RLSS UK Lifesavers Magazine - Spring/Summer 2020 by RLSS UK

RLSS.ORG.UK | @RLSSUK

ISSUE 112 | SPRING 2020

Could you donate £10, £20 or £30 to this appeal, helping to secure the continued support and professional development of our lifeguards and lifesavers, putting them in the best place to return to their roles, when life returns to normal.

£100,000 will #ProtectOurFuture and pull us through this current crisis

WILL YOU DONATE TODAY? www.rlss.org.uk/protect-our-future

get involved AND HELP SAVE LIVES

Last year, Drowning Prevention Week (DPW) taught nearly 2 million people how to stay safe and have fun near water. With brand new resources and exciting competitions, we hope this year's campaign will be better than ever! Take part in DPW 2020 and help RLSS UK cut down the hundreds of drowning tragedies which happen in the UK and Ireland every year.

EDITOR’S COLUMN

LIFESAVERS

LEE HEARD Director of Charity

Whilst the circumstances we find ourselves in, that have brought me to being Guest Editor for this edition of Lifesavers are challenging, I nonetheless, feel uniquely privileged to be penning my very first Editor's column. In an increasingly digital world, we often question the value of printed material – its uptake, environmental impact and use but I hope you’ll forgive me for championing Lifesavers, as it aims to serve and showcase all our members, volunteers, clients, clubs and branches, young and old. At the time of writing, COVID-19 has forced the closure of many aspects of our lives we take for granted like pools, gyms and parks, with devastating effects on our work, family and social lives. With so much uncertainty around, my small hope is that this edition of Lifesavers, offers a ray of light as we focus on getting back to normal, as soon as we can. Much has happened since the autumn edition…the launch of the new memberships (page 10), the Commonwealth Festival of Lifesaving (page 28), the new TahDah system going live (page 11), not to mention all the usual features celebrating your work and contributions. As we look ahead further into 2020, RLSS UK remains focussed on ensuring people can enjoy the water safely, especially as the school holidays roll around. Our advice, expertise, training and education, the people with whom we collaborate, the partnerships we secure - all strive towards a vision of nations without drowning.

Join our online lifesaving community, share your stories, read news and keep up-to-date. Search for RLSS UK

Lifesavers aspires to be the one-stop-shop for everything that’s going on across the Society but it can’t do that without your help. This year, more than any other, we look to celebrate your successes; in competitions, in your community, in your workplace, with your friends and with your family – tell us what you’ve been up to and the impact you’ve had. And if you don’t want to blow your own trumpet, please tell us what other people have been up to instead.

LIFESAVERS is the magazine of the Royal Life Saving Society UK – the Drowning Prevention Charity. We love to hear all of your news. Please send your news, stories and photographs to marketing@rlss.org.uk

In particular, we want to hear about your rescues, lifeguard or lifesaver, on or off duty, if you’ve been involved in a successful rescue in the last 12 months, we want to hear from you… our everyday heroes.

The Drowning Prevention Charity

RLSS UK is a company Limited by Guarantee. Registered Charity No's. 1046060 and SC037912.

rlss.org.uk | 0300 323 0096

Sub Editor: Claire Huggins Contributing Writer: Vicky Kiernander Proof-reader: Karen Welsh

I’m biased I know, but I see Lifesavers as an homage to the Society’s heritage, a stage for everything it has to offer today and clear signpost to what it stands for in the future. Lifesavers bears witness to all the hard work, passion and dedication that goes into ensuring people in, on and near the water can enjoy it safely and without you, it is nothing. Yours in lifesaving,

RLSS UK SPRING 2020

LIFESAVERS

CONTENTS

OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP MAGAZINE OF THE ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY UK

Contents

ISSUE 112 | SPRING 2020

06. RLSS UK news in brief A round-up of news from across the UK and Ireland.

ROBERT GOFTON

10. RLSS UK Partnerships The latest from our water safety, and strategic partners.

RLSS UK’s CEO

At the time I write this, we find ourselves in unchartered waters as a result of COVID-19 (coronavirus).

14.

So where do we go from here? You’ll already be aware that, like most organisations across the UK, we continue to monitor the UK Government advice and allow our operations to be guided and steered by that. It is a situation in flux and we aim to be both pro and reactive, as the current circumstances dictate. However, it is worth saying that we are confident that in time, everything will begin to run normally once more and we need to be ready when it does. Our website has been set-up to be the one-stop-shop for everything you need for your role with RLSS UK: latest news, support measures, event information, extension of qualifications and so much more. The team continues its work to bring you the most current information and advice: www.rlss.org.uk With everything so uncertain, it’s a tough ask to remain calm and find the positives but whilst ‘keep calm and carry on’ feels like a flippant cliché, there is real value to be found in a practical approach. We continue to do what we can to support you all through this tricky time, with online learning resources, electronic assets and pathways created to facilitate remote working and networking opportunities. In return, all I ask of you is to consider what you might be able to do, to support our 'Protect Our Future' fundraising appeal. We know your energy, positivity and enthusiasm knows no bounds, could you use it to enlist others to show their support and make a donation? I know I share your hopes and aspirations for a full recovery, not just to RLSS UK operations but to the wider UK social and economic picture and in the interim, I am keen to stress that we are here to help you - you are our everyday heroes, our community and workplace lifesavers, the biggest champions of everything the Royal Life Saving Society UK stands for and I have every confidence that we will come through this stronger, together.

Rescue Round-Up A celebration of lifesaving skills in action.

17. Lauding Lifesavers We want your stories of successful rescues using lifesaving skills.

17.

With all best wishes,

22. Papyrus partnership

Robert

30.

RLSS UK announces a new collaboration to help young people.

European Championships success 4

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CONTENTS

LIFESAVERS

42. Cox Bank Publishing Peter Hooper tells Lifesavers about his work getting youngsters writing about their experiences of being active.

18.

Butlin's Splashworld

44.

An insider's view of the multi-million pound complex at Butlin's Bognor Regis

RLSS Commonwealth A catch-up with Commonwealth.

23. RLSS UK in the press

36.

The diversity of our media reach continues to grow.

Meet your hosts.

Face to Face Forums

24.

38.

Fabulous fundraising

Andrew Ebben BEM

A look at fundraising ideas to date and how you can get involved.

Lifesavers talks to one of the UK's most prolific water safety experts.

40. 26. Branch and clubs What you've done and what you hope to do.

28. Lifesaving sport A look back at some key fixtures as well what lies ahead.

RLSS UK new strategy and impact An introduction to RLSS UK's new strategy for the future and, our impact in 2019.

46. Why I Volunteer Thirty years and counting with RLSS UK, Mike Wardle tells us his story.

50. Sisters have their say Ellen and Clara Forson blog about their RLSS UK work experience placements.

52. Farewell to Frankie Isle of Wight lifeguard tells Lifesavers why she's bidding farewell to the waves.

53.

Lifesaver Lifechanger

30. Events, courses and new qualifications The latest updates and a review of industry events.

34. Membership in focus Get to grips with the new membership offering and your Tahdah account.

RLSS UK SPRING 2020

MARK SMITH RLSS UK President

I write as RLSS UK’s 26-hour CPR marathon concludes – isn’t it amazing what can be achieved when we come together, the total raised so far, exceeds nine thousand pounds, which is an outstanding achievement.

BRIGHTON 'BOBBIES' BEACH HUT...

A huge thank you goes out to all involved, it was incredible to see so many lifesavers participating non-stop, even through the night. It got me thinking, how it could very easily be a metaphor for how our charitable work, enabling people to enjoy water safely, doesn’t stop, even in lockdown.

A familiar sight along the British seaside, Sussex Police are gearing up to re-open their own beach hut with a difference.

I have a real concern over increasing numbers heading outside for exercise, risking exposure to drowning dangers present alongside the waterways. If you spot missing lifesaving equipment when you’re out, please alert your local council and let them know we could help.

In partnership with local safety organisations, this now-familiar blue and white beach hut is a high visibility presence, in a known hotspot area across the seafront.

As a Society, it is important that we continue to come together for lifesaving. We are a Charity that is integral to the leisure sector and just as they depend on our qualifications, we depend on their funding. With that sector closed, we must continue to rally together – using the CPR marathon as an inspiration, not as the conclusion. I urge you to use this as an opportunity to maximise your networks, yet avoiding repeatedly asking the same people. Please reach out to people in innovative ways and keep us updated so we can share ideas to inspire others.

All the partners involved are working together to provide advice on alcohol and drug use, personal safety advice, reducing crime, and water safety advice.

... ALWAYS ON PATROL

This spring, we were due to announce our new strategy, with exciting plans for fundraising and unifying us as one RLSS UK. There’s more about the strategy on page 40, but for now, the public launch is on hold until the time is right. Needless to say, when it is, we’ll be kick-starting that activity, alongside all the exciting work that’ll be going on already. I would also like to take this opportunity to pay our respects to members who have lost the fight against the virus, our thoughts are with their family and friends. They will be missed and their legacies as contributors to our lifesaving efforts will forever be appreciated. At this time I am also thankful to those lifesavers and lifeguards who are also healthcare or key workers, they have my thanks for keeping us safe and well. Please keep up your dedication and support, get fundraising when you can, reach out to others, keep in touch and above all, stay safe!

RLSS.ORG.UK

Brighton Beach Patrol is a charity closely aligned with RLSS UK, with a focus on safety along the promenade and lower shoreline, 23:00–05:00 Friday and Saturday nights. They work in partnership with Sussex Police and East Sussex FRS, and having started out with a view to intercepting people attempting to enter the water, now find themselves assisting

with numerous other issues and situations such as safeguarding, mental health, predatory behaviour and beach fires. Often first on the scene, all officers are fully trained in first aid and conflict management with the ability to report incidents directly to Sussex Police. Brighton Beach Patrol mirror RLSS UK’s dedication to ensure people stay safe, in, on or near the water.

RLSS UK NEWS

Save a Life - For Schools We are excited to launch a new addition to our Save a Series; Save a Life First Aid for Schools will be ready very soon.

NEWS

Thirty years' service comes to an end

From September 2020 all school children will need to learn vital CPR and first aid skills. We have created some fantastic resources for use by Trainer Assessors and school teachers, to teach children skills that can save lives. Equipping the next generation with lifesaving skills for life.

Yanek Honoured Again Tuesday 31 December was Dave Bell’s last day on call with Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade (TVLB), bringing 30 years of service to an end. In that time, Dave has served in multiple roles for the organisation most notably 20 years as Captain, managing the rescue team. TVLB is a voluntary shore-based coastal rescue service, formed in 1864 and remains a declared facility to the coastguard, specialising in coastal search and rescue.

It was a terrible day in August 2019, when Yanek Kowal was forced to choose which brother to save from Ullswater in the Lake District, after both young men got into difficulty. In saving one, he knew the other one would not make it, Yanek did the only thing he could. RLSS UK CEO Robert Gofton welcomed Yanek to the Worcester head office, to receive his Certificate of Meritorious Lifeguards last September and now, RLSS UK is delighted that Yanek has received further recognition for his heroic actions that day. At an award ceremony scheduled for May this year, at the Haberdashers' Hall in London, Yanek will be presented with his Royal Humane Society, Bronze Medal, by their President, HRH Princess Alexandra. Congratulations Yanek!

Dave’s 30 years of service have not come without some personal sacrifice or support from his wife and daughters and whilst Dave will be much-missed in training and on callouts, TVLB have retained his invaluable knowledge and experience appointing him Watch House Director, overseeing the management of the Watch House (restored in 2014) and museum. Already a Director of the Brigade, it is further testament to the esteem Dave is held in by the service, that he has been given their highest honour - Honorary Life Member. Always on hand to support and advise, TVLB are fortunate to have Dave still involved. -------Lifesavers would like to thank TVLB’s Donna Robson, for submitting this account, a small but well-deserved celebration of Dave Bell’s service.

RLSS UK SPRING 2020

NEWS

RLSS UK NEWS

Professional Wrestler Swaps Rings

Water Safety Wider Concerns Work through the National Water Safety Forum readily acknowledges, that the state of a person’s mental health is often a significant factor in them putting themselves at risk in the water. RLSS UK welcomed the proactive approach taken by the Nottinghamshire Water Safety Partnership. Designed by the Tomorrow Project (an outreach suicide prevention programme commissioned by the Nottingham City Clinical Commissioning Group) and funded by both Nottingham City and County Councils, signage has been developed at key suicide spots – Trent Bridge and Lady Bay. The signs offer the names and numbers of organisations that can help in times of crisis, and hope to encourage people to stop and pause for thought.

Lifesavers was delighted to hear from Andy Scott on Twitter, who asked us if we could give his great uncle, Chick ‘Cocky’ Knight a mention. Andy is in the midst of trying to get a posthumous plaque for Chick on Hammersmith Bridge, in light of the successful rescue of two people from the Thames, back in 1930 and has already secured a nomination for a Mayor's Award in Gibraltar for a previous rescue. Having served in India and Gibraltar in the 1920s, Chick came to the rescue of another soldier, who got into trouble 300m out in Gibraltar’s Catalan Bay. Chick brought him back to shore and performed CPR, saving the man’s life. Between 1932 and 1958, Chick was a professional wrestler, becoming the first British wrestler on BBC TV in 1938. He went on to appear in a number of films, most notably alongside George Formby in ‘Trouble Brewing’, before swapping his wrestling ring for a lifesaving ring, becoming a lifeguard at a pool in Acton, after a spell as a doorman. Chick passed away in 1967 but not without being acknowledged by the Royal Humane Society for his heroic rescue in Gibraltar, as well as saving the two people in the Thames. Andy is writing a book about his great uncle Chick’s life, and although he is yet to turn up with an RLSS UK lifesaving award for Chick, we recognise a fellow lifesaver when we see one!

ALL THE ALLSTARS COME OUT Following their move to the new purpose-built premises at Ruby Oak Park, the North Devon-based Aqua Stars Swimming and Lifesaving Clubs, have both been pretty busy.

With the lifesaving club going strong, training youngsters aged 12 and up in first aid and lifesaving skills, they had the bright idea of sharing their knowledge and skills with the grown-ups in an adults-only session. Putting what they’d learned in the RLSS UK Young Leader Award training into practice, a facilitator was appointed and the plans were made. Eight dedicated heads, keen to learn and equally determined not to be outdone by the youngsters, turned up on the night and were put through their paces; rope throws, rescue tows, float rescues and resuscitation were just some of the challenges they tackled in turn. The evening rounded off with a bit of fun, as everyone went head-tohead in a rope throw race, won by Max, father of one of the young trainers: “It was a great experience being taught by the young members! The skills they’re learning really will help them in life too.”

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With membership of both clubs thriving, it is no surprise demand for coaches and teachers has been high, and whilst it has always been the older participants that have been happy to assist with teaching support and elements of facility management, January saw maternity cover required for one of the longest-serving instructors. In response, they qualified two of their older members in the RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, with further members swelling their ranks as qualified RLSS UK Rookie Lifeguard Instructors, supplemented with an STA course. Aqua Stars Head Coach, Andy Squirrell, said: “It’s been great seeing the hard work that we’ve put in at the club, transition into local employment with skills and qualifications for life.”

RLSS UK NEWS

NEWS

Santa gets a ducking RLSS UK joined forces with East Sussex FRS over Christmas as their very own Santa Ducks, took a novel approach to our Don’t Drink and Drown campaign.

Encouraging everyone to get “Ho, Ho Home Safely” the irresistible rubber ducks sported Santa suits and beards to ensure the safety message was remembered. Forty ducks were distributed, with around 200 posters spreading the word, right across the city’s nightlife venues and university campuses, they could even be spotted hitching a ride with the Brighton Beach Patrol! Water safety stakeholders in the region also engaged with the campaign, with the Santa Ducks making an appearance at Brighton Marina, Brighton Pier and the Seafront Office.

“THE DUCKS MIGHT LOOK LIKE A BIT OF FUN BUT WE USED THEM TO ENSURE OUR SERIOUS MESSAGE REALLY HIT HOME ” RLSS UK’s Regional Engagement Manager (REM), Hannah Wiggins-Bettles said: “Brighton is a real drowning hot-spot, with so many opportunities to access the water; the Santa Ducks acted as an easy talking point to get our water safety messages heard. It’s fair to say, they earned their keep!”

Royal Life Saving Society UK duo get the royal treatment Barnstaple’s iconic Queen Anne’s Café, whose building includes both Grade I and Grade II listed features, played host to a joyous event on Saturday 8 February, as RLSS UK’s South West Ambassador Trevor Mackown married RLSS UK’s Head of Membership, Andrea Roberts. Originally completed in 1713, nearing the end of Queen Anne’s reign, the building has now been fully refurbished and plays host to many special events. It feels only fitting that a venue so integral to the town and so cherished by its residents, should play host to such an important day for two people, very much integral to and cherished by, RLSS UK. Congratulations Mr & Mrs Mackown!

Volunteers remembered Scotland’s Open Water Rescue volunteer organisation, laid a wreath on behalf of Royal Life Saving Society UK and Open Water Rescue volunteers, on Remembrance Sunday. The service was especially organised by Police Scotland Chaplain, Rev. Neil Galbraith and took place at Cathcart Old Parish Church in Glasgow. Representatives from the British Armed Forces, Police, Fire, Ambulance, Rescue Groups, local community groups and local politicians, were all in attendance.

RLSS UK SPRING 2020

COMMERCIAL

IQL UK PARTNERSHIPS

SMALLER EARTH

PARTNERSHIPS

' TEAMWORK MAKING THE DREAM WORK'

Lifeguards trained by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) are being given the opportunity to work in an American summer camp for a discounted price, thanks to a renewed partnership between the UK’s leading water safety charity and Smaller Earth. “We believe our commercial partnership with RLSS UK is more valuable than ever, due to their world-class training schemes that qualify lifesavers and educate the UK and Ireland to stay safe around water, and the dangers of water,” said Bastian Weinberger, CEO of Smaller Earth.

WIBIT

Germany-based inflatable water park equipment pioneers and existing water safety partner Wibit, hosted RLSS UK’s Commercial Director Jo Talbot and Commercial Manager Helen Bowker, at their eye-opening headquarters in Bocholt in February.

“We are thrilled to support Smaller Earth and exceptionally proud that our lifeguard programmes are so well thought of. The partnership offers such amazing opportunities for young adults with an RLSS UK qualification to travel and experience new, exciting adventures,” says Jo Talbot, Commercial Director, RLSS UK.

With football fanatics for owners and a business at the forefront of the evolution of waterplay, it should come as no surprise that staff areas mirrored a dressing room style favoured by top-flight football teams and they could even boast their own beach! Wibit have renewed their partnership this year and are instrumental in RLSS UK’s work in creating an aqua park bolt-on module to the Open Water Lifeguard (OWL) qualification, that can be used across the globe.

For details on how your application might be affected by COVID-19, please visit: www.rlss.org. uk/News/be-a-lifeguard-inamerica-this-summer-withcamp-leaders

RUTH LEE

RLSS UK collaborator Ruth Lee Ltd. wins top trade award.

growth in overseas sales, over the last three years.

RLSS UK is delighted to share Ruth Lee Ltd.’s story of success, as our new water safety partner for 2020 has been honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade.

Ruth Lee Ltd.’s Managing Director, Paul McDonnell said: “We are absolutely thrilled and proud to share this news during difficult times. Our export success is built upon strong foundations of quality and customer service – our customers know and trust us to deliver the best possible products for rescue, safety and manual handling training.”

The award recognises Ruth Lee Ltd. for its excellence in International Trade, more specifically, for Outstanding Short-Term

RLSS.ORG.UK

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are considered the most prestigious business awards in the country and Ruth Lee Ltd. now gets to use the esteemed Queen’s Awards emblem, for the next five years. In a further boost for RLSS UK, Ruth Lee manikins are available on RLSS Direct with each manikin sold providing a donation to RLSS UK’s charitable work. Ruth Lee Ltd: www.ruthlee.co.uk

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AQUAGLIDE

Recognising a mutual aim, to make the UK’s aqua parks as safe and fun for all the family as possible, RLSS UK actively sought to bring Aquaglide (one of the UK’s leading aqua park equipment suppliers) on board as a water safety partner, and the timing couldn’t be more apt. “It makes sound business sense to partner with a supplier at the forefront of its sector, that shares our passion for ensuring everyone in, on and around the water can enjoy themselves, safely," says Helen Bowker, RLSS UK’s Commercial Manager. "We look forward to getting back in the water with AquaGlide, as soon as we can."

COMMERCIAL

Distributed exclusively in the UK and Ireland by premium watersports equipment specialists, Watersports World UK, Aquaglide products can be found in 36 aqua parks across the UK and Ireland – that’s 70 per cent of the current market! “For over 30 years Aquaglide has let fun lead the way to create some of the world’s favourite aqua parks,” explains Scott Taylor, Watersports World UK Managing Director. “Partnering with RLSS UK made perfect sense: our water safety partnership signifies to our partners, users and associates, our commitment to safety, sector innovation and everyone enjoying the water, at home and abroad.”

DRYROBE

Hot on the heels of dryrobe becoming a water safety partner of the RLSS UK, the partnership has taken a significant step forward with the production of an RLSS UK branded product. Already embraced by surfers, open water swimmers and professional athletes - campers, dog-walkers and touchline supporters are now swelling the ranks of dryrobe fans, as they help keep the wet and wild weather at bay. Now you can get your hands on your very own RLSS UK Lifeguard branded dryrobe! “We’re over the moon about having our own dryrobe, in our unmissable red and carrying our Society insignia,” said Helen Bowker, RLSS UK’s Commercial Manager. “Not only does it strengthen our relationship with dryrobe, but it positions both organisations as mutually dedicated to making outdoor activities comfortable, safe and increasingly accessible to everyone.” dryrobe director and founder, Gideon Bright added: “We're proud to be an official partner of RLSS UK and help support the incredible work they do. “Embracing all the great outdoors has to offer is recognised for having real value to both physical and mental health, nobody wants the weather to be a barrier to outdoor activity. Our branded RLSS UK dryrobe is just one way we’re working together, to ensure people are best-equipped for being outside, whatever the elements throw at them!” dryrobe is also proud to welcome, two-time 10k open water swimming world champion and Olympic silver medalist Keri-anne Payne, as its new ambassador. Since her retirement from competition in 2017, she has dedicated herself to coaching other open water swimmers and is passionate about getting everyone to give it a try.

RLSS UK SPRING 2020

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IQL UK PARTNERSHIPS

PARTNERSHIPS

Strategic Partners

RLSS UK has a history of producing quality products that are delivered by passionate supporters and members. Our strategic partners complement our delivery with their own products, services and representatives, as well as a different strategic viewpoint, all with one aim – to prevent drowning.

WATER BABIES

Pictured: (L-R) RLSS UK CEO Robert Gofton with GLL's Chris Hebblewhite.

GLL (Greenwich Leisure Ltd.) The Royal Life Saving Society UK and GLL have signed a partnership agreement for the delivery of pool lifeguarding courses for the next three years, until the end of 2022. GLL is the UK’s largest public swimming pool operator; the move will save money and provide a secure training partnership that guarantees the highest standards in GLL’s pools, as well as sustainable career pathways for thousands of lifeguards. Chris Hebblewhite, Associate Director for Standards and Compliance at GLL said: “GLL is delighted to be working with RLSS UK to improve swimming pool safety with the intention of getting more people, more active, more often. Safe and well-maintained pools encourage repeat visits and as a social enterprise, we need to support the health of local communities in this way.”

RLSS.ORG.UK

In other good news, GLL is the facilities management company for three state-of-the-art leisure sites for Belfast City Council – Olympia Leisure Centre, Brook Leisure Centre and Lisnasharragh. Having won Belfast City Council’s Transforming Leisure tender, amounting to over £130,000, RLSS Direct worked with the council's Project Management Team to supply equipment for three new pools. RLSS Direct managed the full cycle fulfilment to builders' schedules and delivery of all equipment, on time and on budget!

RLSS UK pays tribute to Water Babies CEO and Managing Director, Steve Franks, who has sadly died after battling coronavirus. Water Babies became an official RLSS UK strategic partner earlier in the year, with Steve instrumental to all discussions and arrangements. Steve began his work with Water Babies in 2009 and worked to develop respected baby and pre-school aquatic teaching. He was instrumental in developing Water Babies into a globally recognised brand and a worldleader and authority in baby swimming. RLSS UK’s Director of Commercial Operations, Jo Talbot said: “I was saddened to hear of the passing of Steve, it was a pleasure to work collaboratively with him. His passion and enthusiasm for both Water Babies and the sector were inspiring; he shared RLSS UK’s core ambition – for people to enjoy water, safely, to prevent drowning.” RLSS UK CEO, Robert Gofton added: “Everyone at RLSS UK sends their deepest sympathy and condolences to Steve’s family, friends and all at Water Babies.”

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STEVENAGE LEISURE RLSS UK started 2020 with the news that another of the UK’s leading leisure operators, had signed up for three years. Stevenage Leisure operates 25 indoor and outdoor facilities, including 12 swimming pools across its estate. The trust has worked with RLSS UK for a number of years and has opted to extend its long-term partnership, by entering into a new multi-year contract with the UK’s foremost water safety charity. Stevenage Leisure’s lifeguards will continue to be qualified in the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), which meets CIMSPA’s professional standard for lifeguarding. “RLSS UK offers the best lifeguarding qualification in the UK and the high standards that we want within our lifeguard team. “With such good support and high standards at competitive prices, we were never going to change who we use for our lifeguarding qualifications,” said Sharon Hunter, Training Manager for Stevenage Leisure.

COMMERCIAL

ATLANTIS COMMUNITY LEISURE

Scotland’s Oban-based community sports and leisure centre joined us at the end of last year, having previously been aligned with STA. We’re delighted to welcome this like-minded company to RLSS UK: Atlantis Community Leisure is run as a social enterprise and is a registered charity. As a result, any profits that they make are reinvested into the business, securing regular staff training and continuing improvements to the centre. RLSS UK will be working with their Trainer Assessor(s) to ensure Quality Assurance for their RLSS UK regulated qualifications.

DAVID LLOYD

With 116 clubs across the UK, Europe and Asia, David Lloyd is Europe’s leading health, sport and leisure group. RLSS UK and David Lloyd have been working together for a number of years to date but we are now delighted to announce that they have signed up to a three-year contract with us. The deal secures delivery of a range of robust training and qualifications such as ER-Pool, NPLQ and Emergency First Aid at Work, keeping David Lloyd at the forefront of water safety for their customers, staff and guests.

RLSS UK SPRING 2020

COMMUNITY

RESCUE ROUND-UP

RESCUE ROUND-UP Once again Lifesavers is at the front of the queue to shout about the amazing work done by our lifeguards and lifesavers. A huge thank you to everyone involved in the rescues and to those who told us all about them!

Pictured: (L-R) Campbell Law, Joe Draycott, Mike Wardle and Ethan Melvin.

Widnes water drama Having already featured on BBC Breakfast*, chances are you may have heard about the successful rescue of a mother and her daughter from a Widens canal, by a group of young friends.

started CPR while Joe called the emergency services and Campbell looked after the mother and elder daughter, calming them down and keeping them warm until the paramedics arrived.

Spike Island is an area of open parkland situated between the banks of the Mersey Estuary and the Sankey canal and was the site for lifesaving heroics, one cold December day.

What started as an innocent trip out to feed the ducks had nearly ended in tragedy, after hungry swans had frightened the older girl, causing mum to take evasive action and losing control of the pram. Mercifully, everyone has made a full recovery and the boys themselves, have been rightly hailed as heroes, by locals and the media alike.

UK Liverpool and District Branch and the wider Charity as a whole, when I say that what you lads did was really heroic.

Only 14-years-old at the time, the three young men were each awarded the RLSS UK ‘Young Person’s Certificate of Commendation’ in a small presentation, by RLSS UK Ambassador for the North West, Mike Wardle who said at the time:

“Someone asked you for help and you answered, that is the very embodiment of what RLSS UK stands for and I feel incredibly privileged to be presenting your certificates today.”

Joe Draycott, Campbell Law and Ethan Melvin were playing football when they were approached by a little girl asking for help. Following her back towards the canal, the boys quickly noticed a woman in the water, clinging to the side, pram in the water and young baby in her free arm. Drawing on their first aid and CPR training learned at school, they knew exactly what to do next. Noticing the baby wasn’t breathing, Ethan

RLSS.ORG.UK

“I know I speak for the RLSS

Someone asked for help and you answered, that's the very embodiment of what RLSS UK stands for.

“An accident like that could’ve happened to any one of us here, at any time. You took what you knew, had the confidence to use those skills, kept yourselves safe and crucially, saved a life.

The ‘Young Person’s Certificate of Commendation’ is dedicated to marking the

exceptional lifesaving actions of a person under 18-years-old and whilst the three recipients have been awarded as first responders, successfully affecting a rescue using knowledge and skills expounded by the Society, RLSS UK is keen to acknowledge the help and support on the day from the other boys: Ellis Hume, McCauley Maguire, Tyler Moses and Jacob Potter who, at only 10-years-old at the time, was the youngest member of the group, all of whom were instrumental, in supporting the family and the attendant emergency services. *www.bbc.co.uk/ programmes/p07ztjld

RESCUE ROUND-UP

COMMUNITY

Pictured: (L-R) Doug Thomas, Clive Morris, Teigan Jenkins, Stuart Yeandle, Jo Morris (seated) and Scott Jones.

Jo Morris With dad Clive the Lifeboat Operations Manager for Port Talbot, it’s no real surprise his 17-year-old surfer son Jo Morris, knew what to do in an emergency situation. The action unfolded as Jo arrived on the beach to see if he could surf on a day that ended up seeing the conditions described as “horrendous”. Having taken a walk on the pier it was then that Jo spotted three people in trouble in the water. Being a fully-trained lifeguard, Jo was quick to spot that they were caught in a rip current and needed help. Being an experienced surfer, Jo carefully navigated his board out to the struggling trio. One had been able to reach the pier and climb out so Jo threw his board leash out to one, in the meantime, a body board that had been thrown to the other person by a passer-by, had been secured. It took Jo a further 20 minutes to bring the two people to safety, during which time the lifeboat had been called but thankfully, everyone was already safe and sound. For his dramatic and successful rescue of two people in the water at Aberavon Beach, Jo has been awarded RLSS UK’s Certificate of Meritorious Action in a ceremony well-attended by Doug Thomas, RLSS UK’s Ambassador for Wales, Jo’s dad Clive Morris, Jo’s girlfriend Teigan Jenkins, Stuart Yeandle, Branch Chair of RLSS UK West Wales and Mayor of Port Talbot, Scott Jones.

Worsley Leisure Centre, Salford Team members Neil Moss, Michael Hall, Leanne Ayers and Linda Watmough were the heroes of the hour when a customer collapsed in their steam room from a heart attack. Grandfather Allan Finch owes his life to the quick-thinking of Mike Hall and Neil Moss who were first on the scene to assess the situation and deploy the AED, having been alerted to the emergency by lifeguard Leanne. Receptionist Linda immediately called the emergency services and when they arrived, Allan was already breathing independently. Allan went on to make a full recovery and continues to visit the centre. Mike and Neil, both qualified lifeguards, were awarded RLSS UK’s Certificate of Meritorious Action for Lifeguards, with Leanne awarded a Certificate of Commendation and Linda awarded a Certificate of Recognition. RLSS UK Ambassador for the North West, Mike Wardle visited the team to present but it was a shame Leanne and Mike were absent on the day. Pictured: (L-R) Worsley Leisure. L-R: Neil Moss, Mike Wardle and Linda Watmough

RLSS UK SPRING 2020

COMMUNITY

RESCUE ROUND-UP

Aquino Viveiros Pictured: Brendan Donohue and Eileen Kavanagh

Eileen Kavanagh Life is sweet for Dublin-based Monkstown Lifesaving Club Lifesaving Instructor, Eileen Kavanagh: not content with serving up sweet treats as part of her day job in a Dublin bakery, Eileen’s lifesaving skills came into their own after a customer’s grandson started to choke, whilst in the shop. With the grandparents at a loss, Eileen knew exactly what to do and without hesitation leapt into action, within moments the back slaps were administered, the blockage cleared and there were smiles all round.

RLSS Ireland Branch PR Officer Ray Cullen, was keen that Eileen be recognised for her swift actions as well as her dedication to her training as a Rookie Instructor and Life Support as well as Lifesaving Instructor: “It just goes to show that learning valuable lifesaving skills are not just for waterside rescues,” said Ray. RLSS Ireland Branch President, Brendan Donohue presented Eileen with her Certificate of Commendation.

Northampton College tutor Robert Mayall wrote to tell us about the courageous action of one of his students, Aquino Viveiros, keen to get some recognition for a truly heroic act. On her first visit to the English coast during a college field trip, Aquino became aware of a student experiencing difficulties in the water. Initially unsure of what to do, Aqunio’s instincts took over and she waded in to help bring the student out of the water. It took two determined attempts to affect a successful rescue but eventually, everyone made it back to the beach safely. Aquino stayed with her fellow student, ensuring she was there to comfort and support during the recovery.

AquaSplash, Jersey It was an ordinary Wednesday for lifeguards Henry Horton and Samuel Jackson, with the regular customers enjoying their swim session in the pool, until Samuel noticed a gentleman in distress in the water. Wasting no time, he raised the alarm headed straight over to the gentleman to help get him out of the water, assisted by Henry, Peter and Dilly who raced to the scene to help and reassure other swimmers, until the paramedics arrived. Thanks to the training and quick reactions of the team, it was quickly identified that the swimmer was suffering a cardiac episode, so Henry performed rescue breaths and chest compressions, until the defibrillator could be applied. The gentleman went onto make a full recovery. With RLSS UK’s Head of Membership Andrea Mackown and Regional Engagement Manager, Nial Elliott already on Jersey for RLSS UK business, they joined RLSS UK Ambassador for the South Jill Bailey, to present Certificates of Meritorious Action to lifeguards Samuel and Henry, with a Certificate of Recognition going to Dilly. Peter received his Certificate of Meritorious Action at a later date.

RLSS.ORG.UK

Pictured: (L-R) Aquasplash Jersey. L-R: Nial Elliott, Jill Bailey, Samuel Jackson, Henry Horton, Dilly Percival and Andrea Mackown.

LAUDING LIFESAVERS

MISSION POSSIBLE 6

5 4

Photo captions clockwise from top right: 1. Bangor Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex lifesavers 2. 1Life lifeguard champions Gratham Meres 3. Bournemouth Echo: teens save dad's life 4. Aqua Vale Swimming & Fitness Centre, Aylesbury 5. GLL's Helen Bull at Arundel Lido 6. Basingstoke Sport Centre lifesavers.

The previous pages and indeed, arguably this whole magazine, are dedicated to people who save lives. Whomsoever you see in distress, recognise in him a fellow man It is this expression, taken from our Bronze Medallion, that sits at the very core of the work our lifeguards and lifesavers do, through their training and using their expertise, and we think it a cause for celebration.

A celebration of lives saved. A celebration of an altruistic mindset. A celebration of safe water activities for all. A celebration of dedication to learning. A celebration of cutting-edge, robust training.

Those on and off-duty, the professional and the non, young and old alike – the Royal Life Saving Society UK is on a mission to be leaders in lifeguarding and lifesaving activity across the UK

HELP US LAUD THE LIFESAVERS!

and Ireland, enhancing communities so everyone can enjoy the water and securing nations without drowning. We know that we only hear about a fraction of the rescue activity that goes on across the UK and Ireland, and recognise that some of it falls outside of our reach but…we know that our qualified first-aiders, our lifeguards, our TAs, our pool supervisors, anyone and everyone who is qualified by us in lifesaving skills and activities, has good news stories to tell!

Share your stories: www.rlss.org.uk/rlss-uk-report-a-rescue

Qualified lifeguard? Become a member and benefit from much more!

• Online CPD • Peer support • Insurance www.rlss.org.uk/Pages/Category/ rlss-uk-membership-is-evolving

Just look at the stats! The number of estimated pool rescues performed by qualitied RLSS UK Lifeguards

Reached through our lifesaving campaigns such as #BeAMate

15,600

Pledged to support local community water safety initiatives

2 Million

Awards and qualifications delivered

£95,000

People engaged through associated leisure centres during Drowning Prevention Week

740,000

354,850

Children received our class based water safety education

60,000

RLSS UK SPRING 2020

FEATURE

BUTLIN'S SPLASH WORLD

BUTLIN’S BOGNOR REGIS

REALLY MAKES A SPLASH! Readers of Lifesavers will be familiar with the name Bourne Leisure: owners of Butlin’s resorts, Haven Leisure holiday parks and Warner Leisure hotels, making them one of the UK’s major players in the UK holiday market. Bourne Leisure is also one of RLSS UK’s most prolific clients which has recently signed a new multi-year contract with us (read more on page 21) but here, we caught up with Paul Hart, Splash Manager and took a closer look at the state-of-the-art Splash complex, at their Butlin’s Bognor Regis resort. Paul Hart, Splash Manager at Butlin's Bognor Regis.

So Paul, tell us more about the Splash complex. Splash offers a huge variety of pools and water features with something to suit everyone. These range from the world’s first pool helter-skelter slide and the winding Seaside Garden Rapids outside, to the shallow Pavilion and Seaside Playground Pools with their own slides and water features. There are rolling waves in the Wave Pool with themed music and even the wide expanse of the Lido Pool, complete with relaxing beach huts alongside for a feel of the great British seaside.

Wow! It must be phenomenally popular, what sort of numbers are we talking? Our Splash attendance figure for the period between 5 April-31 December 2019 was 503,192, this figure was 50 per cent higher than for the corresponding period in 2018 in our previous pool. Our busiest day was on Saturday 24 August when we had 5,347 pool users through the doors. The Seaside Garden Rapids can accommodate 400 users per hour and the Flume Tower has 72 steps to the top. The highest slide is 12 metres and our

smallest is 600mm. If all the slides were joined, they would measure 478 metres in total (that’s roughly the length of five football pitches)!

What’s the capacity of the complex? The whole facility can accommodate just under 1,000 at any one time, when all features are operational it can accommodate a maximum of 956 bathers.

What are the staffing levels for the complex? We have a qualified RLSS UK pool lifeguard team of approximately 55 but across the complex there are many roles that need to be fulfilled so overall, the team totals about 80. This figure varies slightly according to things like, the time of year or the number of part-time staff but if all areas are open and we’re fully operational, there are 16 lifeguards across the pools and flumes at any one time. Then there are another nine trainee lifeguards assisting at our flumes and slides, with further team members looking after the cleaning, pool plant, shop and café areas.

BUTLIN’S BOGNOR REGIS SPLASH COMPLEX… • Cost £40 million

• Has multi-speed ‘stick of rock’ slides

• Won Hotel Pool of the Year 2019 at the UK Pool and Spa Awards

• Has a wave machine

• Can cater for almost 1,000 people at a time

• Has the world’s first helter-skelter water slide

• Includes Seaside Garden rapids 18

RLSS.ORG.UK

• Is staffed by up to 80 people

BUTLIN'S SPLASH WORLD

FEATURE

Recruitment right across the board at Bourne Leisure is a key focus. This is where our relationship with RLSS UK, really comes into its own.

With so much going on at once, what are the key challenges of lifeguarding the pool?

environment, takes dedication coupled with a highly qualified and skilled leadership team, to ensure everyone knows their role.

As you can imagine, such a varied pool complex caters for a wide range of visitors, including those who simply want to unwind and relax without necessarily getting wet. With that in mind, our lifeguard team are able to experience some amazing variety in the roles they carry out.

Do your lifeguards require specialist training?

We operate continual 20-minute changeovers taking them from high stress to low stress positions on a rotational pattern. From lifeguarding the Wave Pool, to controlling access and usage of the helter-skelter, which is almost as high as two double-decker buses, the sheer variety of duties that our lifeguards have to perform are key in keeping the team focused and enjoying their roles. The complexity involved in familiarising and training a team to work in such an incredible

Recruitment right across the board at Bourne Leisure is a key focus, ensuring we employ candidates who have the right personalities to help our guests have a great time, every time, making memories that last a lifetime. Where necessary, strong, proven swimming and technical abilities are also part of the job. We are an RLSS UK Approved Training Centre, so this is where our relationship with RLSS UK really comes into its own: our training is incredibly thorough, both in the induction before commencing duties and the ongoing weekly training. Chances are you donâ€™t realise for example, that several of the team receive specialised hoist and harness training, so they can safely abseil down the flumes every morning

and complete their checks, before we open. Once a team member has completed their initial induction period (covering numerous subjects), we move them on to a 12-week Training Matrix within Splash to help them maintain ongoing competence in their roles. The training varies from CPR, First Aid, Spinal Cord Injury Management, Water Work, Normal Operating Procedures, Emergency Action Plans, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health and Cultural Training, to even more specialised training like Disability Hoists and Hoist & Harnesses for the flume checks. All Splash Leaders receive Butlinsâ€™ support to ensure they are qualified RLSS UK Trainer Assessors, qualified in Pool Plant Operations, First Aid at Work and hold, either the National Pool Supervisor Qualification (NPSQ) or the National Pool Manager Qualification (NPMQ), not forgetting they all hold the RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification as well, of course!

RLSS UK SPRING 2020

FEATURE

BUTLIN'S SPLASH WORLD

We display our RLSS UK Approved Training Centre plaque with pride. The training and qualifications provide peace of mind for our guests.

How does Butlin’s benefit from your relationship with RLSS UK? Put simply, without RLSS UK, their qualifications and associated support, we wouldn’t be able to operate to the high and exacting standards we set as a business, for ourselves and for our guests. The relationship helps us to maintain Splash and all our other pools to our ‘gold’ standard so to speak, in both our operational practices and the training we provide for our team.

RLSS.ORG.UK

RLSS UK Audit visits we receive each year, to help us highlight any potential areas of improvement. All of this means Butlin’s can operate optimally.

How does the relationship benefit your customers? It reassures our guests that we employ a highly qualified and competent team of lifeguards, each of whom holds an internationally recognised pool lifeguard qualification.

It gives us nationally and internationally recognised qualifications, they ensure we operate a safe environment, to a level of competence that is unbeatable in its design and implementation.

RLSS UK qualifications ensure a high level of competence among our lifeguard team and gives each lifeguard confidence in themselves, as well as the colleagues around them, for when they are called to action.

Support through RLSS UK is ongoing, from the expert assistance immediately on hand whenever required, to the mystery

We display our RLSS UK NPLQ Approved Training Centre plaque with pride in our reception area, for our guests to see.

The training and qualifications provide peace of mind for our guests, this means they are able to relax and enjoy their break knowing they’re in good hands. If our guests are happy, we’re happy, it’s that simple.

Which RLSS UK products do you use? Phew – there’s quite a few, it might be easier to list the ones we don’t use! We use Torpedo Buoys, Adult/Junior/Baby Manikins, Rescue Manikins, Ruth Lee Pool Rescue Manikins, PXB Pool Extraction Boards, Choking Charlie, Choking Vests, QCPR, AED Trainer, Manikin Wipes and Laerdal Pocket Masks, we even use RLSS UK TA branded t-shirts and shorts.

BUTLIN'S SPLASH WORLD

FEATURE

ANOTHER MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT IS BOURNE As more and more British holidaymakers plan to take domestic breaks, the Royal Life Saving Society UK is excited to announce that the UK’s largest provider of holidays and holiday home ownership, Bourne Leisure, has signed a multi-year contract with us to ensure the safety of guests using all of their aquatic facilities. Bourne Leisure owns and operates 54 parks, resorts and hotels across its full estate, with swimming pools and water-based activities playing a vital role in their offering, not least at Butlin’s Bognor Regis, where the £40 million Splash pool complex opened last year.

With the scope and scale of the complex so wide and varied, and with thousands of people enjoying the water there every day, the quality of the site’s lifeguarding team is paramount. “Our partnership with RLSS UK helps us to maintain our facilities to the best possible standards, both in terms of our operational practices and the training we provide to our team members,” says Paul Hart, Manager of the Splash complex. “RLSS UK’s nationally and internationally recognised qualifications assure our customers that we employ highly qualified and competent lifeguards, and the ongoing support we receive from the Charity, helps to ensure we operate a safe environment for guests and staff alike.” Continuing the successful relationship between the two organisations, which has spanned more than 20 years, this new three-year partnership includes mystery visits to all 54 parks, management training and upskill for trainers to be able to deliver vital first aid training. “We are delighted to further develop our relationship with Bourne Leisure, which has become an institution for generations of British holidaymakers. “At a time when demand for domestic breaks is on the increase, we can work closely together to ensure a safe and fun experience for all guests enjoying Bourne Leisure’s water activities,” added Jo Talbot, Commercial Director, RLSS UK

Photos on pages 18-21 have been supplied by Butlin's and are reproduced with their kind permission.

RLSS UK SPRING 2020

INDUSTRY

PAPYRUS PARTNERSHIP

RLSS UK announces partnership with PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide charity. With partnerships and collaboration at the heart of RLSS UK’s work and key part of the Society’s future, RLSS UK CEO Robert Gofton, introduces PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide: When I first sat down with PAPYRUS to focus on how this partnership could develop, we agreed that we wanted to work together to reduce the number of suicide-related drownings in the UK, gain access to confidential advice, support, and training for our members. In the interim, much has changed, and for now, our priorities are concentrating on signposting to their: HOPELINEUK. We are enduring an unprecedented crisis, with many of our younger members, particularly beach and pool lifeguards, facing uncertainty and anxious times ahead. Our aim is to provide them with support during these challenging times. To all our members, our readers, our supporters, wherever and whoever you are, I say to you, if you are having thoughts of suicide yourself or are concerned for a young person who might be, you can contact HOPELINEUK for support and practical advice. These are challenging times for all of us but I know we all can get through this. There is help and support available, you just need to get in touch. Together we are stronger.

HOPELINEUK – Who we are Suicide is the biggest killer of young people under 35 in the UK. Each year many more people experience thoughts of suicide and suffer alone. Our charity, PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide, is a national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. PAPYRUS was founded in 1997 by a group of bereaved parents who had all lost children to suicide. HOPELINEUK is our charity’s dedicated helpline, staffed by fully trained ‘Suicide Prevention Advisers’ who give confidential advice and support to people who are 35 and under, who are experiencing thoughts of suicide. Our advisers are there to try and explore what might be going on for that person that might be impacting on their thoughts of suicide, and their ability to stay safe. We also give practical advice and support to anyone who is supporting or concerned about somebody else and how to talk about suicide safely. Speaking about suicide can be extremely tough and daunting. Those experiencing thoughts may be too afraid to speak out, and those concerned might be scared of saying the ‘wrong thing’, so we want to ensure we provide a confidential and safe place for people to discuss any concerns or thoughts. We aim to shatter the stigma around suicide and help equip communities and young people with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour. We do this by delivering suicide prevention training and campaigns. We believe that many suicides are preventable, and that nobody should suffer alone with thoughts of hopelessness, or go through the heartbreak of losing someone to suicide.

Robert Gofton, CEO RLSS UK and Ireland

RLSS.ORG.UK

HOPELINEUK is open 365 days of the year. Our opening hours are weekdays 9am - 10pm, and weekends/bank holidays 2pm - 10pm. You can call us free on 0800 068 41 41 or text: 07860 039 967 and email: pat@papyrus-uk.org.

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The Magazine » E-SHOTS » Media Pack Subscribe Brochures » Newsle�ers » Recommended The Magazine » Supplier

Once again we take a look at the media who -->have featured RLSS UK news, over the past few months. E-SHOTS » Here’s just some of the regional and Pack national media NavigationMedia Subscribe Brochures » covering our trade and charity news in print, online Newsle�ers » Royal Life Saving Society UK appoints cu ng-edge training and Recommended Supplier and broadcast. consultancy partner @RLSSUK Navigation

rlss.org.uk | @rlssuk

Royal2,Life Saving December 2019 NewsSociety UK appoints cu consultancy partner @RLSSUK

ng-edge training and

NOV 2019

December 2, 2019 News

DEC 2019

©Personal Trainer Today

Based in Cornwall but opera ng on a na onal and interna onal level, In Safe Hands Health & Safety

and Consultancy Ltd, prides simula ve approach to In safety training andHealth & Safety BasedTraining in Cornwall but opera ng itself on aonnaits immersive onal andand interna onal level, Safe Hands is now working with the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), to deliver the Charity’s water safety Training and Consultancy Ltd, prides itself on its immersive and simula ve approach to safety training and consultancy services and training. is now working with the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), to deliver the Charity’s water safety Their purpose-built, simula on facility in Cornwall means trainees beneﬁt from prac cal, realconsultancy servicescu�ng-edge and training. life scenarios on which to hone their new-found skills and build the conﬁdence to use them in emergency situa ons.

Their purpose-built, cu�ng-edge simula on facility in Cornwall means trainees benefit from prac cal, realSpecialisingon in health andto safety, firsttheir aid, manual handlingskills and first response care (FREC), Safethem in emergency life scenarios which hone new-found and buildemergency the confidence toInuse Hands also offer lifesaving skills training in water safety for everyone, including children as young as eightsitua ons. https://developer-update.co.uk/2019/12/02/royal-life-saving-society-uk-appoints-cutting-edge-training-and-consultancy-partner-rlssuk/

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Specialising in health and safety, first aid, manual handling and first response emergency care (FREC), In Safe Hands also offer lifesaving skills training in water safety for everyone, including children as young as eighthttps://developer-update.co.uk/2019/12/02/royal-life-saving-society-uk-appoints-cutting-edge-training-and-consultancy-partner-rlssuk/

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©Refurb & Developer Update

JAN 2020

16/01/2020

Publication: Runcorn and Widnes World 26/02/2020 Date: 3 Page: Display Rate (£/cm²): 1.15

How #Dontdrinkanddrown became a charity social media success story | Charity Digital News

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Digital Fundraising / How #Dontdrinkanddrown became a charity social media success story

How #Dontdrinkanddrown became a charity social media success story

JAN 2020

11/02/2020, 09(47

Chloe Green | 16th Jan 20 Digital Fundraising Impact & Eﬃciency

FEB

Saving a life: Four people awarded for AquaSplash rescue

2020

11 January 2020 at 9-00am

Publication: Swimming Pool News 01/12/2019 Date: 19 Page: Display Rate (£/cm²): 1.90

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Over 700 people on average die from drowning in the UK and Ireland each year. Of those, 60% were thought to have fallen into water by accident, and more than 30% of victims had alcohol in their bloodstream when they died. Water safety charity _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ RLSS UK (Royal Life Saving Society)‘s #Dontdrinkanddrown is a national awareness-raising campaign with the aim of inﬂuencing people to change their behaviour when it comes to the dangerous combination of alcohol and bodies of water, and cutting down the number of drink-related drownings. Members of the Royal Life Saving Society and staff at AquaSplash Credit: ITV Channel TV

Four members of staff have been awarded for saving the life of a man freediving at AquaSplash.

©Charity Digital News

©ITV

https://www.charitydigitalnews.co.uk/2020/01/16/how-dontdrinkanddrown-became-a-charity-social-media-success-story/

Saving a life: Four people awarded for AquaSplash rescue | Channel - ITV News

Teen lifesavers praised for their bravery

We take a look at the Royal Life Saving Society’s ‘sobering’ #Dontdrinkanddrown social media campaign and the lessons of collaboration and education for other charities.

Publication: Leisure Opportunities 18/02/2020 Date: 15 Page: Display Rate (£/cm²): 2.90

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Campbell Law, Joe Draycott, RLSS UK’s Mike Wardle and Ethan Melvin. THREE teenagers who Joe Draycott, Campbell saved a woman and her baby Law and Ethan Melvin, all from drowning in a Widnes 14, were playing football have been recognised for when the incident took their bravery. place in Spike Island in De-

cember. �� aid and CPR training that they learned at school, the boys were able to carry out

a successful rescue. RLSS UK ambassador for The Royal Life Saving Soci- the north west, Mike Warety UK joined Widnes Police dle said: “What you lads did in recognising and award- was really heroic and saved ing the three teenagers. a life.”

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Freediving is a form of diving that requires holding your breath whilst under water. Lifeguards initially noticed a swimmer in difficulty on 20 November and responded immediately by giving CPR and using a defibrillator to restart his heart. The man had been freediving before two 18-year-old lifeguards noticed him lying face up on the bottom of the pool.

https://www.itv.com/news/channel/2020-01-11/saving-a-life-four-people-awarded-for-aquasplash-rescue/

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RLSS UK SPRING 2020

COMMUNITY

FUNDRAISING

FABULOUS FUNDRAISING: HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED Inspired by RLSS UK’s former Interim Chief Executive Officer, Rick Tazzini and his 2019 daring abseil down the Affinity Water Tower, the last few months have seen other staff members take up more fundraising activities. October saw Marketing Communications Manager, Claire Huggins’ ‘Pizza, Prosecco and Pudding’ party raise just over £120. The three ‘Ps’ suggested Claire knew her market well and guests were welcome to help themselves to as many of the goodies available, for a suggested donation of £5 per person. In November, Ambassador for the South West, Trevor Mackown waived his consultancy fee for a local business, in lieu of the company purchasing some equipment for use across Cornwall’s Save a Life series of workshops. This generous gesture resulted in nearly £500 worth of equipment being purchased.

Pictured: (Above) Little Family QCPR kit Below Right: Andrea Mackown Below Left: Pizza, Prosecco and Pudding fundraiser

RLSS UK’s recently married Head of Membership Andrea Mackown (née Roberts) and husband Trevor, offered their wedding guests the option to donate to RLSS UK, at their big day in February. Donation pots were available at the venue and the grand total came to £150! This boosted the funds raised by Andrea having already asked family members to do the same thing for her birthday last year, raising £120 on that occasion.

Looking for something a little bit more extraordinary - why not join the adventure! All the events are subject to change due to the current crisis but if plans do go ahead, there are some exciting prospects.

Charity skydive Go Skydive, Salisbury Saturday 27 June 2020

©GoSkyDive credit GoSkyDive

Cost: £50 (with an aim to raise over the £400 target) We will provide an RLSS UK charity t-shirt and fundraising pack along with support, marketing and cheers on your success. Book your place now via our website and join a team of excited fundraisers raising money for RLSS UK!

For more information on fundraising for RLSS UK, please contact: fundraising@rlss.org.uk

RLSS.ORG.UK

Two Point Six Challenge: it was a marathon, not a sprint! At the time of writing, the RLSS UK CPR marathon has raised over £9,400! This is an unprecedented amount and a testament to all the hard work of our participants, and the generosity of our donors. At 15 minutes per slot, this was no two minute sprint session for the people who took part., this was definitely a marathon effort. They did it on pillows, they did it on manikins, they did it with their dogs or soft toys in the audience – some did one slot, some did three! Whoever took part did so with one goal in mind – to raise money so RLSS UK can continue their valuable lifesaving work, through the sharing of a lifesaving skill. Watch the recap video, here: https://vimeo.com/413930554 “Thank you” doesn’t really cut the mustard but there a no real words to express our deep gratitude to everyone who made it happen but we still need your help. With 50 per cent of everything we raise going to the NHS, that nice, juicy round figure of £10,000 is so tantalisingly close. Can we stretch a little higher and hit that £10,000 target? Anything you can give will do so much good: https://twopointsixchallenge.justgiving.com/getinvolved?charityId=10091

FUNDRAISING

COMMUNITY

#protectourfuture CHARITY APPEAL

Will you help RLSS UK, the UK’s leading charity for water safety and drowning prevention education, raise £100,000 to navigate this current crisis.

Will you donate today? www.rlss.org.uk/protect-our-future

Fundraising for the Royal Life Saving Society UK: every penny works to save lives. Every one of us associated with RLSS UK has been affected by COVID-19, every aspect of RLSS UK operations has suffered and now RLSS UK needs your help to

Protect Our Future Will you help us with a small, one-off donation to pull us through this unprecedented crisis? As an organisation, we care deeply about the individuals we are privileged to work with. Our non-furloughed members of staff have been working overtime, to keep in contact with and support our volunteers, members, clubs, branches, staff and beneficiaries. Qualification extensions, free online CPD, free water safety resources to keep your Rookies sharp, alongside fun and interactive well-being challenges across our social media channels, are just some of the ways we’re helping you through this time of national crisis. As a Charity, RLSS UK’s water safety education enriches the knowledge and safety of communities. As a Society, RLSS UK qualified lifeguards and lifesavers, are the front-line of safety for pools, they enable and facilitate swimming and aquatic activity, and every day, contribute to the safe enjoyment of waterways across the UK and Ireland by everyone.

The quality of this provision and its future is currently under threat.

CAN YOU HELP? £10, £20 or £30 from you, your friends or your family, will get us closer to our goal of £100,000

That’s the sum we need to steer us through these uncharted waters. That’s the sum that will ensure RLSS UK can support our lifeguards and lifesavers when they return to their roles. If you can, please make a donation today: www.rlss.org.uk/appeal/protect-our-future

RLSS UK SPRING 2020

COMMUNITY

BRANCH ACTIVITIES

Out and about with clubs and branches For varying and obvious reasons, branch and club activity suffered big blows to their plans in the new year and heading into spring. Despite the setbacks, a huge thanks to everyone who’s submitted their photos, stories and news to this Lifesavers edition.

Learning for the ‘lads’ Lambeg Parish Church in Lisburn, Northern Ireland hosted a water safety event for their Lads Brigade Group on Thursday 5 March. The session was taken by Northern Ireland Branch members Karen and Jim McCurry and helped the boys, aged 5-10-years-old, with their badge work, sending a new batch of water safety ambassadors into the community.

Summer at Stanborough

A Santa soaking in seasonal seas

At the time of writing and ever-optimistic, Hertfordshire Branch is looking forward to the summer centenary celebration events at Stanborough Lakes, Welwyn Garden City.

Once again, members of Thanet Lifeguard Club took the plunge for their traditional Annual Winter Swim, on Saturday 28 December. With an air temperature of nine degrees and water temperature of eight degrees, not much time was wasted hanging around. Perry Buoy got the 18-strong session underway, with some members opting for just the full submersion, whilst others got a few metres under their belts. Two of the younger members proved the most impervious to the cold, lasting a full 20 minutes in the water! As ever, the warm, dry clubhouse complete with hot drinks and mince pies, were welcomed with open arms afterwards.

Saturday 27 June there are plans for a water-based rescue demonstration between the sailing regatta races, with more land-based activities later that day featuring Choking Charlie and CPR demonstrations. Then on Sunday 5 July, the celebrations of their lifesaving activities continue, with dry-side demonstrations of lifesaving skills that everyone can learn from.

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©National Aquatic Centre. www.sportirelandcampus.ie

BRANCH ACTIVITIES

Ireland Speeds Champs

All Ireland Team

COMMUNITY

Poseidon Club

Pictured: (Top L-R) National Aquatic Centre, Dublin. The All Ireland Team. Poseidon Life Saving Club Bottom Left: All Ireland Branches meeting Bottom Right: Gina Wall, Poseidon LSC Club Secretary with Niamh Booth.

RLSS Ireland branches

RLSS Ireland: Speeds 2019 Organised by Event Managers Rebecca Carroll and Noel Mulhair, Saturday 16 November saw the dive pool at Dublin’s National Aquatic Centre, host RLSS Ireland Branch’s Speed Life Saving Gala. The prestigious venue saw competitors under 12-years-old, take the plunge alongside 12-14, 15-17 and Open age groups, on the day. The challenges were tough-going for all age groups and featured the usual suspects like the obstacle swim, manikin carry and line throw events.

Great going for Ireland RLSS UK’s National Lifesaving Championships on Sunday 24 November proved a happy hunting ground for the All Ireland team. Winning gold for the first time in the Individual Men’s event was Ronan Spain with more success coming in the Master’s competition, as the All Ireland team won the championship, taking home gold for the first time ever. Laura Mulhair won the Ladies Masters, David Browne won the men’s with Eamonn O’Brien getting gold in the line throw event. David Browne also won the Dorothy Cadbury trophy, awarded for excelling in lifesaving sport over a number of years

and being an ambassador for both the sport and the Charity. Sheila and Noel Mulhair were awarded the Wilkinson Sword trophy, for their roles as officials in all levels of the competition, over several years.

Consultations and collaborations RLSS UK started the new year with a determination to strengthen ties with our lifesaving colleagues in Ireland. On the agenda: an overview of the future direction of RLSS UK as an organisational whole, how Ireland can better mark its affiliation with the brand whilst retaining its unique identity and a consultation and feedback session on Survive & Save. Visiting RLSS Ireland Branch were RLSS UK CEO Robert Gofton, Director of Charity Lee Heard, Trustee Cavell Burchell and Aaron Dhanda, Qualifications and Awards Manager. During their visit, Robert and Lee paid a visit to the CEO of Swim Ireland, to explore a potential partnership arrangement like RLSS UK already has with Swim England.

Proactive Poseidon practice perfection It would be fair to say that Poseidon Life Saving Club in County Wicklow, Ireland

Niamh Booth has been setting the bar high, with all their lifesaving activity. Firstly, our many congratulations must go to Niamh Booth, who is the first-ever member of the club to receive an RLSS UK Distinction medal, having achieved gold in the Medallion, Beach and Sport awards. No-one would begrudge the club ‘braying’ about its fundraising success in February, as Survive & Save members of the club raised over €4,000 for local charity, the Bray Lakers. 08:00 Saturday 22 February – 08:00 Sunday 23 February was the 24 hour period they had, to complete 160,000 CPR compressions. Teams took part in 30-minute sessions with each person completing five repetitions of 30 compressions before the next person took over. Survive & Save members, Luca Spurling and Conor Power are credited with most of the event organisation but it couldn’t have been done without support from the team, friends, family and members of the public, with everyone coming away from the event, having learned a bit more about CPR techniques. Bray Lakers is a charity dedicated to creating a supportive, fun and inclusive environment, enabling children and adults with an intellectual disability, to develop their personal skills and self-esteem.

Anton is all action The British Universities Lifesaving Clubs' Association (BULSCA) championships took place over the weekend of Saturday 29 February and Sunday 1 March this year, at Bristol’s Hengrove Leisure Centre, with Anton Oleinik coming away with two medals to his name. Anton is 17-years-old and only joined Keynsham Life Saving Club in September of last year, but has taken to the competition with relish. Our congratulations to Anton who took first place in the ‘100m manikin carry’ and second place in the ‘100m manikin tow with fins’ events. Keynsham Life Saving Club Chair, David ‘Blondie’ Fielding said: “Anton is an inspiration to us all; he’s worked hard during training so it’s fantastic to see his dedication pay off.” For more information about Keynsham Life Saving Club or to book your FREE taster session, please visit www.klsc.co.uk or contact chairman@klsc.co.uk. RLSS UK SPRING 2020

WHAT’S GOING ON

LIFESAVING SPORT

LIFESAVING SPORT... ...IN THE SPOTLIGHT Success for Team England at the Commonwealth Festival of Lifesaving!

Pictured: Team England Below: Robert Gofton presents Oba Waiyaki of Kenya with the Mrs Henry Cup.

Saturday 23 November saw the curtain come down on another hugely exciting and successful Commonwealth Festival of Lifesaving (CFOL) held this time, at the John Charles Centre for Sport, in Leeds.

The John Charles Centre for Sport couldn’t have been a more apt venue to host Team England, as they romped

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Thomas Trebilcock: Team England’s youngest athlete at 16-years-old taking home a silver medal in the 100m manikin carry. Athletes from Jersey and Northern Ireland competing for the first time in this new competition format.

This biennial competition brings together the most challenging elements of lifesaving sport, as well as the wider lifesaving community, in an event that both educates and entertains. Seventeen Commonwealth nations had representation by athletes, officials and volunteers with thirteen nations fielding athletes from as far afield as Australia, Kenya and Mauritius, joining the home nations in the water.

Just some of the highlights:

Marine Macartney: finishing first in the 100m manikin carry, securing not just a personal best time but new British and new Commonwealth records in the process, then being named Top Female of the competition. Andrew Morley: qualified for the finals of the 50m manikin carry with a new Commonwealth record, that remained unbroken after the finals. Members of both the Development and National Teams coming away as Commonwealth Challenge Champions. home to win the National Team Trophy – the Prince Michael of Kent Salver, for the very first time – pushed all the way by rivals and 2017 champs Australia, a second count secured them the win with only three points in it.

But perhaps the most poignant moment was the huge applause and standing ovation that greeted Oba Waiyaki, as he was presented with the Mrs Henry Cup. Awarded to an individual from a developing nation with the most cumulative points from participating and engaging in the whole event, the Mrs Henry Cup captures the very best spirit of the Festival – not just competing but supporting and engaging with other athletes, teams and officials.

LIFESAVING SPORT

WHAT’S GOING ON

Olympians dive into CFOL

Overall Winners:

An unexpected bonus for the Festival was found in members of Team GB’s diving squad, training in the diving area at the same time as the Festival. Olympic medallists Dan Goodfellow and Jack Laugher were welcomed by members of RLSS and RLSS UK.

The Prince Michael of Kent Salver First Place National Team:

England The Langland Bay Men’s Cup Top National Male:

Steven Coomes / Australia The Langland Bay Female’s Cup Top National Female:

Marine Macartney / England The John Long Trophy First Place Development Team:

Australia Mrs Henry Cup Engaged Individual (Dev.):

Oba Waiyaki / Kenya

All eyes on Ontario! The Royal Life Saving Society is pleased to announce that the 2021 RLSS Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships will be hosted by the Lifesaving Society Canada. The event will be held at the Windsor International Aquatic Training Centre, Windsor, Ontario in September 2021.

Pictured: (L-R) Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) Operations Manager, Emma Harrison. RLSS UK Trustee, Bryan Finlay. Dan Goodfellow. Jack Laugher. RLSS UK Deputy President, Debbie Hunt. RLSS Deputy President, Clive Holland.

RLSS UK National Speed Championships 2020 It was touch and go as to whether Speeds went ahead this year and sad to say, some competitors weren’t able to attend. For those that were able to make it, the weekend of 14-15 March and the first lifesaving sport event of the 2020 calendar, Ponds Forge International Sport Centre in Sheffield, didn’t disappoint.

It remains to be seen how many lifesaving sport events will be held this year, so while things remain uncertain, here’s some great reminders of what life is like, in the water!

Lifesaving sport calendar* June

Sept

Nov

Mar

6 – 7 June 2020

18 Sept – 5 Oct 2020

14 November 2020

13 – 14 March 2021

National Police Lifesaving Championships

Lifesaving World Championships.

RLSS UK National Lifesaving Championships

RLSS UK National Speed Championships

Hosted by Lancashire Police Force over two venues for 2020, this annual competition gives police officers, police community support officers and other police staff, an opportunity to showcase their skills in water rescue and first aid, based on RLSS UK training.

International lifesaving sport heads back to the venue that hosted the European Lifesaving Championships 2019, where a welcome as warm as the climate awaits.

John Charles Centre for Sport, Leeds

Ponds Forge International Sports Centre

The National Lifesaving Championship (Nationals) is the premier lifesaving competition in the UK and a chance for athletes to pit themselves against the nation’s best.

There’s nothing like planning ahead! RLSS UK is delighted to be able to confirm that this 2021 date for your diary, returns to this superb venue.

Riccione, Italy

cell n a c

www.nationalpolice lifesaving.co.uk

cell n a c

www.lifesaving2020.it/ event/35/home

* At the time of writing, all these calendar events are scheduled to go ahead, however, due to COVID-19, they are all subject to change. Please keep your eye on each event’s website for the latest information.

RLSS UK SPRING 2020

FEATURE

QUALIFICATIONS AND AWARDS

Events, courses and new qualifications

Pictured: (L-R) Kate Tower, Jo Talbot and Rebecca Cox.

Pictured: (L-R) Debbie Weston on the stand.

The Hoseason’s Owner Conference and Trade Exhibition was a star-studded affair with guest speakers including broadcaster and writer Gyles Brandreth, and Olympic cycling legend, Sir Chris Hoy MBE alongside a number of industry experts.

The CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) and Quest National Benchmarking Service conference took place on 27 February at Derby’s Pride Park. Sold out six weeks in advance with over 500 attendees, 46 speakers and 23 exhibitors, CIMSPA’s CEO Tara Dillon described the event as:

Hosted at the Hilton Brighton Metropole, 12-13 November, the conference and exhibition was dedicated to launching their new ‘better place to stay’ brand to the owner-managers that comprise their estate, with a Saturday evening gala dinner event to engage, acknowledge and celebrate their participation. RLSS UK’s Commercial Director Jo Talbot was at the exhibition, alongside Strategic Partners Kate Tower, Head of Learn to Swim for Swim England and Rebecca Cox, the Institute of Swimming’s Managing Director. With many of Hoseasons’ sites boasting open water spaces, hot tubs and swimming pools, the collaboration between the Strategic Partners, offered event attendees guidance and assistance with all their water-based leisure needs.

Our attendance at events is a crucial part of raising our profile and understanding the needs of the leisure sector. They're always enlightening and a great networking opportunity. Jo Talbot, RLSS UK Commercial Director

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“The most important day of the year for us to showcase all the work we’ve done on behalf of our partners, employers, universities, training providers and members; how we’ve listened to feedback, and how agile and responsive we’ve been.” RLSS UK’s bespoke dryrobe took pride of place on our stand which was supported by Key Account Manager Debbie Weston, Commercial Director Jo Talbot and CEO, Robert Gofton showcasing the very best of RLSS UK’s qualifications, training and awards.

QUALIFICATIONS AND AWARDS

FEATURE

Latest on: Anaphylaxis The basic content of anaphylaxis has been included within the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ). This will ensure candidates understand when an Adrenaline Auto-Injector should be used. This will not give candidates a standalone anaphylaxis qualification or certificate. To gain a standalone qualification, NPLQ Trainer Assessors (TAs) can integrate the anaphylaxis bolt-on to an NPLQ course, by delivering an additional 1.5 hours of content and completing the full anaphylaxis assessment.

Bolt-ons AED The basic use of an AED is included within the NPLQ course and assessment. This ensures candidates can deliver CPR including using an AED if one was available. The standalone NPLQ does not give candidates a separate AED qualification or certificate. In order to gain a separate AED qualification, NPLQ TAs can integrate the AED bolt-on to an NPLQ course, by delivering an additional 1.5 hours of content and completing the full AED assessment.

Choking Over the last six months, we have been updating all RLSS UK qualification candidate manuals and trainer resources to reflect the standard treatment for a choking casualty. Once an adult casualty goes unconscious, CPR treatment should start with compressions, in the case of a child or infant going unconscious, CPR treatment should begin with five rescue breaths.

Pool Plant Operators Certificate The National Pool Plant Operators certificate, awarded by RLSS UK and delivered by the Institute of Swimming (IoS), has been endorsed by CIMSPA and meets its Professional Standard for Pool Plant Operatives. This flagship course is also one of the few courses approved by the independent Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG), whose guidelines are widely viewed in the UK as the best practice, with organisations such as the Health and Safety Executive considering them as the standard to be achieved for effectively managing swimming pools. Colin Huffen, CIMSPA’s Head of Regulation and Standards said: “It’s fantastic that RLSS UK and IoS have brought their collective expertise together in the development and delivery of the Pool Plant Operators certificate; it was really important to the CIMSPA employer partners that wrote the professional standard for this role.”

incredibly proud that our National Pool Plant Operators certificate, is approved by PWTAG and endorsed by CIMSPA, having met its professional standard for Pool Plant Operatives. “We know that working with our partners at the Institute of Swimming, ensures our Pool Plant Operators certificate is delivered to an exceptional standard by experienced and knowledgeable trainers.”

RLSS UK Safety Guidance Using our experience, expert advisors, partners and information from other organisations, RLSS UK has created simple guidance, to help answer some of the questions that you or your colleagues may have about safety in swimming pools. More information can be found at: www.rlss.org.uk/safety-guidance

Jo Talbot, Director of Commercial Operations, RLSS UK added: “We are

Keep your eyes peeled for more news and updates in the RLSS UK Qualifications and Awards newsletter

First Aid TAs who need to renew their own First Aid at Work qualification RLSS UK First Aid Trainer Assessors (TAs) can now self-present for assessment (and do not need to complete training hours) providing the following pre-requisites are achieved: • First Aid TAs must have delivered a regulated three-day First Aid at Work qualification course within the last three months, prior to sitting the assessment. • First Aid TAs must provide evidence of a satisfactory Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) within the last 12 months, prior to sitting the assessment.exceptional standard by experienced and knowledgeable trainers.”

How do I apply to self-present? TAs can download the First Aid Self Presentation form from the First Aid resource area at RLSS Direct. TAs will need to send a completed First Aid Self Presentation form and evidence of their IQA to: compliance@iql.org.uk in advance of booking a First Aid at Work assessment. The Compliance Team will review the form, IQA and confirm if it is approved. The confirmation from the Compliance Team can be used as evidence to be submitted to the Assessor, completing the renewal assessment.

RLSS UK SPRING 2020

FOLLOW RLSS UK:

SOCIAL MEDIA

WHATâ€™S GOING ON

Lifesavers Social Our fourth moment from 2019 was installing over 100 Portsafe Public Access Water Rescue Systems around high risk areas in the UK including 12 across Bedfordshire and 20 across 8 reservoirs in the North West. #Portsafe #BeWaterAware @ReachandRescue This NYE volunteers from @WestMerciaSAR will be out once more helping you get #HomeAndDry All year the team have worked alongside PCC @JohnPaulCampion @RLSSUK @RNLI @WMerciaPolice @shropsfire @HWFire & many more to prevent water related tragedies. #BEAMATE #DontDrinkandDrown @WestMerciaPCC

Don't walk home alone past open water staytogether. Have a plan to get home safely like pre-booking a taxi. Check everyone has got home safely by messaging them. @RLSSUK #FridayFeeling #Beamate @Thanet_CommSafe

@NSVL_1998

@ssvlg1961

Our young lifesavers did us proud at the weekend when they represented us at the Billingham Forum Lifesaving Competition. Well Done Team!

Belle has arrived @RLSSUK @Lh_RLSSUK she's already far too excited to join our Perry Man on her official duties #hero #legend #savinglives

@rlssuk Congratulations to everyone who received an award this year at our 2019 Honours Ceremony! #rlssuk

Well done to the young lads who rescued the mother and baby who were in difficulty in water, reacting to young girls' calls for help and doing CPR. And thank you to @BBCNews for covering this. This is the stuff we need to hear more of. @RLSSUK - please recognise these boys. @MarkMcBW Around 400 people needlessly drown in the UK each year. Putting this into context, one person dies every 20 hours in the UK. Drowning is also the third highest cause of accidental death of children in the UK.

@GM_prepared

@joolstom

@StephenL_RLSSUK

Please remember Water Safety Starts at home. If you have the time to sit with younger members of your family download and colour in the @RLSSUK sheet.

Congratulations to @RLSSUK Cumbria branch members on receiving their Honours awards! It was a pleasure to meet the branch committee on Tuesday night.

RLSS UK SPRING 2020

COMMUNITY

MEMBERSHIP IN FOCUS

Good news in twos:

new memberships and new system RLSS UK membership categories

Lifesaving ACADEMY

Lifesaving Academy (0-15-years-old) Skills for life The Academy and its associated packages are split by age. A journey through the Academy enriches and develops a safe relationship with the water and provides the springboard to develop skills for life. This package is available to children and young people of all ages, including those that hold and teach qualifications, awards or compete as an athlete.

Lifesaving

LICENCE TO OPERATE

ACADEMY 16+

Lifesaving Academy (16-years-old+) For those involved in community or voluntary activity, awards or competing in lifesaving sport. This category provides you with benefits to boost your practical activity with the assurance that you are fully supported and protected.

Licence to Operate (formerly TA membership) Shape your career For Trainer Assessors and those who support the vocational, high-quality training of individuals keeping our pools and waterways safe, across the UK and Ireland. This category supports the delivery of our qualifications that underpin the chance to mould an occupation, with exciting CPD, networking and development opportunities.

LIFEGUARD

LIFESAVER

Lifeguard Membership For qualified pool beach and open water lifeguards who want to develop professionally and connect via our engaging digital content. This package includes sector-specific support in the role of the lifeguard and includes a branded t-shirt, to welcome you to the community.

Lifesaver Membership Financially supporting our lifesaving work For those who aren’t practically engaged in our activities but who care about saving lives and who avidly enjoy the water. Your contribution as a Lifesaver helps us support communities with our essential work. We’ll give you the tools to shout about your contribution to the Charity.

RLSS UK Membership has evolved to suit you! Many of you will already be familiar with the new memberships now available, designed to support and encourage you through every step of your journey with the Royal Life Saving Society UK and hopefully, motivating you to share your passion for lifeguarding and lifesaving, with those who aren’t in the know. As a member of RLSS UK, your commitment and support enables our crucial role in establishing safe activities and environments in swimming, lifesaving sport events and water-related activities. Ultimately, your amazing support not only plays a vital

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part in our work towards keeping nations free from drowning, and ensuring everyone is encouraged to enjoy the water safely but your enthusiasm for what we do, rubs off on others around you, encouraging them to get involved too. Our membership has been tailored so we can offer a package that is closely aligned with your needs. Each category includes amazing benefits and offers, coupled with a communications approach that is now tailored to connect you with your peers and provide essential information, through relevant and engaging material.

A quick overview of how the categories breakdown, is shown above. So it’s easy to pick the one best for you, your friends and family.

Find the right one to support your lifesaving journey, here: www.rlss.org.uk/pages/ category/rlss-ukmembership-isevolving#MembershipCategories

COMMUNITY

MEMBERSHIP IN FOCUS

Tahdah The expression ‘ta-dah’ is defined as an imitation of a fanfare, typically used to mark or indicate an important or dramatic, announcement or entrance. It’s no real surprise then, that since RLSS UK appointed Tahdah Verified Ltd to overhaul our online services, the affect has warranted a fanfare of its own. With the initial launch firmly under our belts, once you’ve set-up and accessed your account, current RLSS UK members, Trainers, Instructors and qualification holders are now able to: • Log in and create or update your current RLSS UK account • Update your personal details • Download your current certificates • Complete online training • See your qualification history • Become an RLSS UK Member • Become familiar with the system There are plenty of advantages to using the online system sooner rather than later: reducing your paperwork, your candidates getting their certification within hours, creating and promoting courses and events, all just some of the advantages the system will bring.

HOT OFF THE PRESS Since February this year: • Over 25,000 members and qualification holders have been actively using their RLSS UK Tahdah account • Over 60,000 FREE lifeguard online learning CPDs have been completed • The FREE lifeguard CPDs contribute to Pool Lifeguard ongoing training hours • Over 7,000 FREE Lifesaver Lifechanger – water safety toolkit online learnings have been completed* • Over 120,000 online learning assessments have been completed • Approved Training Centre Co-ordinators can now verify the qualifications and CPDs of their staff (when the staff have given permission)

See page 55 for more details.

DON’T FORGET! Even though we have had to make some changes to our member support services during this period, there are still lots of ways that you can get a helping hand if you need it when accessing your RLSS UK Tahdah account. Our online support services are available 24-hours per day, and can be accessed by going to rlssuk.tahdah.me then click on the red circle at the bottom right to access the ‘how-to’ guides, to email us or to access live chat support, between the hours of 09:00 and 17:00. You can also contact us over the phone on the normal number, but please understand that it may take longer to get through, due to the current circumstances. Find out what all the fuss is about and what the new Tahdah system has in store for you, here:

www.rlss.org.uk/News/tahdah-roll-out-plan

RLSS UK SPRING 2020

FEATURE

FACE TO FACE FORUMS

Face to Face Forums:

meet your hosts

With our eyes turned to the future and life getting back into a more regular rhythm, we thought we’d take the opportunity to refresh your knowledge on the Face to Face Forums and introduce you to the hosting team. The Face to Face Forums offer anyone involved in the delivery of RLSS UK qualifications via Approved Training Centres (ATCs), the opportunity to have their opinion heard, give and receive feedback, benefit from standardisation training and learn about new innovations. With Face to Face Forums events on hold for this year, RLSS UK’s Qualification and Workforce Support Manager David Springthorpe, aims to go digital: “In order to enable greater capacity for people to attend the Face to Face Forums across our leisure sector customers, I'm exploring the options for virtual versions. “We want to hit the ground running when lockdown lifts and virtual Face to Face Forums could be a vital tool in engaging NTAs and keeping them up to speed with industry developments and the information they need."

National Trainer Assessors: your forum hosts

Bryan Slade, Managing Director, My Skills for Life training company

Adam Cope, Duty Manager, Brough Park Leisure Centre, Staffordshire “I applied to become an NTA after going on my NTA course in October 2018, I was then very proud to sign off my first group of TAs at the start of March 2019 and in the process get signed off as an NTA myself. I have recently rekindled my enjoyment of running with the dream of one day completing the London Marathon.”

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Alistair Jardine, Facility Supervisor / ATC Co-ordinator, South Ayrshire Council Ayrshire “I was appointed as an NTA in December 2006. I started my career in Leisure in the early ‘80s through the local lifesaving club and have delivered courses all over central Scotland from TA courses to PXB updates. I recently attended the RLSS UK Headquarters where I qualified as a National Pool Supervisor Qualification tutor; I enjoyed the opportunity to see the headquarters and to meet all the staff in person.”

“I worked in the leisure industry for about 20 years. I was a TA for three years and then an NTA for about 19 years. I live in Wiltshire and enjoy spending time with my family, and keeping fit with swimming, My partner and I both love rugby and as she’s Welsh, we love to shout at the TV when Wales play England.”

Crystell O'Connell BA, LLM, Trainer, Inspire Us “I have a strong background within the leisure industry, from ‘grassroots’ roles such as lifeguard and instructor through to positions in management, advisory and mentoring capacities. I am an NTA across multiple disciplines and have worked in varied settings within the leisure and tourism industries. I can often be found in, on or under the water – swimming, surfing or diving.”

Read more about your hosts, here:

www.rlss.org.uk/face-to-face-forums-the-hosts

Edward Seaborne MBE MSM, First Aid Trainer, St Vincent College “I passed my Bronze Medal for lifesaving in 1974 at Stetchford swimming baths in Birmingham. I joined the Royal Navy at 15 years of age and very quickly became part of the Royal Navy’s swimming and lifesaving activities. I have a great passion for lifesaving life skills, so when the opportunity to run courses came along, I was first in the queue. I completed my NTA course in the early 1990s and then was selected to become an NTA for the military, forging greater links with RLSS UK. I help out and volunteer whenever I can to assist RLSS UK and I have enjoyed immensely delivering Face to Face Forums, to passionate TAs in the Hampshire area.”

Graeme Morgan, Leisure Training and Consultancy North East Ltd "I have been an NTA since 2000 and have extensive experience of incident management with the emergency services as well as working with the leisure industry. Part of my current role is the training and development of new police officers. I have also worked with several leisure operators as a consultant for lifeguard operations, business development and the development of aquatics.”

Kelly Blackburn, Relief Development Manager, FirstPort “I have been a Trainer Assessor since 2000 and an NTA/Mentor since 2014. I am currently working as a Relief Development Manager for FirstPort,

whilst also working hard to build my own training and assessing business. My passion is health and fitness, and I go to the gym or attend classes at least four times a week.”

Michelle Hallam, Learning & Development Lead, Everybody Academy “I started my career in leisure at the age of 16 as a Lifeguard. I have worked in many areas within the industry since, including swimming teacher, gym instructor, duty manager, sports development manager. I became a Trainer Assessor in 2004 and have progressed to become an NTA. In my free time, I enjoy taking part in fitness activities and have completed many mud runs over the years, I like a challenge!”

Muirti O’Cearnaigh "Dia duit, Is mise Muirtí Ó Cearnaigh agus táim i mo chónaí i Éirinn I am a multi-disciplined NTA and operate a training school called Atlantic Coast Lifeguards. I come from an adventure and leisure background, working in the ocean in the summers and pools in the winter. I now have several water sports centres around Ireland, and this allows me to still see what's required in the industry and helps when I run our courses. Go n-éiri agus slán leat."

Sharon Hunter, Ascent Training Manager, Stevenage Leisure Limited “I have been an NTA for 12 years. I train and assess RLSS UK qualifications across both lifeguarding and lifesaving. I assisted RLSS UK in the development of the NPSQ and am now an NPSQ Tutor. I am also one of the four Tutors for the National Pool Management Qualification (NPMQ). I now deliver the Face to Face Forums and enjoy meeting and greeting lots of other TAs, Mentors and NTAs around the country.”

Sue Cassidy “I started my lifesaving teaching with a voluntary swimming club group in 1984, training them in a voluntary capacity for another 31 years every Saturday morning at 08:30! In 1999 I completed my NTA course and in 2014, I received Trainer Assessor of the year! I am still very active and run NPLQ TA courses at least once a year.”

Tom Peonides, Regional Health, Safety and Quality Coordinator for Everyone Active’s West Region “I started as a TA in 2003 when I was 18, I then became an NTA in 2011. I have a passion for driving high standards of lifeguarding and water safety across swimming pools. I enjoy making training fun, realistic and challenging. I aim to support all the TAs I work with to make them as enthusiastic about keeping standards high at swimming pools, as I am.”

RLSS UK SPRING 2020

FEATURE

ANDREW EBBEN BEM

Introducing

Andrew Ebben BEM Water safety expert, Principal Consultant with Aqua Leisure Safety, catalyst for the current professional lifeguard standard and former Director of Education for the Royal Lifesaving Society UK (RLSS UK), Andrew Ebben has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM). Keeping the UK’s swimming pools safe and dedicated to ensuring everyone can enjoy aquatic environments safely, Andrew Ebben was awarded his BEM for services to Lifeguard Development and Swimming Pool Safety, in the New Year Honours list for 2020.

Rumour has it that he’s been trying to retire but before he does, Lifesavers caught up with Andrew, to congratulate him on his BEM and find out a bit more about the man behind the medal. (LS: Lifesavers AE: Andrew Ebben): LS: Congratulations on your award, how does it feel to make the New Year Honours list? AE: It’s incredibly humbling to be awarded the BEM and it has afforded me the chance to look back at how far water safety and drowning prevention methods have progressed, in the last 30 years. We are a nation who relish being in, on and around the water, both indoors and out; I feel uniquely privileged to still be playing a part in shaping how we can encourage the public to do this, in the safest possible way. LS: Can you tell us a bit about how you first got involved with RLSS UK? AE: Now you’re going back! I consider two people to be my mentors: aged seven, Des Bower was my teacher at prep school. He was, I think, an Area Organiser and he introduced me to lifesaving through our PE programme, teaching the Elementary Award and resuscitation. Later on in my life, around the mid-1970s, it was Charlie Ramsay. He was one of my trainers when I worked as a lifeguard in Edinburgh. He was

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special because he inspired me to always do better and was there to offer advice when it was needed. LS: 2019 marked 30 years since the first inception of what is now the NPLQ – how did you first get involved in the qualification? AE: Way back in 1984, HSE published its consultation on new guidance for pool safety. At the time, I was working for Birmingham City Council as their Swimming Management Officer but was already closely involved with the RLSS UK’s work. I was drafted in, to work as an advisor on comments coming in about the consultation, that the Society submitted to the HSE. Four years later in 1988, HSE published ‘Safety in Swimming Pools’ and soon after, RLSS UK was tasked with developing a new qualification for swimming pool lifeguards. It quickly became clear that it was more than just a spare time role and a full-time post was created to make it all happen. LS: What is it about lifeguarding and water safety that continues to drive your passion? AE: Simple - a desire and determination to really make a difference to people, so that they can enjoy any aquatic environment

ANDREW EBBEN BEM

FEATURE

safely. We know learning to swim is the first defence against drowning but water activities are so much more than just swimming, so water safety is and should remain, a priority. LS: You must have seen many changes in the sector over the years, what have been the biggest changes, innovations or challenges for lifeguards and leisure operators in that time? AE: It’s been hugely beneficial to make a clear move away from pool staff being seen as merely ticket takers and whistle-blowers, to now having a properly structured training process that leads to a professionally recognised qualification, dedicated to pool and beach lifeguarding. I’d say the greatest challenges have been born out of the move away from pools being managed by the public sector to the private sector. There’s a very real concern budgets could dictate staff levels and staff training. LS: What will be the next trend for lifeguarding and pool safety? AE: Leisure operators are constantly looking for new and innovative ways of getting people into the water; outdoor facilities give great scope for innovation but they’re not for everyone whereas in pools, we are seeing more exciting waterslides and ‘lazy river’ type features as well as indoor surfing and more complex pool designs – these all present greater training challenges for lifeguards. LS: What will be the next big challenge for the sector? AE: In my view, it will be learning to strike a balance between the need for fully-qualified lifeguards at the waterside and the integration of drowning prevention technology. There’s room and the necessity for both, for the benefit of everyone, especially as the sector diversifies.

We know learning to swim is the first defence against drowning but water activities are so much more than just swimming, so water safety is and should remain, a priority.

LS: What will be the next big thing for you and Aqua Leisure Safety? AE: We’re looking ahead to participating in the development of further safety standards for pool operation and for pool equipment, especially where it relates to the use of pools by children. LS: What has been your proudest or most significant achievement? AE: I’d have to say seeing the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification launched and go on to become the professional standard qualification, for pool lifeguards. LS: What would be your advice to a youngster starting out as a lifeguard? AE: Easy, and it’s as true now as it was 30 years ago: be prepared for anything, train hard and regularly, and keep a sense of humour!

RLSS UK SPRING 2020

COMMUNITY

RLSS UK NEW STRATEGY AND IMPACT

RLSS UK new strategy: our vision, our mission, our objectives I believe our new strategy takes us back to our founder, William Henry’s principles, of us all having a love of water and swimming but using this love and skills, to help others and save lives.

We consulted with a wide range of stakeholders including Volunteers, Members, Clubs, Branches, Ambassadors, Partners, Operators, Staff and the Board.

He developed a key set of skills that he identified as effective in saving lives and over the years, we have adapted, refined and improved on his original methods. The reason for our existence remains the same, but it is now more relevant than ever, that we create an environment where everyone can enjoy water safely and we transform people into becoming lifesavers.

One thing is clear, for us to grow, become even more successful and help save more lives, we need to get more people involved with our work. We need to build our community, now and for the future. We need to work with others to find solutions to a complex range of issues such as drownings by suicide or supporting bereaved families and ultimately, we need to work collaboratively to achieve our ambitious vision;

This is an honour that we should cherish and one that we should celebrate. The new framework also serves to provide structure to our longer-term planning by focusing on three key elements: vision, mission and objectives. This is not a detailed operational plan or action list but should provide the clarity of our direction for us to develop plans, identify new opportunities, help us develop a structure for its delivery then identify and measure success. During the creation of this strategy, we undertook a number of strategic discussions: it became clear that there is a desire to change our messaging, and to reflect on a new and reinvigorated purpose that is more closely aligned to our clubs and members.

Nations without drowning where everyone can safely enjoy being in, on or near water. My hope is that, this framework is a reflection of your thinking and also reflects this diverse range of opinions and I want to thank everyone who was involved in designing this framework. I hope you, your family, friends and colleagues will join us on this journey.

Robert Gofton CEO, RLSS UK and Ireland

our purpose To enhance communities, so everyone can enjoy being in, on or near water safely – because every life is worth saving.

vision Nations without drowning where everyone can safely enjoy being in, on or near water.

mission To be the leader in lifesaving and lifeguarding in the UK and Ireland; sharing our expertise and knowledge with as many people as possible, giving everyone the potential to save lives and safely enjoy water.

Education, training and personal development

Consultancy, expertise and partnership Financially sustainable Environmentally responsible

Strategic framework 2020 – 2025 RLSS.ORG.UK

Building our community

COMMUNITY

RLSS UK NEW STRATEGY AND IMPACT

The number of estimated pool rescues performed by qualitied RLSS UK Lifeguards

Reached through our lifesaving campaigns such as #BeAMate

15,600

2 Million

Rookie Lifeguard Awards delivered

Pledged to support local community water safety initiatives

65,000

Public events safely lifeguarded by the RLSS UK lifeguard team

£95,000

Awards and qualifications delivered

Lifesaving Awards delivered to children

354,850

Hours our amazing volunteers dedicated

50,463

People engaged through associated leisure centres during Drowning Prevention Week

740,000

289,953

Children received our class based water safety education

60,000

RLSS UK’s work in 2019 We are the Charity that enhances communities, so everyone can enjoy being in, on or near water safely, because every life is worth saving. We live on and are surrounded by beautiful islands, scattered with attractive waterways, yet without the correct education they can pose a threat to us all, with all-too tragic and familiar consequences.

Looking at the bigger picture shows the impact our work really has. Lee Heard, RLSS UK’s Director of Charity

Water is part of our fabric, as is our enjoyment of being on, in and near the water. Every year across the UK and Ireland around 700 people lose their life in a water-related incident. The great news is that over the past five years, the number of people to have drowned accidentally has fallen; this has spurred us on to continue to do all we can, to provide fun and positive water safety experiences, that will reduce this number even further. It is our aim to ensure that everyone across the UK and Ireland enjoys a safe and lifelong relationship with the water. Around a quarter of children swim every week and many enjoy the benefits of other aquatic activities, including a growing number of open water activities. There is much progress being made to help children to swim, an essential water safety tool, yet over 138,000 children cannot swim the statutory 25m target when they leave primary school. The result is, that they do not have the fundamental abilities or confidence to aid them, should they end up unexpectedly in the water – through no fault of their own.

We face challenges in providing everybody across the UK and Ireland with essential water safety knowledge. It is why our diverse range of programmes, support from members and volunteers, and the impact that they make are so important. The ‘2019 in numbers’ graphic beings together all of RLSS UK’s work in 2019, by looking at this bigger picture, we can really appreciate the reach and impact our work has had, and means we are able to quickly acknowledge and react, to any areas that may need additional focus and support. Like me, you’re no doubt ready and raring to go, dying to get back out there doing what you do best, ensuring everyone can #EnjoyWaterSafely. Thank you for your dedication, passion and support, Lee Heard RLSS UK Director of Charity

With life feeling like it is ‘on hold’, it can be hard to focus on the future but we’re using our time to prepare for life getting back on track, whenever that happens, and in addition to the great work we’ve already done and continue to improve on, in 2021 we will:

o Pledge money to provide essential lifesaving training to those most at need or who are unable to access it o Pledge money for a much-needed lifeguard bursary scheme, providing those most at need with the opportunity of employment o Pledge £20,000 as a special project fund, supporting additional and exceptional activity through our branches

o Expand our Save a Life series, providing valuable lifesaving skills to more communities across the UK and Ireland o Pledge to grow the number of school children educated with essential water safety knowledge, as part of our goal to immunise our future generations against drowning

RLSS UK SPRING 2020

FEATURE

COX BANK PUBLISHING

Pictured: Top left: Swimming artwork at Hillside Primary School Bottom left: Peter open water swimming in Wales Right: Peter and daughter, Beki, Dee Mile Swim.

SPLASH!

A swimming journey Always on the look-out for fresh, relevant content, Lifesavers were delighted when Peter Hooper from Cox Bank Publishing, agreed to share his story. Managing Director and Founder of Active Writing and Cox Bank Publishing, Peter is a keen swimmer, runner and cyclist. Having always enjoyed reading about others’ outdoor exploits, Peter is passionate about bringing writing of all types, on the topics of outdoor activity, nature and landscape, to a much wider audience, especially youngsters. Peter tells us: “Back in 2015, I set up a social enterprise – Cox Bank Publishing to collect and publish writing about what people love about being outdoors and active. “An early success of real note, was gaining a commission from Stoke-on-Trent City Council to help celebrate their 2016 ‘European City of Sport’ success. Working with sports clubs, community groups and

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schools, I collected writing from people of all ages about a wonderful array of sports and activities, and got to know lots of local sporting heroes – including the wonderful Jenny Booth, 1996 Paralympian swimmer, gold and bronze medallist and world record holder no less! “As chance would have it, one of the schools I was working with, Hillside Primary, wanted to work with me on an all-school poetry project featuring swimming – and one of my favourite books, SPLASH!, was born. “Jenny came into school and gave an inspirational assembly and held some class-based workshops, all resulting in some lovely work produced by the children. Using their work, I went on to enlist help from some local poets and commission the cover art from local artist Gaz Williams, and before I knew it, the book was complete! “SPLASH! was sold through the school to help raise funds for RLSS UK, with the

I don’t want to swim Please don’t make me I hate the water It really scares me so I don’t want to swim It gets in my eyes Goes into my mouth Making me cough

writing and the cover art going on to be a source of inspiration for budding poets, artists and swimmers ever since. “Five years down the line and I’m still collecting stories, delivering writing workshops under the banner of Active Writing, and still publishing via Cox Bank Publishing. I’ve got lots of potential projects in the wings with partners in the outdoor activity industry, including a few water sports, I’m pleased to say. "Plus, I've rediscovered the joys of wild swimming! “Having turned 60 this year, my objective for 2020 was to complete a ‘60 at 60’ swimming challenge. I was going great guns, having logged 15 swims by midMarch, and was really pleased with my progress. Of course, the challenge is very much on hold at the moment due to restrictions on activities and life in general, but I’m looking forward to swim number 16, keeping myself as fit as I can and have my eyes very much on the ‘prize’, of the next 45 swims to come.”

I don’t want to swim It makes me cry Scream, shout and Try to climb back out I don’t want to swim Do I have to learn? I’ll never get used to it It is not lots of fun I don’t want to swim Promise you’ll hold me As tight as can be Don’t ever let go I don’t want to swim But just look at the other Boys and girls, laughing Playing and having fun I do want to play With the toys in the pool Go down the water slide Blow bubbles in the water

Lifesavers looks forward to hearing more from Peter later this year, and hearing all about his ’60 at 60’ progress. If you would like to read more about Peter’s work with Active Writing and Cox Bank Publishing, please visit:

I do want to swim Playing in the water Is so much fun I’m not scared any more

www.coxbankpublishing.com/ coxbank-publishing

Words: Angela Marie James Illustrations: Hannah Stanway

Back in 2015, I set up a social enterprise – Cox Bank Publishing - to collect and publish writing about what people love about being outdoors and active.

RLSS UK SPRING 2020

WHAT’S GOING ON

RLSS COMMONWEALTH

Catching up with the Commonwealth The National Archives Heritage Project RLSS has a long history and an interesting archive. The trouble is that this is not easily available especially to our Commonwealth members. We want to remedy that and hope to make some material available online. As a first step, we have secured a grant from The National Archives to enable us to enlist the services of a Consultant Archivist to review our historical collection. The result of this will be a detailed report with advice on the preservation, conservation and enhancement of the collection, with further suggestions on making it more easily accessible.

In the meantime, we are always happy to receive any donations to the archive. In the past, we have been given books, letters, badges, certificates and medallions but we still have gaps in the collection. If you’re interested in donating to our archive, or would like to find out more, please email: commonwealth@rlss.org.uk

King Edward VII Cup The King Edward VII Cup is the Society’s most prestigious cup, awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution over a lifetime of service to the Society. We are delighted to announce the recipient of the King Edward VII Cup for 2020 is Dr Steve Beerman, from Canada. He has provided outstanding national and international leadership in the drowning prevention field, in various roles including President for both the Lifesaving Society Canada, and the International Lifesaving Federation.

King Edward VII cup

Dr Beerman’s proactive liaison with the World Health Organization (WHO) stimulated their focus on drowning as a major public health issue, leading to the first comprehensive WHO report on drowning in 2014. He continues to advance the field of drowning prevention through research, by motivating and empowering agents for change, and by focusing on research that will have the greatest practical impacts on the ground, especially in low and middle-income nations, where the need is the greatest. Dr Beerman is held in high regard amongst the international drowning prevention community and is a worthy recipient of the Society’s most prestigious award.

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RLSS COMMONWEALTH

WHATâ€™S GOING ON

RLSS Australia 125th anniversary

Many congratulations to our member branch in Australia, who celebrated its 125th Anniversary in 2019, with November the chosen month that saw some very special events held to celebrate! Following their AGM, RLSS Australia (RLSSA) held a celebratory conference including presentations and panel discussions, illustrating the progress and key milestones over the past 125 years. The RLSSA research team produced a factsheet showing the fatal drowning rate had reduced from 20.34 per 100,000 population in 1894, to 1.10 per 100,000 population in 2019. All this against a background of much greater recreational use of water and a tribute to the great work by RLSSA. Following the conference, guests were invited to a reception at the Governor-General's house, overlooking the beautiful and iconic Sydney Harbour. The day ended with an informal supper, allowing guests to catch up and reflect on the work of the Society and their involvement with it. From all of us at RLSS UK, many congratulations to Royal Life Saving Society Australia. Hereâ€™s to another 125 years!

The fatal drowning rate had reduced from 20.34 per 100,000 population in 1894, to; 01.10 per 100,000 population in 2019!

RLSS UK SPRING 2020

Mike (middle) meets Sri Lankan navy beach lifeguards on holiday.

WHY I VOLUNTEER

RLSS UK AMBASSADOR FOR THE NORTH WEST, MIKE WARDLE Mike Wardle, RLSS UK Member of his local branch for over 30 years, tells us about his relationship with RLSS UK.

Mike Wardle tells Lifesavers how he got involved with volunteering. “Swimming is my background: when I was a child we weren’t from an affluent area and didn’t have much money, so swimming was a sport that required nothing but swimming trunks, your ability was what was important, not your specific branded kit. “I swam competitively and did pretty well, but it was the social aspect that had the biggest impact on me, I made friends for life from the people there. “I started to volunteer at my local

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club, that was 30 years ago. I still do it today, holding many roles over the years, notably the Chair. It felt like I was giving something back to a hobby that had given me so many good friends, and that was important to me, it still is.

“I started to attend some Branch meetings, which back then were predominantly led by police lifesavers. I became more vocal on matters that I was passionate about and was asked to get involved at committee level, I thought ‘why not?’.

WHY I VOLUNTEER

“As time went on I got more deeply involved with tutoring; I can recall presenting my sponsorship speech to the Branch Committee for them to support me to do my ‘lifesaving tutor’ course. Back then the course required a week at a university, so it was a big ask. I was successful though and I’ve never looked back. “The open water environment really drew me in, so I loved delivering the relevant courses. I was involved with Salt House Dock in Liverpool having friendly competitions with around 10 other members. Wherever there was a pond or an open water pool and the weather was right, we would get into shorts and t-shirt and just have a laugh in the water. “You wouldn’t do it like that today and I wouldn’t want anyone to copy me either! Things are done a lot more safely these days. Events require a lot of work to manage their safety and success – it’s a lot to think about. “I really love the different elements that need consideration with open water that are so different and unpredictable, by comparison to an indoor pool setting. “Away from the water’s edge, the best bit about my voluntary work is passing on my knowledge to others. “Anyone who knows me knows I love a chat! Grassroots teaching is my absolute

COMMUNITY

I started to volunteer at my local club, that was 30 years ago. I still do it today, holding many roles over the years, notably the Chair. It felt like I was giving something back to a hobby that had given me so many good friends, and that was important to me, it still is. passion; whether it’s highly intelligent young people without an ounce of common sense, or pupils on the autistic spectrum, adapting my sessions to ensure everyone comes away achieving something, is very important. “For every course I deliver, I always learn something from the candidates, 12 candidates give me 12 different perspectives on everything! “During my tutor course at Warwick University, we had a simulated situation at the end but with each session, the available equipment we had to hand, changed - this really taught me to improvise. “Volunteering as a lifesaver, in all its guises, is so special to me. “When I look back to when I was 21, we’re all invincible then and can do anything, can’t we? But as I have got older and as my physical ability has dropped, my knowledge has grown,

so now is the time to share that more. “Recently we’ve developed a beach session, pulling together elements from many RLSS UK courses. This boosts the skills of the diverse learners, helping them have an awesome experience and going away with new behaviours. In June (fingers crossed) the Lancashire and Manchester & District Branches are both at an event run by the premium clothing brand Helly Hanson, which is really exciting. We’re hoping this might act as a springboard to setting up an open water lifesaving club, seasonal of course! “I also recognise we need ‘new blood’ to spread the word. I’m nervous and out of my comfort zone when I have to speak in public, but I leave knowing I have made a difference, and have had an impact on the folk there.

“Earlier this year, I was asked as North West Ambassador to present some awards. I made a point of thanking the parents because after all, without their support, the accolades would never have been achieved. Anyone involved in our activities is part of our great organisation and deserves to be thanked for their time. “Ultimately, doing all this has been my saviour; once I retired from the police force, having spent so long in an active working environment, I needed something to keep me stimulated. Volunteering has helped me to maintain a purpose after paid employment, it really contributes to my well-being. “Lifesaving is about personal experience, not just reading a manual, you need to adapt to any situation you are in. I take reward from sharing valuable skills, seeing others learn and grow through their own experiences.”

Pictured: Mike (far right) with Todbrook Triathlon Club new OWL qualified members and RLSS UK OWL TA, Danny Wood (far left).

RLSS UK SPRING 2020

WHAT’S GOING ON

NOTICES

Notices, knowledge and nice-to-know Looking for lifeguards! For many of us, this summer feels like a pretty glum prospect, as each week seems to bring news of yet more events, festivals and sporting fixtures being at best, rescheduled or worse, cancelled altogether due to lockdown restrictions.

But it’s not all doom and gloom.

RLSS UK open water events team.

The current situation leaves RLSS UK’s open water events team, with plenty of time on their hands for our free online learning or to volunteer elsewhere, for many other worthy causes.

SIGN UP TODAY, for an exciting tomorrow. RLSS UK needs you on board ready to hit the ground running when the UK’s outdoor events calendar ramps up for 2021.

And looking ahead to 2021, we’re almost certain that demand for outdoor events and sporting fixtures is going to sky high!

Find out more: www.rlss.org.uk/FAQs/ event-water-safety

Wilderness Festival, Henley Royal Regatta, Latitude and the Great Swim fixtures, are all events that have regularly required the professional services of the

Women & Leadership

INTERNATIONAL

Darby done good

Funding of up to £2,500 for emergency services sector women is now available. Women & Leadership International is administering a national initiative to support the development of female leaders across the UK’s emergency services sector. The campaign is providing women with grants of up to £2,500 to enable participation in a range of part-time fully online leadership development programmes. Participants will benefit from course content such as Leading Authentically, Engaging with Challenge and Conflict, Developing a Leadership Mindset, Team Dynamics, and Purpose Priorities and Professional Development. Through their work with various stakeholders and creditors, Women & Leadership International are also able to offer a higher scholarship value compared to previous intakes, to further encourage organisations and individuals to invest in their female leaders, during this period of uncertainty. Expressions of Interest Find out more and register your interest by completing the Expression of Interest form, prior to 19th June: www.womenandleadership.org/ emergencyservices.html

RLSS UK would like to congratulate Paul Darby (pictured above right), after completing his paramedic training and being additionally awarded the Pat McCreanor Shield. Named after the former Deputy Director of the National Ambulance Service Pat McCreanor, the shield is presented to the Service’s ‘Student of the Year’. We look forward to Paul bringing his experiences and training to bear in his RLSS UK sessions.

RLSS.ORG.UK

NOTICES

WHAT’S GOING ON

Lifesaver, lifeguard, first-aider… GoodSAM-aritan? For the last two years RLSS UK has been partners with GoodSAM. Birmingham & Midland Marine Services Water Safety Courses now feature RLSS UK’s National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP). RLSS UK is pleased to confirm that the NWSMP course now features as a part of the offering from Birmingham & Midland Marine Services. Their training centre in Staffordshire specialises in providing occupational water-based training to industry in three main areas: ‘Occupational Water Safety & Rescue’, ‘Powered Safety & Rescue Boat’ and ‘Commercial Workboat’ training. All these courses accredited by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, Outreach Rescue, Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), Royal Yachting Association and the Canal & River Trust. Tailored to be ‘suitable and relevant’ for the Rail, Civil Engineering, Construction, Maintenance, Utilities, and Environmental sectors, courses cover both practical and theoretical content in order to prepare candidates for working in, what can be, a potentially ‘hostile’ environment. Both the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) 'National Water Safety Management Programme' and the Outreach Rescue ‘Water Safety / Rescue Awareness’ courses are one-day in duration. Prices start from as little as £150.00 (plus access fees and APPE hire if applicable) and are either Health & Safety Executive endorsed / DEFRA and CDM Regs '15 compliant. Bespoke courses by arrangement. www.midlandmarine.co.uk

Pioneers of app technology to harness a matrix of first-aid qualified members of the public, the GoodSAM app can get lifesavers to the scene in an emergency, often ahead of the emergency services. In registering with the app, you could be the one to assist in those first few vital minutes of an emergency, and save someone’s life. Naturally, GoodSAM was at the front of the queue to help enlist volunteers for the NHS, during this current crisis and are now endorsed as part of the NHS’s ‘Long Term Plan’. At the time of writing, the NHS volunteer recruitment is being paused while the phenomenal amount of applications is being processed but you can still register with the GoodSAM app. To find out more about how you register as a GoodSAM Responder, please visit their website: www.goodsamapp.org To find out more about registering through GoodSAM to volunteer with the NHS, please visit: https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHSvolunteerresponders

CBBC’s Operation Ouch! awards are back and need you! Multi-BAFTA award-winning CBBC programme, Operation Ouch! is on the lookout for medical heroes for The Ouch! Awards and would like your help to track them down. The awards recognise incredible medical heroes aged 6-16-years-old, who have been outstanding, unbelievable, caring or heroic in some way.

First Aid Awarding Organisation Forum IQL UK is a proud member of the FAAOF. Formed to support regulatory requirements for Awarding Organisations and Bodies, the remit of the First Aid Awarding Organisation Forum (FAAOF) is to work in partnership on best practice and maintain quality. In turn, the forum aims to secure the integrity and currency of regulated First Aid qualifications, and that they continue to meet the needs of the sector. To find out more about the FAAOF, including their terms of reference, please visit: www.firstaidqualifications.org.uk

Though the production has been paused for the time being, the nominations for The Ouch! Awards during this period are still open. All entries received before/during this pause period will still be eligible for the competition in line with the basic eligibility criteria being met, just as before. You can find out more about Operation Ouch!, the awards and how to nominate someone, here: www.rlss.org.uk/news/the-operation-ouch-awards-are-back-and-need-you Nominations close at midnight on Sunday 19 July 2020.

Have you got any notices you’d like to share? We want to hear about it! Email: marketing@rlss.org.uk

RLSS UK SPRING 2020

FEATURE

SISTERS HAVE THEIR SAY

“ Sisters, sisters – there were never such devoted sisters.” February saw RLSS UK welcome sisters Ellen (17) and Clara (15) Forson, both of whom joined the Charity on work experience. In their blog below, they told Lifesavers a little bit about themselves and their RLSS UK work experience placements: “My name is Clara and I have been lucky enough to spend a week on a work placement with RLSS UK. “I have been a member of the South Worcester Lifeguard and Lifesaving Club for eight years, and have gained awards in pool lifesaving, open water lifesaving, beach lifesaving and first aid. It’s fair to say I love my hobby and over the years, I’ve built on my interest by gaining coaching qualifications so I can coach our Rookies. “I have also grown to love competing, and regularly take part in Speeds and SERC events. At last year’s RLSS UK Nationals, my partner Rebecca and I achieved the overall gold in the Junior Girls category. As you can imagine, we were over the moon! “For me, my placement has been a really great opportunity

to see how RLSS UK supports both its members and clubs, like mine. Timing-wise it was perfect, as an extra pair of hands to help with setting up for Speeds was really important and a big help. “I’ve also found it really interesting to witness the implementation of the new IT system. Seeing what goes on ‘behind the scenes’ and discovering how much work goes into running the charity and the events, has been a real eye-opener! “Everyone at RLSS UK’s headquarters made me very welcome and have offered me future volunteering opportunities, which is fantastic” “I’m Ellen and as part of my BTEC level 3 in Sport and Exercise Science at Hartpury College, I am required to complete a two-week work placement.

Clara and I would both like to thank RLSS UK so much for supporting us in our placements, for making us very welcome, and for ensuring the placements were both interesting and rewarding.

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“The first week I predominantly worked to help organise and prepare

for March’s Speeds competition held in Sheffield. Initially, I was helping sort out the passes and medals. I also helped in Customer Services, learning how to add people and awards onto the new Tahdah system. The phones were non-stop but everyone was really friendly, patient and helpful both to me, and the members calling in. “In my second week, I got more involved with the organisation and preparation for Speeds competition, doing a lot of final checks. I learnt what really goes into competitions and just how much there is to organise. On top of all the usual planning, there were numerous queries about COVID-19, and I played a vital role in ensuring that the competition was adhering to the UK Government’s advice. On the last day of my placement, I travelled to Sheffield to help set up the pool ready for the weekend. There was a lot of lifting and carrying of equipment but I now have a far greater appreciation of the organisation who put on such fantastic competitions. “In my spare time, I’m a member of South Worcester Lifeguard and Lifesaving Club and have been competing with them for the last three years at Speeds and SERC competitions. I volunteer with the club helping to teach Rookies, and

SISTERS HAVE THEIR SAY

FEATURE

Pictured: Clara (centre) wins gold and gets the national record for the 15-17-years-old rope throw event at Speeds.

supporting our community water safety and First Aid Patrol teams. “Overall I had a really great work experience learning all about RLSS UK, how much hard work goes into helping its members, and making competitions run smoothly. “Clara and I would both like to thank RLSS UK so much for supporting us in our placements, for making us very welcome, and for ensuring the placements were both interesting and rewarding. The completion of a successful Speeds was the icing on the cake!”

Pictured (L-R): Ellen and Clara.

RLSS UK SPRING 2020

FEATURE

FRANKIE TROTMAN

So long and farewell to Frankie

Pictured (L-R): Frankie (far left) with her Swim Safe group.

Lifesavers was happy to help Todd Miller when he IN HER OWN WORDS, FRANKIE SAYS: got in touch, to help say “In October 2014 I started the weekly Rookie Lifeguard Programme at goodbye and farewell to Waterside Pool. I had watched one episode of Bondi Rescue and Aquaﬁt Instructor   colleague, long-serving instantly knew I wanted to be like them, I wanted to help people and In 2017Frankie I was put forward to do my Aquafit Instructor Qualification. This was taught by Steph Toogood who was an avid supported of Watersi Trotman. make a difference.

recently donating new aquafit equipment to the centre which was well received.   “Soon after joining the Rookies, agreeing to become a pool helper really Todd is the Beach Manager with After the course, taking my own classes andme later being own regular classesbeen eachquite week. made come outgiven of my my shell, having previously shy.Aquafit Jump certainly keep Ryde BeachI immediately Lifeguards on started the me fit as well as the customers and is a nice way to break up my day.   forward two years and on my sixteenth birthday, I passed my NPLQ, Isle of Wight and has worked Duty Manager generously funded by Waterside. I couldn’t have wished for a better alongside   Frankie for the present! Those first shifts poolside butin my life and was In 2018Waterside I appliedCommunity for the position of Duty Manager and nervously attended myfew interview. At the were time very I wasnerve-wracking at a cross roads Trust, for with the other lifeguards and I quickly to accepted onto years. He tellsthe us:majority of my friends going unclearthe of last my six direction, with offthe to guidance universityofI felt a lot of pressure tomanagers, do the same. I hadgot been understand my various tasks and enjoyed my summer, poolside with the course,“Ibut deep felt it wasn’t right. This decision wasn’t easy though!   wanted todown do something loving which being out in theexpecting, sun. positive to recognise how long Fortunately I was successful and was offered the position of roof Dutyopen, Manager, I wasn’t so was elated with the news. I did howe “There was no stopping me then really by 2018, I to had grown Frankie has been withleap us, Ithis know underestimate what a big would be, progressing from a Lifeguard to Duty Manager wasand challenging say the least!   enough in confidence and ability, to successfully pass my level twoas if I was new, all ov she leaves Waterside Leisure with My confidence had built up over the years, I was comfortable and confident talking to everyone and then suddenly I felt swimming teacher’s course, qualify as an aquafit instructor, pass my a heavy heart to pursue her dream again. The thing I struggled the most with was finding the line between colleague and friends, colleague in work and friend outside of work. beach lifeguard qualification and become Duty Manager. Having never of becoming a paramedic, and also struggled fitting in with the other Duty Managers because I felt so young, which I was at only 18. I struggled with them and they struggle been a particularly strong swimmer, passing the National Vocational she is going to be sorely missed. with me and I had to make a decision whether or not it was Beach worth the hassle. Lifeguard Qualification was a real test but it meant I could work “So we sat down to try and log It was worth it and I had gained a lot of will power over the years to RNLI’s tough Swim it outSafe and programme find a way to I was facing and althoug with the toofix– these helpingproblems youngsters improve her achievements in the time she’s it took been time with I would now say I trust my co-workers with my life. their water safety skills and knowledge in the sea. us at Waterside and it I was able do this whether back I could have it if Iinhad had a different now, I diddone so much quite a short space manager. of time, He was never angr tookto longer thanwith we Todd’s thought!help, sometimes I question “Looking he would always listen and work through it with me, he believed that I could do better and I would do better and I cannot say thank you enou time really has flown by! “It has been a great joy seeing to him Frankie for his help throughout the years.   “The end of April sees me leave my Waterside family and I’ve had to make grow in maturity, Beach confidence, Lifeguard   knowledge and some tough decisions about my future: every step I have taken with That same yearthe I achieved my RLSS thishas had been goal from at Waterside Waterside lead me my to this point in when my life,I started making the huge step in to Rookies and I skill over years. Frankie has Beach Lifeguard Qualification, move into my own flat and realise that going to university is not for me. developed into an invaluable part knew it would be a challenge! As I said before I wasn’t the best swimmer, my stamina wasn’t good and my stroke needed some work but I pu of the management team, andit! That year I worked my “I the effort in to be better and I did first season Ryde Beach, my first summer asfor Duty Manager at the pool and I a can’t thankon Waterside Community Trust enough all they have done Waterside family. me over the years, especially Todd who has been took part in the Swim England Swim Safe Programme whichfor a drowning prevention programme managed by extremely Todd, on behalf of the RNLI. I Pictured: Beach Manager supportive, patient and always methe to sea better I continue to “I justenjoyed wanted to share Frankie’sthey were thoroughly both, although hard work, being on a beautiful beach andpushed being in allmyself. day, wasn’t too arduous. Todd Miller (far right) with Frankie (second get so much pleasure from seeing people young and old, progress and story, to hopefully give people a bit In the summer of 2019 on top of my usualfrom duties attheWaterside, I worked again at Swim Safe, and I also did my first season as one of the Head right) and grow in confidence, in the water. a lift at a time of national crisis.” beach lifeguard team. Beach of Lifeguards on Ryde beach. “I leave start as ahave Generic Call Assessor thejob NHS and 2019 is also the year I took a massive step and moved into my ownWaterside little flat, to I couldn’t done that withoutforthe and the support netwo this will be the first step on the next part of my journey – to become a had as well as completing my Level 3 Diploma in Management, which every Duty Manager is enrolled onto upon starting in the role.   paramedic. I’m not sure I’ll be able to cope being away from the beach too much but seeing the NHS heroes put themselves on the line to protect us from the spread of the coronavirus, has done nothing to deter me from joining their ranks one day. My Next Chapter   My Next Chapter   Everything I have done in this time has lead me up Everything to where I have now feel done comfortable in this timeto has leave leadWaterside me up to and where to Iprogress now feelonto comfortable the nextto chapter leave Waterside of and to progress onto the next chapter of my career. I’m sure it will be the biggest shock to my my career. systemI’m when sure I hand it willmy be keys the biggest to Toddshock on mytolast myday system and when say goodbye I hand my to keys my Waterside to Todd on my last day and say goodbye to my Waterside family, but I feel ready to tackle this next challenge. family, but I feel ready to tackle this next challenge. My time at Waterside has enabled me to realise and My come time attoWaterside terms thathas myenabled decisionme to not to realise attendand university come to was terms the that rightmy decision decision for to menot and attend university was the right decision for me and my passion to help people as well as my experiences my passion at Waterside to help has people madeas it clear well as tomy myexperiences that I one day at hope Waterside to become has made a paramedic. it clear to Imy that I one day hope to become a paramedic. I recently accepted a position within the NHS to become recentlya accepted Generic Call a position Assessor. within Thisthe means NHSI can to become carry onawhat Generic I setCall out Assessor. to do, help This people. means I can carry on what I set out to do, help people. It is with a heavy heart that I leave Waterside, I feltIt like is with I have a heavy built heart a life at that the I leave centreWaterside, and I am going I felt like intoI have a new, built unknown a life atone. the Icentre am excited and I am andgoing into a new, unknown one. I am excited and I am worried but I know it is necessary to move onI am withworried my life but andI now knowseems it is necessary like just the to move right time.  on with my life and now seems like just the right time.  I cant thank Waterside Community Trust for all they I cant have thank doneWaterside for me over Community the years,Trust especially for all Todd they have who done has been for me extremely over thesupportive, years, especially Todd who has been extremely supportive, patient and always pushed me to better myself. patient and always pushed me to better myself. This isn’t goodbye, it’s just see you soon.

This isn’t goodbye, it’s just see you soon.

“This definitely isn’t me saying ‘goodbye’ to Waterside, it’s just ‘see you soon’ instead.” Todd (General Manager)

Todd (General Manager)

“It has been a great joy seeing Frankie grow in maturity, “It has been confidence, a greatknowledge joy seeing Frankie and skillgrow over in thematurity, years. Frankie confidence, has developed knowledge into andanskill over the years. Frankie has developed into an invaluable part of the management team, and Waterside invaluable family. part   of the management team, and Waterside family.       I think we often forget that Waterside isn’t just a place I thinkwhere we often people forget come thattoWaterside swim, it offers isn’t just so much a place more where andpeople the experiences, come to swim, opportunities it offers so much more and the experiences, opportunities and qualifications that Frankie has obtained with us andover qualifications the years has thathelped Frankieher hasprogress obtained in with her personal us over the andyears professional has helped life her to aprogress point in her personal and professional life to a point where she can now move onwards and upwards, which where isshe fantastic can now to move see and onwards really isand a testament upwards, to which the is value fantastic and importance to see and really of investing is a testament time to the value and importance of investing time and resources into young people, as we have done and soresources with Frankie intoand young will people, continueastowe dohave withdone the rest so with of the Frankie team at and Waterside. will continue We wish to do with the rest of the team at Waterside. We wish Frankie all the best in her new chapter” Frankie all the best in her new chapter”

My Next Chapter   Everything I have done in this time has lead me up to where I now feel comfortable to leave Waterside and to progress onto the next chapter of my career. I’m sure it will be the biggest shock to my system when I hand my keys to Todd on my last day and say goodbye to my Waterside family, but I feel ready to tackle this next challenge. My time at Waterside has enabled me to realise and come to terms that my decision to not attend university was the right decision for me and my passion to help people as well as my experiences at Waterside has made it clear to my that I one day hope to become a paramedic. I recently accepted a position within the NHS to become a Generic Call Assessor. This means I can carry on what I set out to do, help people. It is with a heavy heart that I leave Waterside, I felt like I have built a life at the centre and I am going into a new, unknown one. I am excited and I am worried but I know it is necessary to move on with my life and now seems like just the right time.

RLSS.ORG.UK

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LIFESAVER • LIFECHANGER Take it, learn it, share it, save a life.

Introducing Lifesaver – Lifechanger: RLSS UK’s free, online toolkit, discovering and learning skills to enjoy the water, safely.

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Despite the good weather, the current restrictions mean that the majority of people are wisely giving the coast a miss, but with the many beautiful waterways across the UK and Ireland a feature (if only in passing) of many outdoor exercise sessions, water safety skills are still a valuable ‘must-have’ for all ages.

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Basic water safety skills can be life-changing: not only will this toolkit give you the skills and confidence to enjoy being around the water safely, but you could also one day, save somebody's life.

Remember, that we want you to enjoy the water and all its benefits, but as it does come with risks, it is crucial to understand and manage these.

Once you’ve completed this toolkit, you and your family should feel confident in the knowledge that you know how to keep each other and other people, safe around water. This short course will provide you and your family with the right education and skills for life, that will set you on your journey to becoming a lifesaver and gaining the knowledge and confidence to enjoy the water, safely.

Take it, learn it, share it, save a life: www.rlss.org.uk/ pages/category/lifesaver-lifechanger

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RLSS UK SPRING 2020

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

RLSS UK and IQL UK teams answer your questions.

MY QUALIFICATION IS NEARING EXPIRY. (COVID-19) All RLSS UK qualifications due to expire between 16 March 2020 - 30 June 2020 have been extended to support everyone through the COVID-19 outbreak. Our website has details of all the qualifications that have been extended, as well as a host of other measures, designed to support you through this current crisis. www.rlss.org.uk/news/committed-tosupporting-our-lifesaving-and-lifeguardingcommunities-through-covid-19-coronavirus

AM I PERMITTED TO MAKE AMENDMENTS TO THE RLSS UK POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS? TAs are permitted to make amendments to RLSS UK PowerPoints but should ensure that they are teaching the full syllabus, and that any amendments made, are appropriate to the subject matter and target audience.

ARE YOU PERMITTED TO REVIEW THE MCQ PAPERS AND INFORM CANDIDATES WHICH QUESTIONS THEY GOT WRONG? It is not permitted for TAs to go through the individual questions with the learners after the theory assessment has concluded. However, you are permitted to inform the candidates on the topics that they require further learning on. This guidance is in line with page 18 of the NPLQ guidance and syllabus, which references for the ‘Theory Assessment – Question Sheet - Must not be retained for future revision/training purposes and should be destroyed e.g. shredded’, as reviewing the paper would fall under ‘future revision/training’.

ARE LIFEGUARDS PERMITTED TO WEAR SMART WATCHES WHILST ON DUTY? RLSS UK has recently launched safety guidance on several important topics such as the use of smart watches whilst on duty. To access the free safety guidance, please visit: www.rlss.org.uk/safetyguidance

I’M A PROBATIONARY TRAINER ASSESSOR, IS THERE A MINIMUM NUMBER OF CANDIDATES I NEED ON MY FIRST COURSE? As of January 2020, new Mentor Guidance was released that highlights that NPLQ Probationary Trainer Assessors (PTAs) are required to have a minimum of four candidates on their NPLQ course in order to be Mentored and signed off for presenting candidates, otherwise known as “LG9”.

I HAVE ASSESSED A GROUP OF NPLQ CANDIDATES BUT ALL CANDIDATES HAVE FAILED, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NEXT? If whole groups or large number of candidates fail their assessment, you are required to inform our Compliance Team by submitting a ‘Candidate Referral Report’ form to: compliance@ iql.org.uk within five working days of the assessment. The form can be located on RLSS Direct: www.rlssdirect.co.uk/policies-andmarketing/

HOW CAN I ACCESS MY ‘CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY’ VIA THE NEW TAHDAH SYSTEM? MyPage, and therefore the old-style certificate of authority, has been removed as we move to our new Tahdah system. Firstly, it is important to register for the new Tahdah system, following the email invitation that you should have received. As the new system evolves, there will be the option to share your public profile, which will list and replace the older style ‘certificate of authority’ making it easier and more efficient. Keeping up-to-date with Tahdah and being proactive with your account, will ensure you are reaping the benefits of the new system.

If you have further questions, please get in touch: mail@iql.org.uk

WHAT’S ON

2020

Winter Water Safety

Winter

Winter 2020 As the nights draw in, our Winter Water safety campaign aims to keep people safe by raising awareness of the hazards winter weather can present to those of us still out and about, enjoying the great outdoors.

National Lifesaving Championships, Leeds

Nov

14 Jun

14 November 2020

Drowning Prevention Week

RLSS UK's National Lifesaving Championship (Nationals) is the premier lifesaving competition in the UK and a chance for athletes to pit themselves against the nation’s best.

12-19 June 2020 Get involved, spread the water safety word and save lives.

Don’t Drink and Drown

Dec

Jul

#BeaLifeguard campaign

4-14 December 2020 Our hugely successful awareness-raising campaign takes place over 10 days this year. Involving the full media mix, this campaign seeks to engage and educate those deemed most likely, to end up unintentionally in the water, as we head into party season.

13-19 July 2020 We’re passionate about getting people into lifeguarding, creating pathways to employment and enriching communities with lifesaving skills. Lifeguards are our everyday heroes. Find out how you can get involved.

National Pool Supervisor Qualification (NPSQ) Tutor

2021...

24 July 2020 This two-day course will allow you to deliver the NPSQ.

Aug

Oct

13-14 March 2021 There’s nothing like planning ahead! RLSS UK is really pleased to be able to confirm that this 2021 date for your diary, returns to the superb venue - Ponds Forge International Sports Centre.

Rookie Lifeguard campaign 17-21 August 2020 We start them young at RLSS UK. Find out about getting youngsters involved in our Rookie Lifeguard programme and get your existing Rookies, to share their experiences!

RLSS UK National Speed Championships

Mar

DATES TO LOOK OUT FOR Our series of Small Talks and Face to Face Forums are on hold for the time being but keep your eyes on our website for the new dates. They play a vital part of how we work as a Society and they will return!

RLSS UK Honours 10 October 2020 We return to Worcester Cathedral to celebrate the sterling work done by our volunteers, keeping people safe in, on and near the water.

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What’s On 2020: Calendar of events and campaigns Due to the current restrictions in place at the time, all the events and calendar dates here are subject to change. Please check with the organiser’s website for the most up-to-date information.