of my teaching methods, which was a challenge I’ve definitely benefitted from.”
WORKING THROUGH LOCKDOWN
Tom Watts
Being so new to the RLSS UK team at head office, most of us haven’t met Tom, our new Business Development Manager yet! Prior to joining us though, Tom was one of many people to have felt the effects of lockdown all too keenly: “2020 dawned with a host of exciting prospects ahead for me; I was looking for a new employment challenge, and my fiancée and I had wedding plans all set to go with a honeymoon that took in three weeks of exploring, adventures and luxury – how things change! “Desperate to overcome the flood of worries that have haunted so many in a similar situation - how do I pay the bills, will I lose my house, what about my car? I cottoned on pretty quickly that my part-time existing role wasn’t going to cut it and I needed to find more work soon. “I consider myself very lucky that before long, not only did I have a job as a Customer Delivery Driver for Tesco, but it was a job I quickly discovered I loved! The interaction (distanced, of course) with the customers, the freedom to be out and about, and even the work-related social life, such as it was. My six-month spell in the role was a real boost.
Ollie Hampson
Given he can count family members in both the police force and working for RLSS UK, it should come as no surprise that NPLQ-holder and Duty Manager at Places Leisure’s Parish Wharf Leisure Centre, Ollie Hampson, volunteered for London’s Ambulance Service Critical Care Transport Service, in the first lockdown.
“I was based at Stanmore Hospital in London with my crew mate Mark. We’d get a call from Control and were sent patients details, where we pick them up from and what hospital we take them to. We’d travel to most hospitals in London including Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and the new London Nightingale Hospital. “Our team would go and collect the patient in full PPE gear, we would then settle them in the back of the ambulance, close the doors and transport the patient to the designated hospital on blue lights through London. “Mark is the blue light driver so I was either navigating around London finding the quickest route round, or if
Luisa Petta
Luisa has featured online as part of our Everyday Hero series, as well as being a member of South Worcester Lifesaving and Lifeguarding Club. Her picture here leaves little doubt as to how ingrained and invaluable her skills and experience are, in the fight against COVID-19. Based at Southampton Children’s Hospital, Luisa works in the intensive care unit there and over the summer, was publicly recognised by ITV’s ‘Good Morning Britain’ programme, for her work.
TECHNICAL
“I was also able to continue with my role as a Community First Responder for the Yorkshire Ambulance Service. I am often the first on the scene ahead of the ambulance crew, able to provide help and support in those vital first few minutes with incidents such as cardiac arrests, breathing difficulties or unconscious casualties. “It’s a role I’ve been volunteering in for just over a year now and I relish both the challenges and the joy the position gives me; it pales by comparison though, to the experiences of those like my fiancée, who have worked tirelessly in intensive care units, across the country. The impact and loss families, friends and communities have all experienced, is a sobering reminder of just how devastating this virus still is. So now Tom is busy getting his ‘feet under the table’ for RLSS UK, he finds himself able to combine his commercial savvy with his altruistic nature: “Joining RLSS UK has proved to be an unexpected bonus for me in a year that, at one stage, looked like it was going to be a total loss. It certainly is a dramatic and challenging time to join any organisation but I can’t think of many roles that draw on my business experience to benefit a charity so dedicated to improving the lives of others.
“I can’t wait to meet everyone face to face in the future!” needed, I was in the back of the ambulance, assisting the doctors and nurses with our patient. “Each collection and drop-off takes anywhere from three to five hours, then it’s onto the next job! Our shifts were around 12 hours long, but could last longer. “London’s normal traffic was non-existent - the roads were like a ghost town - it was very strange. “The greatest part of the job was that often, people we‘d see would stop and clap us as we pass, thanking us for everything we are doing. “It’s not over yet though, and I’d encourage everyone to abide by the guidance and advice on how to keep themselves and others, safe.” “It’s thanks to my step-mother who works for RLSS UK, that I first got involved with the Charity, she encouraged me to do my NPLQ. Since then, I’ve not really looked back and I am now a Trainer Assessor, an Open Water Lifeguard and I’ve recently passed my Open Water Trainer Assessor’s Qualification. “You might have even spotted me in some the recent RLSS UK photoshoots too!”
Luisa has been a member of the South Worcester club for many years, and credits her lifesaving and lifesaving sport experiences with giving her a head start for her role today: “Being a member of the South Worcester Lifesaving and Lifeguarding Club gave me lots of opportunities to learn crucial skills that have been invaluable whilst I have been on the ward of the ICU unit. I would like to thank everyone that supported me.” Vice-Chairperson of South Worcester Lifesaving and Lifeguarding Club, Teresa Myatt added: “We’re extremely proud of Luisa. She has always been an excellent role model for our younger members, and she epitomises what lifesaving is about.”
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LIFESAVERS COMMERCIAL
PARTNERS IN PROFILE
Partner in profile:
Ruth Lee
Long-time collaborators and supporters of RLSS UK, Ruth Lee was announced as a new water safety partner in May. Here, Ruth Lee’s Marketing Communications Manager, Sarah Hampson, explores how the pandemic has changed the way water rescue training takes place.
The Ruth Lee Pool Rescue manikin has already transformed lifeguard training around the world; allowing a trainee to complete a full simulated rescue from start to finish, without needing to switch between different equipment and live volunteer casualties.
It’s proved to be the perfect Covid-safe training resource!
No-one could have foreseen the massive impact that COVID-19 would have on communities all over the world. It has impacted daily life hugely and as the world grasps for some kind of normality and some essential training resumed, we were pleased to offer lifeguards an ideal solution, which let them maintain safe social distancing measures. 50
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From deep water recovery and towing, to assisted lifts and using a rescue board, the Pool Rescue manikin allows a trainee to learn essential skills whilst minimising person-to-person contact. The concept of using one manikin for many elements of training originally came from a Canadian lifeguard who was frustrated with the disjointed process of training. She approached Ruth Lee, the world’s leading manufacturer of rescue training manikins, to see if they could find a solution. The result was a close working relationship, forged between Ruth Lee and RLSS UK through a consultation process that took in every stage from design to manufacture, resulting in a manikin that fulfils all the training requirements. This manikin has now been endorsed by RLSS UK for various elements of both training and assessment work. Lifeguards all over the world are changing the way they train, fully-appreciative of a complete end-to-end rescue training drill, and today, the manikin is currently sold in more than 20 countries worldwide.
PARTNERS IN PROFILE
COMMERCIAL LIFESAVERS
TRANSforming your training
Using the Pool Rescue manikin in your training provides lifeguards with a realistic experience of retrieving and manoeuvring an unresponsive body in the water; the limbs, weight, size and dimensions all mirror that of a youth casualty. Once the trainee has brought this bulk to the surface, the manikin is cleverly designed to maintain a borderline buoyancy, meaning it floats when towed with sufficient skill. This is something highlighted by Donna Bristoll – Contract Training Manager (West Midlands) for Places Leisure, who has been using the manikin for more than 18 months in her training:
“Teaching with the Ruth Lee manikin, particularly in the current climate, has been a godsend. I’ve been able to demonstrate how a body would behave when unconscious on the pool floor and how unpredictable the head movement can be. “Naturally, she makes a great addition to introducing the rescue board both in and out of the water, so all candidates see how to apply it.” Traditionally, lifeguards would use each other to practise towing but as long as pools are open, the manikin means Covid-safe practical training can still occur. Using the manikin also rules out any of the benefits that using a fellow trainee might incur, eg taking a deep breath or moving the limbs to help with buoyancy, or even the instinct to protect the head and neck when ‘playing dead’. The Pool Rescue manikin does none of this and therefore, offers a much more realistic challenge.
Eddie Seaborne MBE MSM is a National Trainer Assessor with RLSS UK and an early adopter of the Ruth Lee manikin. Using it recently during training at HMS Collingwood, he said: Jennifer Wegener, of the Emporia Recreation Commission, Kansas, USA first saw the manikin on display at the Association of Aquatic Professionals Annual Conference and said:
“Having the opportunity to try out the manikin during the conference (AOAP) opened my eyes to how inefficient our current submersible manikin was. “Your manikin comes so much closer than the equipment we currently have, and we’ve already used your manikin four times more than the equipment that we’ve had for the last four years!”
“We’ve used the Ruth Lee manikin with newly-employed lifeguards throughout COVID-19, and it’s helped us enormously with social distancing. “It’s a great bit of enhanced lifesaving equipment that can be used for all types of training, both wet and dry. It’s very versatile, robust, easy to clean after use, and as well as using within the pool, we have also used it in the Royal Navy Defence Diving School saltwater lake.”
Read more about Ruth Lee’s work: www.ruthlee.co.uk RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2020
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LIFESAVERS COMMERCIAL
Consultancy services
RLSS UK consultancy services: cross-sector water safety solutions
We’ve been saving lives and preventing drowning since 1891. Today, our 129 years of water safety experience positions us as the UK’s leading water safety experts and, we find ourselves increasingly called on by different sectors of industry, to help and advise on cost-effective, competitive, practical water safety solutions.
Newcastle City Council
Tower Hamlets Council
With 800 meters of paving running parallel with the River Tyne and lined with, shops, bars and hotels, RLSS UK has been engaged to assess any existing water safety measures and make a subsequent recommendation for further risk-reducing methods.
A regular ‘hotspot’ for unregulated swimming (classed as anti-social behaviour), Shadwell Basin in East London hit the headlines last July after a young man drowned there, cooling off on one of the hottest days of the year. Despite the prohibition of swimming and jumping into the water, the existing team of water safety staff have asked for RLSS UK’s recommendations, to assess the impact of the anti-social behaviour and measures that can be taken to reduce further incidents, and potential fatalities.
With the main concern being for people under the influence in the area, there is also a requirement for a programme of water safety training for employees at waterside venues, in line with the Don’t Drink and Drown campaign. Copyright: Newcastle Chronicle
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Consultancy services
COMMERCIAL LIFESAVERS
With thanks to RLSS UK advisors Set across multiple locations in the North West of England, UCLan’s Preston and Burnley sites both sit in close proximity to water, with plenty of open access for students and the public alike. The brand new residential campus in Burnley has water at its very heart, with a canal running through the campus and both sides accessed by a footbridge. In addition to water safety advice and resources from the Don’t Drink and Drown campaign, RLSS UK has been appointed to make further water safety recommendations for students, staff and contractors, in, on and around the water. UCLan’s Preston site is their sporting campus, with facilities readily available to the wider public, and both official and unofficial access points from the canal towpath. With no controlled or determined opening times, anyone visiting at any time, can claim lawful visiting status, potentially creating increased risks outside of ‘normal’ opening hours. RLSS UK has been tasked with conducting a risk-assessment and making subsequent recommendations to ensure, as far as is reasonable, visitor water safety across the entire campus.
We are proud to have a panel of highly regarded, senior advisors, whose knowledge and expertise expand across all water environments, at expert witness level. Our advisors support RLSS UK with qualification development, customer advice and strategic direction in their area of specialism. Since the first lockdown back in March, this team of advisors have been ready and willing to help RLSS UK, as we endeavour to continue in our provision of the best and most current advice, and practical support for the leisure sector. For their unwavering support, we can’t thank them enough. www.rlss.org.uk/pages/category/rlss-uk-advisors
Thank You RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2020
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COMMUNITY
EDUCATION FOR ALL
Sharing our expertise in a bid to increase education
For some time now, we’ve worked in partnership with compatible and like-minded organisations, to increase the reach of water safety messaging across the UK and Ireland.
We believe our work is relevant in every household; water is in our fabric, surrounds us, is part of everyday life, and we want the understanding of how to enjoy water safely to be just as familiar. It is therefore increasingly important we work with our partners, both to boost the reach of our consistent and pertinent messaging, and to increase the exposure of our brand, so that everybody knows who to turn to for water safety advice.
Foxlake are just one of many aqua parks RLSS UK has worked with in 2020.
In June, as lockdown measures were eased, it was fantastic to see the desire from the public, to engage in open water activities as a way to keep physically and mentally active. At a time when many sporting activities weren’t allowed, it was a good response to a public health challenge, however we all know that this came with risks. In recognition of these risks, we worked closely with British Triathlon, Swim England and the aqua park industry, to ensure that organised open water venues had guidance on keeping COVID-19 safe, and supported individuals to swim safely. This work was accompanied by free, digital open water safety messages that were shared by a number of fire and rescue services, encouraging safe use of the water, as they dealt with their own local challenges. During our ‘Drowning Prevention Week’ and ‘Don’t Drink & Drown’ campaigns this year, we also produced a number of digital resources in a bid to increase messaging. Working with schools, operators, the RNLI, national swimming organisations, fire and rescue services, the National Fire Chiefs Council and The Maritime and Coastguard Agency to name just a few, we created sharable, and in some cases, bespoke images and videos, to encourage a consistent approach to water safety messaging. By way of ongoing support, we have created a hub on our website called ‘Sharing Water Safety Advice’, accessed from the ‘Water Safety Advice’ tab so that partners, organisations and individuals, can access resources to share, further helping the UK and Irish public enjoy water safely.
How can you help? We want to encourage others to use these resources and for you to maximise the connections you have with employers, operators, friends and family, teachers and many more, by sharing these free resources. Head to our website to share the page with your network: https://www.rlss.org.uk/ sharing-water-safety-advice
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MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
MEMBERSHIP
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.
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:
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!
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LIFESAVERS Technical
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YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Where can we find the COVID-19 Lifeguard ongoing training plan?
We created a three-session Lifeguard Ongoing Training Plan to be used during COVID-19, found here: www.rlss.org.uk/guidance-forswimming-pool-operatorsmanaging-lifeguards-duringcovid-19. Operators can use the three-session training plan or, the standard six-session Lifeguard Ongoing Training Plan and apply COVID-secure measures.
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Is it mandatory for lifeguards to complete a Return to Work Competency Assessment before returning to the role of a lifeguard? Lifeguard competency assessment is the responsibility of the Operator (Pool Management); they should determine if and when lifeguards should complete Return to Work Competency Assessments. RLSS UK would suggest all lifeguards are competency assessed prior to commencing or returning to the role of a lifeguard.
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My RLSS UK qualification expired whilst I was furloughed by my employer, what can I do?
Following consultation with the various qualification regulators and government departments, a wide range of RLSS UK and IQL UK vocational qualifications are extended, to support everyone through the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. We have worked with the regulators to make the extensions as standardised and easy to implement as possible, however, due to differing requirements of the qualifications and regulators, we have had to implement three slightly different methods. You can find more information here: www.rlss.org.uk/news/coronaviruscovid-19-update-for-tas.
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I need 20 hours of CPD to renew my RLSS UK qualification, but, my local swimming pool has not been delivering training during COVID-19, what can I do? Continued Professional Development (CPD) can be achieved by: • Attendance at lifeguard ongoing, training, and competency assessment (strongly recommended) • Attendance at alternative training - face-to-face or online - relating to in-water swimming pool rescue skills, CPR, First Aid and lifeguard theory RLSS UK has 10 online, ongoing training modules; the first is free and the other nine are available as a benefit of any RLSS UK membership. If you complete all 10, you get five CPD points that equate to five hours.
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Where do I find my RLSS UK certificate?
All RLSS UK certificates that you hold can be viewed and downloaded from your RLSS UK tahdah account. Log on: https://rlssuk.tahdah.me/ Account/Login/ click the ‘Awards & Qualifications’ tab and click on the green circle with a white triangle next to each qualification to download the certificate. If you need any help when using your RLSS UK tahdah account, click on the red circle with the white speech bubble in the bottom right-hand corner.
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I was using MyPortal before tahdah launched, how do I process qualifications now? If you were using MyPortal and still have licence keys, you can submit the results using the NPLQ MyPortal Gen 9 Assessment Results Form found here: https://www.rlssdirect.co.uk/atcs/. Be sure to include the licence keys within the form.
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I am delivering part of a course remotely (following the RLSS UK guidance for Delivering Training Remotely), how do I access electronic manuals for my candidates? When you order candidate packs from RLSS Direct, request an electronic candidate manual to circulate to your candidates.
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Can assessments be delivered remotely?
No, RLSS UK and IQL UK qualification assessments must take place face-to-face and cannot be completed, virtually.
Horsham and Littlehampton WAVE Life Saving CLUBS
Horsham & Littlehampton WAVE
LIFESAVERS FOCUS ON
LifeSaving Clubs
Plenty of RLSS UK affiliated lifesaving and lifeguarding clubs have managed to keep connected, keep active and keep going, weathering the various storms COVID-19 has inflicted. Here, we take a closer look at Littlehampton Wave and Clive Holland trophy winners, Horsham LSC, both clubs proactive with their community outreach work, extensive Rookie and Survive & Save programmes, and prolific competitors in lifesaving sport. David Slade, Chair Horsham LSC and Littlehampton Wave LSC tells us: “The pandemic frustrated many of us, having to come to terms with what we’re allowed to do to combat the virus, with the ‘rules’ changing almost weekly. Like so many other activities across the country, planning what could be done to keep our two clubs active during lockdown, presented more than a few challenges. With limited exercise permitted, the Committees of both clubs held some joint Zoom meetings to see what we could do and how we could go about it. Thank goodness for good tech! We were already some way advanced in preparing for Drowning Prevention Week: Perry booked, stands sorted, materials printed and then…lockdown struck. Having being forced back to square one, we set about supporting DPW anew: • Kate Hall and David Slade both produced ‘training videos’ in their gardens, on reaching rescues and rope throwing techniques. These were posted on the club website for members to view and share.
• Members of both clubs submitted short videos of catching a bottle from the left and throwing it out of shot to the right, with a ‘helper’ chucking water over the thrower for a bit of added fun. Naturally, some helpers got very enthusiastic about that part. Each submission was edited into one video, with a short water safety message at the beginning. This was also posted on the website with over 600 shares! • David expanded his hour’s exercise, taking different photos over a few weeks that captured various scenes with potential dangers, and various sea and beach conditions. These became a 20 question quiz and sent to all members of both clubs to come up with answers. June arrived and it was clear the pools were not going to re-open but as we were allowed to get outdoor activities started, we started our Covid-secure open water training at Southwater Lake and at the beach. • Southwater limited groups to six people including the instructor, so we organised 30 minute sessions with four members per group. The beach sessions posed additional problems such as the tide and bad weather but the extra space meant we could be more flexible with group work. It was a great success overall.
September arrived and we finally got back in the pool! We’ve concentrated on lifesaving sport because there’s no direct contact and sanitising the kit was relatively simple. Littlehampton Wave LSC was only set up in 2019, so we have fewer members: we’ve issued each person with equipment ‘kit’ marked as their own, to bring to each session. As for dry sessions, Littlehampton have been back at it for two weeks now but Horsham are yet to be allowed to restart theirs. It’s a frustrating situation for everyone but we’re all adapting, innovating and winging it a bit aren’t we? There’s certainly more for both volunteers and members to take on board, but we’re still enjoying it and making it work. Being a bigger club, Horsham has had more instructors on hand to help with the extra sanitising work for each session whereas Littlehampton has benefitted from helpful parents: happy to help sanitise wet and dry side gear, before and after! Without this level of support and dedication from everyone involved, I’m not sure we’d have been able to keep going during the pandemic. I know I speak for all the members when I say that we are profoundly grateful for all the help and support we’ve had. We go forward from this point and remain optimistic that restrictions will lift and we can all get back to doing what we love.”
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WHAT’S GOING ON
NOTICES
Notices, knowledge & nice-to-know Mental Health Awareness Our #FeelGoodFriday social media messaging and our November RLSS UK Live Event mental health webinar, are just a couple of ways we’ve tried to add additional support for our members, volunteers and associates, that have gone beyond the formality of training provision, education and qualification extensions. This year has proved a testing one for the business as well as for individuals, and we recognise that kindness, openness and accessibility as an organisation, adds as much value as our practical support.
We’re here to help you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. T: 0300 323 0096 www.rlss.org.uk or @RLSSUK
There are plenty of ways you can access this support: online, by phone and across our social media platforms, our Live Event series is also available as a podcast here: https://anchor.fm/rlssuk
Going in the Right Direction Her Spirit was founded by two female social entrepreneurs, Mel Berry and Holly Woodford, to champion the rights of ALL women. They are creating the first scalable, cost-effective, solution for women’s physical, nutritional and mental health and well-being.
RLSS UK Commercial Director Jo Talbot, was guest speaker for quality management and, health and safety support company, Right Directions this November for one of their ‘Right up to date’ clinics. Jo gave an overview on RLSS UK guidance for lifeguards and operators during COVID-19, and took questions that the 200+ attendees had.
Her Spirit connects women together online and locally and enables them to take part in virtual and real-world events, weekly challenges, and experiences. Her Spirit’s mission is to improve the health of the whole nation by increasing the activity levels of EVERY woman in the UK and reduce the levels of obesity and anxiety. RLSS UK is delighted to welcome them as a new Strategic Partner.
Lifesaving Lifeline
With many pools recently locked down again, we loved hearing about Olivia Kidd’s idea to ‘run the channel’. Aiming to run the 21 miles in lieu of not being able to swim, but needing to keep up her fitness as she aims for her gold medallion award, Olivia also used the run to raise funds for her home club, Littlehampton Wave LSC. Many congratulations to Olivia, what a great fundraising idea!
Christmas comes but once a year…
We’ve decided to bring Perry right up to date this year, as he sports his very own mask having placed our crest, right at the top of the tree. Many generous people opted for our digital card last year, donating us the sum they would’ve spent on postage and we’d love you to do that again this year, if you can. This year we’ve teamed up with Making A Difference Cards, who offer both printed and digital versions, there’s four designs to choose from and even a 3D option! Find out more: www.rlss.org.uk/christmasecard
Have you got any notices you’d like to share? We want to hear about it! Email: marketing@rlss.org.uk
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ACCOLADES FOR RLSS UK ADVOCATES
LIFESAVERS
Sue strolls to the rescue! For those of you who missed Sue Hutchings’ appearance on BBC Breakfast on Saturday 14 November, you may not have heard about her everyday hero, lifesaving actions: Unaware he had a heart problem, Exeter Strollers Walking Football Club member Andy Hannan had been playing at Wonford Sports Centre, when he suddenly collapsed as his heart and breathing stopped. Teammate and everyday hero Sue Hutchings, was quick to respond, accurately assessing the need for immediate CPR, giving Andy the best chance of recovery. Thanks to her skills and her confidence under pressure, Andy’s heart was restarted and he was already coming round, when the emergency services arrived.
“The Royal Life Saving Society UK is incredibly proud of Sue, without her skills and presence of mind in an emergency situation, the outcome for Mr. Hannan could’ve been very different.” said Robert Gofton, RLSS UK’s Chief Executive Officer.
“We’re delighted Mr. Hannan has made a recovery, and he has all our best wishes for his impending surgery.”
Sue is no stranger to RLSS UK, as she is an RLSS UK Lifesaving Instructor, holds an NPLQ, is an active volunteer with Bovey Tracey Lifesaving Club and is married to former RLSS UK President, Ian Hutchings. It’s clear Mr. Hannan was in good hands: “I was waiting for the next game to start and realised someone was lying on the floor by the gate. “When I got there I recognised Andy and quickly realised he was in real trouble. I started CPR straight away, until the Centre Manager arrived and applied the defibrillator. “If it wasn’t for Andy, we wouldn’t have a defibrillator at the centre, it was him who’d obtained a grant to have it installed. It’s one of life’s ironies that its first ever use was to save his life! “It just goes to show that the ongoing training we receive and deliver in our clubs as volunteers and trainers, can ultimately save a life.” Thanks to Sue, Wonford Sports Centre Manager Jimmy Moore and the support from other ‘strollers’ on the day, Andy is now recovering in hospital and preparing for heart surgery.
Doug Thomas: RLSS UK Ambassador for Wales and ‘Freeman’ to the City of London We were really excited to hear about Doug Thomas being awarded the ‘Freedom of the City of London’.
One of the capital’s oldest surviving traditional ceremonies, it is thought to have been first presented as far back as 1237, and remains a unique part of London’s history. Open to people from across the globe, the ‘Freedom’ admits people through nomination or invitation; Douglas will receive the Freedom of the City of London, in recognition of his long public service with 10 different charities, at London’s Guildhall, later this year. Other recent recipients of the honour include Capt. Sir Tom Moore and actor, David Suchet OBE.
Douglas said “I feel very humbled to receive this award. I am bursting with pride. This year has been a challenging one, not only because of everything that has happened as a result of COVID-19, but it’s been a year of incredible highs and lows for me, and this moment is definitely a high.”
Many congratulations Doug from everyone at RLSS UK! RLSS UK AUTUMN / WINTER 2020
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