LIFESAVERS
Together, we can educate everyone to enjoy water safely and be free from drowning
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PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
with Deborah Hunt
Hello fellow Lifesavers,
Welcome to my final column as your President.
Where have the three years gone?
It has been a huge honour to meet with such an amazing group of people, all with the same passion. Thank you to the branches, clubs, groups, and members who have invited me to join them at various events. I have loved attending every engagement, from an invitation to the King’s Coronation Garden Party to presenting a certificate to Bandit, a Newfoundland, who rescued his owner. All wonderful.
Two years ago, I had a dream that we could bring a major lifesaving Championship to the UK, and thanks to many, especially Teresa Myatt, the staff, and the wonderful team behind her, that dream came true. It was amazing and has received widespread praise. Thank you.
I want to say a further big thank you to my fellow trustees. It hasn’t been easy being the first woman President, but with the support of some very strong men and women, I’ve made it. The Society has a new CEO with exciting new ideas.
In this edition, you will find the election details on pages 10 and 11, as voting is now open until Thursday 16 October. I make a parting request that you use your vote wisely, as your vote will contribute towards electing the person who will be our next Trustee and must abide by collective responsibility on the Board of Trustees.
Deborah Hunt President, RLSS UK and Ireland
of Elevate 2025
Hear how the athletes got on at the Swansea-hosted
Speeds, NLA and European Lifesaving Championships 2025
Get booked in for Nationals and Speeds, sign up for our NLA Sport Awards and hear about the European Lifesaving Championships
Meet those who have performed incredible
Hear from our latest schools
Introducing the British Universities Lifesaving Clubs’ Association’s new committee members
William Henry Award
Meet some of our fantastic volunteers who have earned their William Henry Awards
Fundraising
Let’s celebrate our key fundraisers from 2024!
2025 Fundraising Challenges
Some key sponsored distance challenges which helped raise vital funds to help more people enjoy water safely
Get Involved
Here’s how you can help fundraise!
Kenneth White MBE Tribute
A tribute in honour of former RLSS UK President, Ken White
RLSS Commonwealth
The latest update from the RLSS Commonwealth team
Calling all children to get their creative spirits going!
FRONT COVER IMAGE: A photograph taken from the RLSS Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships 2025 that took place in Swansea during July. You can find more about the event within this magazine, or for the results, view www.rlss.org.uk/commonwealthlifesaving-championships-results-2025
Simmy Akhtar
RLSS UK CEO
Welcome to the Autumn edition of Lifesavers magazine. As I type the word ‘Autumn’, I can’t quite believe how quickly the year is flying by.
I do hope you have enjoyed a restful summer break. I am excited to hear about some of our communities’ fantastic highlights and achievements as we continue our collaborative efforts to save more lives so that everyone can enjoy water safely and be free from drowning.
I have been fortunate to have joined RLSS UK in the year we have had the honour of hosting the Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships in Swansea. It was a unique opportunity for me to meet national and international athletes, team managers, and volunteers who share our passion for lifesaving sport. Witnessing the amazing talent and record-breaking races under one roof was a joy. Thank you to the RLSS UK Team and dedicated volunteers for all your support in making it a successful and hugely memorable event for individuals from across the globe. You can read more about the brilliant people involved on pages 44-46.
During Drowning Prevention Week, we were delighted to launch our Strategic Framework 2025-2030 both digitally and in person at the RLSS UK Westminster Parliamentary Breakfast and the Inaugural meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Water Safety Education, jointly chaired by our Patron Lord Storey and Darren Paffey MP. You can read more about our activities during this week on pages 18-19. Shortly after this, we received the fantastic news that as of September 2026, the Water Safety Code will be integrated into the statutory guidance for Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education in primary and secondary schools in England. This monumental achievement is a direct result of partnership campaigning and dedicated advocates who have championed the importance of water safety education.
A special acknowledgement goes to the fantastic work done by the team at this year’s Elevate 2025 event, a key occasion in the physical activity and fitness industry calendar. RLSS UK again sponsored the Aquatics Theatres and participated in several panels during the event, including “Question Time” with leading Aquatic CEOs, “Building an Inclusive Future for Swimming,” “Strengthening Swimming’s Voice: The Role of the Swimming Alliance Lobbying Group,” and “A Generation on Pause: Can the Leisure Sector Reignite 1,000,000 Young Lives.” This event provided us with an invaluable opportunity to connect with industry peers, exchange best practice, and showcase our world-leading qualifications and awards, all while championing the importance of aquatics and water safety.
As always, we are grateful for the continuous support from our volunteers and supporters. In this edition, there are some inspiring examples where members of the public of all ages have demonstrated their support for RLSS UK. These include Noah, aged 19 and George, aged 18, to 79-year-old Stuart on pages 14-15 and Michael and Simon, who led a Save a Baby’s Life course in Medway on page 7. I am incredibly thankful to all the individuals who volunteer their time, effort, and commitment to help us achieve our vision of ‘Communities free from drowning’.
Thank you for your ongoing support. It’s been great meeting and chatting with so many of you to date, and I look forward to seeing you and many more at future events.
Simmy Akhtar CEO, RLSS UK
NEWS in Brief
The Joshua Hillstead Foundation
Rebecca Hinde lost her 8-year-old son, Joshua Hillstead, to drowning in the River Arrow in Alvechurch, Alcester, on 23 July 2024. Marking the first anniversary of his death, Becky has launched and founded The Joshua Hillstead Foundation charity in his honour.
Becky’s mission and determination to fight for wider water safety awareness have seen her support our initiatives, such as Water Smart Schools, to help share free education with young children. In June, Becky also came to Westminster, joining us in our goal to lobby Parliament for class-based water safety education to be included across all schools in the National Curriculum in England.
RLSS UK Volunteers Teresa Myatt and Debbie Weston joined the launch event for a very worthy cause.
Medway Baby Event
In celebration of Baby & Toddler Week, RLSS UK and ChildFriendly Medway teamed up to host a fun-filled day for the children, with free helpful activities for parents and adults to drop by.
One key informative workshop was a baby and toddler first aid session hosted by RLSS UK Volunteers, Michael and Simon Hatfield.
This session shared vital safety advice with parents on how to keep their baby or toddler safe.
This session forms part of RLSS UK’s wider Save a Life Series, a suite of workshops aimed at equipping candidates with knowledge about what to do in an emergency and basic first aid skills for those who care for a baby, child, or adult.
“We’re glad we could spread important awareness, and we hope parents came away feeling more confident about what to do if they find their little ones in trouble!”
World Drowning Prevention Day Event
In July, RLSS UK was invited by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) to attend a briefing event at Westminster on the UK’s plans for the World Health Organisation’s World Drowning Prevention Day 2025.
This event, delivered in collaboration with the UK National Water Safety Forum (NWSF), outlined the current perspective on water safety in the UK. This included a talk from Professor Mike Tipton MBE, leading water safety expert and Chair of the NWSF, as well as a personal perspective on the impact of loss to drowning. It also covered plans for the NWSF’s “Find Your Float” campaign for World Drowning Prevention Day, a national campaign of organised events where the public can practice essential self-rescue techniques.
This was a very informative event about all the upcoming lifesaving work going on in the background. It was also a great opportunity to network and facilitate knowledge-sharing across the wider community.
GLL Northern Ireland Top Team 2025 Championships
Andersonstown Leisure Centre hosted the ninth annual GLL Northern Ireland Top Team event, which featured teams representing GLL, Antrim, and Newtonabbey Council.
The competing lifeguard teams were put through their paces, participating in a speed swim, poolside scenario, and online team quiz based on the NPLQ Gen 10.
As the event was held during Drowning Prevention Week, the organising team also collaborated with local schools
Christopher Whitehead School Visit
RLSS UK Volunteers Debbie Weston and Tom Clifford recently visited Christopher Whitehead Language College and Sixth Form to deliver essential water safety education to their Year 7 students (approximately 200). During the four one-hour sessions, they shared lifesaving water safety tips, while the students got stuck into an impressive rescue throw line experience. Thanks to all the staff and students for making them welcome and getting involved—we hope you feel more confident about water safety!
to invite 50 students to participate in the competition as casualties, making it an enjoyable and educational end-ofterm activity for the students, too!
The Lord Mayor of Belfast awarded the prizes to the Top Teams, and taking 1st place was Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre, 2nd was Fall Leisure Centre, and 3rd was Templemore Baths. Darryl Mills from Shankill Leisure Centre was also awarded the ‘Most Valuable Person’ award. A fantastic event all around!
Celebrating a Lifelong Journey: Martin Bradbury’s Tribute to RLSS UK
We are pleased to share a few words from Martin Bradbury, who spoke highly of his experiences with RLSS UK, including his participation in lifesaving clubs and lifeguarding.
“I will turn 66 at the end of July, and as such, I am retiring as a lifeguard. I became a member of RLSS UK 50 years ago when I joined the Halifax Lifesaving Club. During my first two years at the club, I earned several awards and was proud to achieve my Distinction.
Just before my eighteenth birthday, having recently finished college, I began working as a lifeguard at Halifax’s swimming pool. After six years and a series of promotions, I became the Swimming Pool Manager and went on to manage several facilities. I have worked in the sport and leisure sector throughout my career.
In 1995, I took on the role of Swimming Development Officer for Calderdale MBC, a position I held for 25 years. My responsibility was to develop all aquatic disciplines, including lifesaving. I became an RLSS UK Trainer Assessor and enjoyed conducting courses and staff training during this time.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, I left my position as Development Officer and began working casually for KAL as a lifeguard and gym instructor. Most importantly, this allowed me the time to run National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) courses, which I love, along with First Aid courses.
The staff at RLSS UK have been incredibly helpful throughout my career. Before I retire, I want to express my gratitude. Although the people have changed over the years, everyone I have spoken to or emailed has always been professional and supportive. Thank you. I wish all of you the best of luck. Please continue modernising and keeping the organisation at the forefront of lifesaving and lifeguarding to help save lives.”
SERCO Lifeguard Games
The annual SERCO Leisure 2025 Lifeguard Games took place and did not disappoint! Testing every element of a lifeguard’s skill set, this year’s event included reaction tests, pool-based challenges, wet and dry incidents to test teamwork and first aid, wheelchair relay challenges, a 4-minute CPR challenge and a quiz. The victorious team were Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex. Deborah Hunt, President of RLSS UK, remarked on her attendance at the event, saying, “It’s an honour to be around heroes dedicated to the safety of others.”
A big well done to everyone involved!
for your new Trustees VOTE
Applications for Trustees and Deputy President vacancies were open from 30 June to 21 July. RLSS UK promoted the roles with members through social media and emails to those eligible to stand. Members have a right to stand for these vacancies if they meet the eligibility criteria, which include that they are an RLSS UK individual member at the application close date of Monday 21 July 2025, to the voting close date of Thursday 16 October 2025. The RLSS UK Articles of Association confirm that the Trustees determine the eligibility criteria for appointment of Trustees, and the procedures governing how elections for Board positions are run have been followed throughout these Elections.
*Our members were given the opportunity to apply for these vacancies; however, for the Deputy President role, we received only one applicant. The interview outcome for the Deputy President applicant was confirmed as suitable for the role.
PETER MOYES from
Nottinghamshire
Peter brings experience, insight, and commitment, having served as Deputy President from 2013 to 2016.
Our strategic plan presents a timely opportunity: to position the Society as a leading provider of water safety education. Peter has long advocated for early intervention – some may recall his speech highlighting the 3.5 million pupils aged 13–14 across the UK and Ireland. He is delighted we’re now reaching schools, but we must go further.
In 2024, 206 deaths had no recorded cause. We need better data, smarter interventions, and the courage to act where lives are most at risk.
Peter will focus on improving our effectiveness in saving lives if elected. We must support our clubs, branches, volunteers, and trainers by making it easier and more rewarding to engage and lead.
Peter has been a senior Police Leader, a Local Authority Director, CEO of an education charity, and now Director at Barnsley Premier Leisure.
If elected, Peter will bring energy, experience, and a clear voice to the role.
Annual General Meeting 2025
On Saturday 18 October 2025, at 11:00 am until 12:00 pm, RLSS UK will hold its AGM at The British Motor Museum, Gaydon, prior to the Honours 2025 Ceremony.
Results on the following resolutions will be covered:
1. To receive and approve the minutes of the last Annual General Meeting held on Saturday 19 October 2024, at Coombe Abbey, Coventry.
2. To receive the Trustee Board’s Report and Accounts for the period 1 January to 31 December 2024.
3. To appoint RSM UK Audit LLP as the auditors for RLSS UK for 2025.
4. To authorise the Trustees to set the level of the auditor’s fees for 2025.
5. To receive the results of the Trustee and Deputy President election.
General queries regarding the AGM should be directed to elections@rlss.org.uk
Voting opens on Thursday 2 October and closes on Thursday 16 October at 5 pm. Please look out for your voting details. They will be shared by UK Engage (our independent election provider) via the email address no-reply@ukevote.uk Before chasing your voting email, please ensure your RLSS UK membership is up to date and check your junk/spam folders. Please direct any queries to elections@rlss.org.uk
Your vote makes a significant difference. By casting your vote, you can help us appoint a board of trustees who will create a diverse membership and represent you across the charity.
This year, three candidates have put themselves forward to be a Trustee. Only one can be elected, vote by 16 October 2025!
Ben has been involved in RLSS UK since achieving his National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), which led to his dedication to water safety and drowning prevention. He embodies the RLSS UK values and seeks to display these as a Trainer Assessor and an International Level Referee.
As Chair of the British Universities Lifesaving Clubs’ Association (BULSCA), he directed the modernisation of the governance, adopted a Diversity and Inclusion policy, and expanded the association’s digital presence. For the Warwick Student Union Sports Executive Committee, he contributed to the strategic direction through membership of the Student Council.
As a Staff Instructor at Andark Diving and Water Sports, he implemented marketing strategies that resulted in a highly profitable turnout at the 2025 Dive Show. Additionally, as Project Lead for the Warwick Human Powered Submarine, he spearheaded public engagement.
Finally, as a Royal Navy Air Engineering Officer, he has leadership experience working with governance. This has sharpened his decision-making and awareness of legal accountability, abilities which translate to being a Trustee.
Stephen has over 30 years of experience in water safety, open water coaching, elite swimming, brand leadership, and charitable governance. A near-drowning incident reinforced his commitment to promoting safe and inclusive water access.
He was a Trustee and Committee Member of The Light Fund. In the private sector, he held senior roles at BBC Worldwide and The Walt Disney Company. He is also on the International Ice Swimming Association Board for the 2030 Winter Olympics.
He helped deliver a water safety campaign through Paramount’s PAW Patrol IP. He has worked with Speedo, the National Trust, and Unilever to design safety-led swim programmes.
Stephen holds an RLSS UK National Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ), is a First Aid and AED responder, and a Pool to Pond Instructor. He coaches and mentors swimmers, providing him with insight into the evolving needs of water users.
Stephen would be proud to help RLSS UK expand its impact, engage new audiences, and continue saving lives.
Josh cares deeply about RLSS UK’s mission and can bring valuable strategic insight, leadership experience, and a lifelong passion for water safety. His aquatic journey began after his mother’s cousin drowned. As a teenager, he joined his local lifesaving club, completing the Bronze Medallion, training as a lifeguard, and qualifying as an NPLQ Trainer Assessor.
His experience is in beach, pool, and open water lifeguarding, competitive lifesaving (both pool and beach), and he served on a flood rescue team. For Josh, lifesaving is a mindset, rooted in empathy and public service.
Josh lectures in environmental and safety management. His background spans teaching, research, leadership, applied engineering, and public engagement. Josh has a PhD focused on water treatment and serves on the organising committee of the IChemE water conference.
Josh is a strong believer in evidence-based decision-making and transparent governance. Previously, he was a Trustee of an incorporated educational charity.
Josh is keen to guide the charity’s future, prevent drowning and promote water safety across the UK and beyond.
STEPHEN GOULD from Buckinghamshire
BEN BARKER from Hampshire
JOSH WARDROP from Gloucestershire
WestminsterUpdate
On Tuesday 17 June, as part of Drowning Prevention Week 2025, the All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPG) had its inaugural meeting. Here, RLSS UK were joined by parents who have lost loved ones to drowning, representatives from other water safety organisations such as the RNLI, Swim England, Swim Alliance, and the Fire Service, as well as many MPs who came to hear about the importance of water safety education. The meeting was highly successful, providing many takeaways and aims for the rest of the year.
This date also marked the annual Westminster event for Drowning Prevention Week. This year, RLSS UK organised a networking breakfast. With Lord Storey as our host, we brought together MPs, Peers, Ministers, and external guests to raise awareness of accidental drowning in the UK. We also heard from Vanessa Abbess, who spoke about the importance of broadening water safety education in our schools to help children learn about the range of risks they may face in the water. The event saw many MPs pledge to support water safety in their communities.
As Drowning Prevention Week ended, on Thursday 19 June, a Backbench Business debate led by the Water Safety Education APPG co-chair, Darren Paffey, took place in the House of Commons. We heard from over 20 cross-party MPs about the importance of promoting water safety education across their constituencies. Based on statistics and research
Hear about all things Westminster from Sian Aitken, our Intern in Westminster
provided by RLSS UK, this debate offered an insightful conversation about accidental drowning and saw many MPs call for: water safety education on the National Curriculum; support for a national database to report accidental drowning across the country more accurately; and a Minister with a core responsibility for water safety across the UK. This debate ended with a pledge from the former Minister of Education, Catherine McKinnell, to take these asks to the relevant government departments and to meet with RLSS UK to learn more about our work and how she can support it.
These past nine months have been exciting and fulfilling. I have learnt much about Westminster and how to lobby and raise awareness for a worthy cause successfully. Although at times busy, looking back on what we have achieved within Westminster is hugely rewarding.
I look forward to seeing what policy changes and advancements RLSS UK and the new Water Safety Education APPG make over the next few years!
Since January, I have been busy finding my feet in Westminster and working with the team at RLSS UK to push forward our lobbying agenda!
Update
Curriculum Changes in England
We are thrilled that the Department for Education revised statutory guidance for Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education.
Starting in September 2026, classroom-based water safety education, including understanding the Water Safety Code, will officially become a mandatory component of the ‘Personal Safety’ strand within the ‘Health and Wellbeing’ curriculum. This requirement will apply to all state-maintained primary and secondary schools in England.
This is a huge step forward, and we look forward to seeing more important progress take place, as we continue to press for change and campaign for this vital education to become part of the National Curricula across the UK and Ireland.
Watch this space! Education
about the change in statutory guidelines, check out this page: To find out more
VOLUNTEER
NOAH DARCH
“I’m Noah Darch, a 19-year-old computer science undergraduate at Loughborough University. My lifeguarding journey began when I qualified as an RLSS UK pool lifeguard in 2023, aged 16. From day one, I knew lifeguarding was something I loved and wanted to carry on doing.
I worked for two years in a range of swimming pools and leisure facilities and thoroughly enjoyed my time. In 2024, I also completed the OWL and Aquapark Module from RLSS UK, which led to me working at Aqua Park Rutland, which, so far, has been the most amazing job. It’s so rewarding, and George and I love being outside every day, especially in the sunshine!
George and I, along with the coordinator Becky, planned school visits to raise awareness of water safety. We owe a big thanks to both RLSS UK and the Aqua Park Group for providing educational materials, together with some props and posters for us to use – the kids loved trying on the life jackets we use at the park, and having a go with torpedo buoys and throw bags. I was inspired to volunteer because I’ve seen how amazing and fun water can be, but through my job, I have also seen how dangerous it can be, and I know of several people from my local area who have sadly passed away.
The experience of volunteering was so rewarding –the local children all love the aqua park, and so it was good we were able to talk about it as a safe place to enjoy open water, whilst emphasising the importance that they shouldn’t ever enter unguarded open water. I feel like doing these talks has helped improve my presentation skills and also made me more confident, something that will help me wherever I go in the future.
On behalf of RLSS UK, we are hoping to do some more school visits in September…so bring it on!”
It felt really special being able to educate children on a really important topic, and hopefully, we have been able to influence young children into being safe around open water.
Hear from a few volunteers on how they began their volunteering journeys and why they’re so passionate about what they do!
GEORGE POLLARD
“My lifeguarding journey kicked off when I undertook an NPLQ course aged 17; from there onwards, my passion really kicked in and I got a job at the Aqua Park Rutland, where I gained the RLSS UK OWL and Aqua Park Module qualifications. In my second year of lifeguarding, I felt like I wanted to make a difference in the local community by volunteering with the amazing RLSS UK and delivering water safety talks to primary school children with my good friend Noah. I heard about this volunteering opportunity through the RLSS UK mailing list, and they have been incredible in providing us with the resources we needed and in making the whole thing possible.
I was passionate about delivering these talks before schools broke up for the summer, and the local children would likely be swimming in various venues. Being able to educate them on where to swim and how to be safe was a privilege, knowing that they are now equipped with the skills to make sensible decisions, which will hopefully prevent any accidents. They loved reciting the Water Safety Code!”
RLSS UK has been fabulous for making this all possible, and a massive thank you to our coordinator, Becky Ellis, for all of her hard work!
STUART ALLBRIGHTON
“I first learnt to swim in the sea when I was three years old and my brother five, when our mother took us from Cowes to Ryde to the beach. We were wearing rubber rings, and a lady on Ryde Pier pointed out that we would never learn to swim with the rubber rings. So, we gave them to our mother and went back to the sea, managing to do five or six strokes successfully. From that point, we never looked back.
Twenty-six years ago, when my son was about eight years old, we met Trainer Assessor Brian Barrett on the beach, teaching an open water class, and he suggested that my son might like to join Rookies at Gurnard Pines, where he ran a club. My son joined, and I soon got involved in taking various awards and teaching with Brian. One summer season, I was asked to help as a Pool Lifeguard at a local holiday centre for a few weeks because they were short-staffed, which soon turned into about four seasons full-time while still assisting with the club. After leaving school, my son followed suit and became a Pool Lifeguard.
More recently, my volunteering saw me get invited by three schools in the Isle of Wight to give talks as part of Drowning Prevention Week ahead of the school holidays. I delivered talks to 735 children across Lanesend Primary School, Binstead Primary School and Hunnyhill Primary School, from Reception through to Year 6! I thoroughly enjoyed going to the schools to hopefully encourage the children to know what to do in an emergency to stay safe and pass the knowledge on to others if necessary.”
I am 80 this year and intend to carry on with my passion for as long as I am able to help share important awareness!
Lanesend Primary School said about Stuart’s demonstration: “The children really enjoyed having Stuart in school with us last week. Thank you so much for all your time and knowledge. Thank you again!”
Our Splash Safety at your Pad campaign launched in October 2024 in response to new data from RLSS UK that highlighted that, on average, at least one child from England drowns a month at home.
The October campaign launch focused on drowning in the bath, highlighting common parent behaviours and encouraging safe bathtime behaviours. This included the widespread misconception that baby bath seats are a safety device, which gained wide coverage in national newspapers, including The Sun, The Mirror, and The Daily Mail.
SOCIAL MEDIA
From a social media perspective, the campaign reached over 150,000 people during the October campaign and 185,000 during the May campaign via Facebook and Instagram.
RLSS UK engaged with the Institute of Health Visitors via a blog and information leaflet, encouraging members to share vital water safety information with new parents on home visits.
In the May campaign, RLSS UK took control of the Water Babies Instagram channel for a day, offering a chance to deliver water safety messaging directly to Water Babies’ followers.
We found the RLSS UK IG takeover to be successful and beneficial for our customers. It was the first time we’ve run an activity like this, but our followers clearly loved it, and we’d love to run something like it again in the future.
OUR 3 TOP TIPS!
1. 2. 3.
SUPERVISION
Keep young children within arm’s reach when in or around water at home. Avoid distractions, such as using a mobile phone, when children are playing near water.
PREPARE
Get any towels, toys, nappies and dry clothing ready to go before your children are in the bath.
PREVENT
When not in use, keep the plug and toys out of reach and shut the bathroom door to limit children’s access without a grown-up.
Alice, Brand Manager, Water Babies Don’t ‘frog-et’, drowning can happen silently and in a matter of minutes.
Splash Safety at your Pad will return in May 2026. Please mark your calendars to support the spring campaign, too!
14-21 June 2025
DROWNING PREVENTION WEEK
Hear all about this year’s Drowning Prevention Week!
Now in its eleventh year, RLSS UK’s Drowning Prevention Week 2025 was a great success!
We kicked off the campaign by continuing our popular colouringin competition from last year. We showcased our new designs and offered children the chance to win one of 100 limited-edition pin badges. ‘Colour in to Win’ helped us engage with families and youth groups ahead of Drowning Prevention Week, so thank you to everyone who took part—we loved seeing your pictures, too!
Social media
The new portrait version of last year’s “For Joe and Sunnah” video made a powerful impact and resonated deeply with viewers.
We asked you to share the 10 Drowning Facts carousel, and you delivered! Thanks to your support, the content had 109% more reach on Instagram and 49% more on Facebook than our average reach in Drowning Prevention Week 2024.
By reacting to and sharing our posts, you helped us connect with new audiences who might not have otherwise learned about the importance of water safety.
Thank you for being part of this vital conversation.
From a press point of view, this year saw Drowning Prevention Week secure coverage in an impressive 605 pieces – across both online press articles and broadcast! This included coverage on BBC Parliament following Darren Paffey MP’s debate in the House of Commons, which saw many MPs call for water safety education on the National Curriculum.
Securing this extensive coverage means we reached even more people in raising awareness on the importance of learning to stay safe in, on, and around water.
On
behalf of everyone at RLSS UK
We’d like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Ness Abbess, Steph Williams and Becky Hinde, parents of children whose lives were tragically lost to drowning, who supported us in our lobbying efforts at Westminster. A big thank you to Ness in particular for bravely sharing her story of the day she lost her 17-year-old Joe to drowning. These brave efforts do not go unnoticed and highlight the devastating impact of drowning, helping us to push for important changes at Parliament during Drowning Prevention Week. Once again, thank you to you all; you have helped us make a difference.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Water Safety Education launched at Westminster, helping to keep a firm focus on securing access to water safety education across the UK.
We want to say a huge thank you for once again supporting Drowning Prevention Week and for ensuring that even more families and young people have the knowledge they need to stay safe in and around water. Remember, water safety education never stops, and it’s time to get planning for 2026…
Over 1,000 leisure centres across the UK and Ireland participated in Drowning Prevention Week 2025.
Thank you
Thank you so much to all our supporters, valued clubs, branches, volunteers, leisure operators and partners.
We know many of you shared fantastic content with us throughout Drowning Prevention Week, hosted impactful events, spoke to members of the public during the week and fundraised. We are so grateful to you all for consistently supporting Drowning Prevention Week each year.
We would like to thank every single one of you for making such a difference; we could not spread the word without you.
The Don’t Drink and Drown campaign launched initially in 2014, following a series of tragic and high-profile student drownings in the UK.
Now in its eleventh year, the campaign seeks to actively prompt conversations and encourage smart decision-making after drinking and being on, in, or around water. The September leg focuses particularly on those beginning their university experience and being in new surroundings after nights out.
On average, 46% of accidental drownings in those ages 18-25 involve alcohol and/or drugs, with three in four young adult drinkers thinking it is okay to drink alcohol and get into the water.
It is therefore critical to target this age group as the risk of losing a life through a substance-related drowning is higher.
The September campaign targets younger individuals, urging them to be responsible for their friends if they have too much to drink. It educates people on water safety
advice around what to do and how to help friends return home safely after a night out.
Every year, to raise awareness and prevent more tragic drownings, we team up with partners and volunteers to hold informative activities and events in towns and cities across the UK and Ireland. A special focus is placed on areas with a particularly high number of alcohol-related drownings in a bid to make a real difference.
During September’s campaign, we worked closely with universities, bars, and clubs around the UK and Ireland to help provide important water safety advice to students and encourage them to ‘Be A Mate’ as they began their university journey.
We saw some fantastic work on the ground at events and online, sharing our vital #DontDrinkandDrown messages. We want to thank everyone who helped drive this important campaign message!
With the cold and darker nights fast approaching, we look ahead to December, which will see our second festive leg of the Don’t Drink and Drown campaign launch.
Planning is underway to deliver an impactful December Don’t Drink and Drown campaign. None of this would be possible without our army of partners and volunteers, as we come together to ensure that everyone can enjoy the festivities safely during this Christmas period.
Don’t Drink and Drown
FIND YOUR
WORLD DROWNING PREVENTION DAY
On Friday, 25 July, RLSS UK actively supported World Drowning Prevention Day, a global advocacy initiative established by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Working with the Leisure industry and partners, RLSS UK emphasised the importance of incorporating floating techniques into swimming lessons. It promoted the Find Your Float campaign to enhance water safety awareness.
Key messaging across RLSS UK’s social media channels educated communities across the UK and Ireland, urging people to contact their local pool to learn how to float and enjoy water safely, free from drowning.
Knowing how to float can save your life in an emergency. Everyone floats differently, so practising your float at a safe, lifeguarded pool is essential once you’ve learnt the steps of how to float:
1. Tilt your head back with your ears submerged
2 Relax and try to control your breathing
3. Move your arms and legs to help you stay afloat
4. Don’t worry if your legs sink; we all float differently
5. Once the initial shock has passed, shout for help or swim to safety if you can
James Bell, who started as a lifeguard at the age of 16 and has worked in the Leisure industry for more than a decade, represented RLSS UK at an important event marking World Drowning Prevention Day 2025, hosted by Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service. Working alongside fire service staff, he helped run interactive water safety and CPR training booths for the public.
These booths provided hands-on instruction for adults and children in CPR, AED usage, and water rescue techniques using ropes and safety equipment. The team also created engaging activities for younger participants, including “spot the danger” drawing games and manikin drag racesbringing safety messages to life in fun and memorable ways.
To mark the occasion, local landmarks were also illuminated in blue, remembering lives lost to drowning and showing solidarity for affected families and communities worldwide.
James commented:
It was an honour to support such a powerful message and represent the Society at such a meaningful event, and thank you to all those involved in making this happen!
NATIONAL PRESENTATION of 2025
Saturday 18 October 2025 | British Motor Museum
This month, on Saturday 18 October, we will celebrate RLSS UK’s annual Honours Ceremony. We cannot wait to welcome all our fantastic award winners and their guests to the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire.
Service Honours can be awarded to individual members of RLSS UK, or to members of affiliated clubs, organisations, or ATC/Ps, for years of continuous voluntary service to the Society.
Those who are set to receive Honours in 2025 include:
RLSS UK Service Honour UK LONG SERVICE MEDAL - 50 YEARS’ SERVICE
Our highest recognition awarded to those individuals who have volunteered for 50 years’ service or more.
Derbyshire
Melvyn Sutton
Paul Dickerson
Hull and North East Yorkshire
Malcolm Bell
Kent
Kathy Batts
Lincolnshire
Angela Ann Pettit
Scottish Eastern
Sheena Harper
Wessex
Christopher Durnford
Worcestershire and Herefordshire
Peter Taylor
Awarded to recognise those individuals who have volunteered for 40 years’ service or more.
Republic of Ireland
Patricia Cullen
Suffolk
Alison Pugh
Republic of Ireland
John Doyle
Sean Connor
Scottish Eastern
Bryan Finlay
Suffolk
Alison Pugh
Darren Maguire
Julian Loader
Worcestershire and Herefordshire
Jessica Davies
Roger Hayward
Awarded to those individuals who have volunteered for 35 years’ service or more.
Cheshire and Merseyside
Beryl Lyon
Geoffrey Lyon
Derbyshire
Nina Winrow
Awarded to those individuals who have volunteered for 30 years’ service or more.
Essex
Gina Doyle
Hull and North East Yorkshire
Mary Hannan
Leicestershire and Rutland
David Laxton
Kenneth Short
Robert Wells
Suffolk
Angela Smith
Richard Pearce
Worcestershire and Herefordshire
Suzanne Hill
UK Service Honour 1ST BAR TO SERVICECROSS – 25 YEARS’ SERVICE
Awarded to those individuals who have volunteered for 25 years’ service or more.
Republic of Ireland
Patricia Kelly
Scotland West
Alistair Jardine
Wessex
Pamela Oddy
West Wales
Jonathan Wallace
RLSS UK
Awarded to those individuals who have volunteered for 20 years’ service or more.
Derbyshire
Elizabeth Harby
North & West Yorkshire
Louise Bolton
Matthew Jagger
Matthew Quimby
Republic of Ireland
Graham Cullen
Raymond Cullen
Rebecca Carroll
Sheila Mulhair
West Wales
Gareth Abbott-Haigh
Worcestershire and Herefordshire
Eric Lancaster
Norma Blake
Awarded to those individuals who have volunteered for 16 years’ service or more.
Republic of Ireland
Eamonn O’Brien
Louise Thompson
Raymond Cullen
West Wales
Andrew Hughes
Benjamin Johns
Kevin Gerard
Sarah Falconer
William Bowen
Awarded to those individuals who have volunteered for 12 years’ service or more.
Derbyshire
Rachel Healey
Kent
Joanne Wilson
Stephen Goldsmith
Lancashire
Richard Williams
Northumberland and Durham
James Harris
Scottish Eastern
Fiona Hall
Somerset Glynn Kettleborough
Staffordshire
Alisha Patel
Wessex
Andrew Barber
Awarded to those individuals who have volunteered for four and eight years’ service (more than one may be awarded).
Derbyshire
Heather Watson
Jacob Middleton
Rebecca Emerton
Scarlett Swift
Rita Cummins
East Wales
Sam Adams
Hertfordshire
Susan Nash
Isle of Wight
Alan Rackett
Kent
Bridget Busfield
Caroline Leggett
Denise McWilliams
Julie Bardoe
Rosemary Davies
Leicestershire and Rutland
Christine Selby
Trevor Selby
Manchester & District
Teri Devlin
Northamptonshire
Fay Tennet
Northumberland and Durham
Aimee Boneva
Ben Stephenson
Caitlin McDonnell
Eloise Dickerson-Weedy
Lewis Graham
Michelle Elstob
North & West Yorkshire
Ellie Wilson
Finlay Benn
Zoe Gilliland
Republic of Ireland
Allanah Carey
Eileen Kavanagh
Ella Dunne
Hannah Carty
Jamie Hammond
Lauren Dunne
Michele Dunne
Patricia Carey
Rebecca Thompson
Robyn Drumm
Ronan Spain
Sam Carty
Sarah O’Flaherty
Sophie Callender
Scotland West
Jennifer Prentice
Somerset
Luca DeGregorio
South Yorkshire
Barbara Smith
Jacob Screeton
Mark Benton
Suffolk
Edward Wilkes
Sussex
Jude Morris
Olivia Grace Kidd
Wessex
Dan Hill
Gary Glenister
Kelly O’Neil
Lewis Archibald
RLSS UK Merit Honour RLSS UK MERIT HONOUR YOUNG LIFESAVER OF THE YEAR
The Society continues to recognise the work of our younger members (14-24) and each branch has been asked to nominate one young person from within its own area to receive the award.
Avon and North Wiltshire
Hull and North
East Yorkshire
Russell Kneller
Kent
Nikita Goldsmith
Mid Yorkshire
Ella Durrant
Nottinghamshire
Eva Chapman
Suffolk
Nuala Mahoney
RLSS UK Merit Honour CERTIFICATE OF MERIT
Awarded for Meritorious
Contribution at club or branch level. May be awarded more than once, but with an interval of at least two years between awards.
Avon and North Wiltshire
Andrew Shaw
Annabel Cruse
Charlotte Bradley
Cher Holland
David Fielding
Emma Lane
Jo Whalley
Joanne Finkel
Kate Ross
Lauren Tew
Laurie Fay
Louise Keast
Rachel Heaton
Sarah Chivers
Sarah Shaw
Trevor Cruse
Derbyshire
Jonathan Bridgewood
Kate Waterfall
Devon
Arthur McCauley
Orla Sullivan
Sophie Prywata
Zoe Attwood
Essex
Emily Thistlethwaite
Harrison Doyle
Luke Catton
Oliver Henson
Kent
Anita Yaxley
Amelie Whalley
Gracie McMullen
Isabel Penlington
Julie Ann Rogers
Essex
Isabel Nicholls
Emma Sawyer
Kirsty Reed
Lesley Hopperton
Leicestershire
George Wright
Holly James
Jonathan Rigby
Kaitlyn Peberdy
Lynette Wright
Martin Wright
Michael Peberdy
Michael Rigby
Molly Wright
Rebecca Pope
Susan Rigby
Manchester and District
Toby Shepherd
North Wales
Bryn O’Brien
David Sion Spencer
Northamptonshire
Fay Tennet
Northumberland and Durham
Brett McIntyre
Republic of Ireland
Cillian Spain
Scottish Eastern
Ronnie Dewar
Yvonne O’Malley
Somerset
Eleanor Woollven
South Yorkshire
Alison Leone
Amanda Clough
Amie Ledger
Caramia Muffett
Carol Bell
Caroline Jones
Craig Stables
Gavin King
Geoff Hayes
Geraldine Richard
Helen Andrews
Jacob Toller
James Yardy
Jane Partridge
Justyna Doniec-Lumb
Kiera Valentine-Bull
Laura Rodgers
Lindon Howden
Mark Swift
Mark Toller
Melanie Smith
Sandy Swift
Sarah Valentine-Bull
Teresa Hubery
Tracy Hyland
Wayne Hubery
Zak Crookes
Suffolk
Neil Middleton
Sussex
Belinda Barrington
Joseph Slaughter
Thames Valley
Jessica Brownlee
Wessex
Andrew Barber
Charlotte Oddy
RLSS UK Merit Honour
CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION
Awarded for continuing contribution at club or branch level. May be awarded more than once, and the nominee would have normally received at least one Certificate of Merit with an interval of at least two years between awards.
Avon and North Wiltshire
Aaron Pearce
Ann Norvill
Anna Hill
Briony Shepherd
Jen Ewings
Kathleen Pearce
Martin Bridgwater
Pam Bougeard
Sandra Rollason
Derbyshire
Christine Dening
Mike Waterfall
Rachel Healey
Scarlett Swift
Terence Fox
Tim Dening
Essex
Kennedy Ann Gorrie
Troy Lemmon
Kent
Andrew Fooks
Andrew Griggs
Bridget Busfield
Cameron Munday
Cheyenne Goldsmith
Victoria Wilkinson
Northumberland and Durham
James Harris
Scottish Eastern
Fiona Hall
Lynn Lawrence
Scotland West
David Keown
Scottish Eastern
Lynn Lawrence
Suffolk
Amelia Pearce
Elaine Hammond
Kate Bramwell
Neve Maguire
Susan Rust
Awarded for outstanding contribution at club, branch or regional level or notable contribution at national level. The nominee would normally have received one or more Certificate of Merit and Certificate of Recognition.
Derbyshire
Chris Screeton
Dawn Lockwood
Rebecca Emerton
Suzanne Selway
Essex
John Ballard
Kent
Joanne Willson
Stephen Goldsmith
Northamptonshire
Noah Hollowell
North & West Yorkshire
Matthew Jagger
Matthew Quimby
Scotland West
Alistair Jardine
Somerset
Ruth Kettleborough
Suffolk
Sarah Pawsey
Sussex
David Slade
Wessex
David Young
Pamela Oddy
West Wales
Benjamin Johns
Worcestershire
Diego Worrall
RLSS UK Merit Honour BAR TO MEDAL OF DISTINCTION
Awarded for continuing outstanding contribution at club, branch or regional level and/or notable contribution at national level. To be awarded no more frequently than at four-yearly intervals following receipt of a Medal of Distinction.
Derbyshire
Jeremy Johnson
Essex
Gina Doyle
Kent
Neil Morgan
Paul Paulding
Republic of Ireland
Noel Mulhair
Sheila Mulhair
RLSS UK Merit Honour MEDAL OF HONOUR
Awarded for exceptional contribution at branch or regional level, and/or notable work at national level as well.
East Wales
Tim Kretschmer
Sussex
David Slade
RLSS UK Merit Honour MEDAL OF DISTINCTION
RLSS UK Merit Honour BAR TO MEDAL OF HONOUR
Awarded for continuing exceptional contribution at branch or regional level, and/or notable work at national level as well.
To be awarded no more frequently than at fouryearly intervals following receipt of a Medal of Honour.
Kent
Paul Paulding
Northumberland and Durham
Michele Weedy
Penney Wilkinson
Suffolk
Alison Pugh
RLSS UK Merit Honour UK HONORARY VICE PRESIDENT
Awarded for an outstanding contribution to the Society as a whole. It would be expected that ‘outstanding contribution’ would have been given at National Level.
Kent
Deborah Hunt
RLSS UK HONORARY ASSOCIATE
These certificates are awarded to recognise individuals, groups or organisations who are not members of the Society but have rendered a significant contribution.
John Hunt
Newfs in Action
Congratulations to all recipients and a huge thank you to those who have worked hard to bring everyone together for this year’s Honours ceremony! We look forward to welcoming you all later this month.
SPECIAL AWARDS
The Deborah Hunt Trophy
This trophy is awarded to a member who has made a contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at national, branch or club level.
Suffolk
Kirsty Reed
The Mark Smith Trophy
This trophy is awarded to a member who has demonstrated the highest contribution to the strategic future of the charity.
Leicestershire
Mark Smith
The Clive Holland Trophy
This trophy is awarded to an RLSS UK affiliated club which has done the most to carry out the objectives of the Society in their local area.
Nottinghamshire
Retford & District Lifesaving Club
The Brian Morrissey Cup
This trophy is awarded for the work undertaken on a Society Community Programme. Nominations can be for an individual, club or group.
Kent
Kent Community Outreach Team
The Ken White Trophy
This trophy is awarded for any fundraising work on behalf of the Society at national, regional, branch or club, or local level.
Nottinghamshire
Jeremy Baguley
The Stanley Peck Trophy
This trophy is awarded to a person who does most to carry out the objectives of the Society in their local area, in any capacity.
West Wales
Stuart Yeandle
The Stuart Bailey Trophy
This trophy is awarded to an individual or group for outstanding work, specific to an open water environment.
Avon and North Wiltshire
Keynsham Life Saving Club
RLSS UK on Tour
Foyle Arena, Londonderry
TUESDAY 4 MARCH
“So excited for the future of the RLSS UK qualifications. Looking forward to attending another one in the future.”
Valley Leisure Centre, Newtownabbey
WEDNESDAY 5 MARCH
“It was great to actually meet members of the RLSS UK team who are clearly enthusiastic about what they do.”
Water Meadows Leisure, Mansfield
TUESDAY 25 MARCH
“It was insightful and interesting, just what I’d expect from the great RLSS UK team.”
Sandwell Aquatic, Smethwick
TUESDAY 29 APRIL
“Great to meet up with other trainers and hear about future developments.”
Drogheda Leisure Centre, Co. Louth
FRIDAY 30 MAY
“An excellent opportunity for people other than ATC Coordinators to meet members of RLSS UK. Also, a great networking opportunity.”
Deeside Leisure Centre, Flintshire
TUESDAY 3 JUNE
“The support you get from RLSS UK HQ and the whole team, NTAs, and TAs as a whole is amazing. I never feel alone and always know where to go for help.”
Upcoming Dates...
The RLSS UK On Tour team has been travelling the UK and Ireland, stopping to share the latest news and information from RLSS UK, including future plans and qualification developments!
These events have proved popular and have provided an excellent opportunity to connect and meet with RLSS UK Trainer Assessors (TAs) and Approved Trainer Centre and Approved Training Provider (ATC/P) Coordinators in person and to answer their questions about delivering courses and hear how passionate and dedicated they are to delivering RLSS UK courses.
RLSS UK staff love meeting everyone. Thank you to all the venues that hosted the events and all those who attended and got involved.
Places Leisure, Eastleigh
TUESDAY 24 JUNE
“Excellent presentations and educational updates on RLSS UK. My TAs who accompanied me were many first timers and thoroughly cherished the relaxed atmosphere and style of your delivery.”
Plymouth Life Centre, Plymouth
WEDNESDAY 25 JUNE
“Great hosts, very informative and good interaction as always.”
Barrhead Foundry, Glasgow
TUESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER
“This meeting was really valuable to me. I’ve learned so much and feel more confident knowing I now have contacts I can reach out to for support.”
Billingham Forum, Billingham
WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER
“Superb session; all information was presented professionally, furthermore networking with local Trainers/Assessors was valuable.”
There are still several upcoming dates on the tour, including the following...
• Tuesday 14 October
Canons Leisure Centre, South West London
• Wednesday 22 October
Penarth Leisure Centre, Cardiff
• Wednesday 12 November
Holmes Chapel Community Centre, Cheshire
Thursday 16 October 2025
Restart a Heart Learn CPR, act fast, save lives
Get involved
RLSS UK calls on leisure operators nationwide to participate in October’s Restart a Heart campaign – the nationwide initiative to improve survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
Join the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) along with other charities, care providers, emergency service agencies, and first aid training organisations to raise public awareness about cardiac arrests and increase the number of people trained in life-saving CPR and defibrillation.
Each year, approximately 30,000 people suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest – that’s around 84 individuals every day. But survival rates are low, with just one in ten people recovering*.
RLSS UK is a long-term partner of the Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK), which leads the annual Restart a Heart (RSAH) campaign. This year, RLSS UK is promoting the campaign and encouraging operators and the broader leisure industry to come together on 16 October to teach CPR to customers, local communities, and new audiences.
We have created a resource pack to make it easier for you to participate in the Restart a Heart campaign this year. This pack includes essential CPR messaging and promotional materials for your CPR workshops or courses in your local community and on social media. The resource pack consists of an informational video for display in reception areas, editable posters to promote activities, customisable social media graphics, a sample press release, and social media posts with key CPR information.
*British Heart Foundation.
Does your business need a First Aid Needs Assessment?
Yes. A first aid needs assessment is a legal requirement in the UK. The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 mandate that employers assess the risks in their workplace and provide appropriate first-aid arrangements based on those risks. It helps you determine a sufficient level of first aid equipment, facilities, and personnel that should always be available to reduce the effects of injury or illness suffered at work, whether work activities caused them or not. Find out below briefly what a First Aid Needs Assessment is and what should be reviewed and considered.
How to do a First Aid Needs Assessment:
Step 1 Determine your workplace areas.
Step 2 Assess the hazards and risks within each workplace area.
Step 3 Consider the types of accidents that could happen and the injuries and/or illnesses that may require first aid from these hazards and/or risks (previous accidents in the workplace may also help with this step).
Step 4 Decide the first aid provisions needed to ensure immediate attention is always available so that the effects of injuries or illnesses suffered can be reduced (e.g. facilities, equipment, personnel, record-keeping, etc).
What should be reviewed?
• Hazards
• Employees
• Accidents and Ill-Health Record
• Working Arrangements
• Any non-employees who may have interactions with your business.
It may also be helpful for employers to retain a written record of their first aid need assessment to demonstrate why they have selected the provision they have put in place.
To find out more about completing a First Aid Needs Assessment, visit www.rlss.org.uk /first-aid-needs-assessment-checklist
RLSS UK strengthens its first aid offering
Two new regulated first aid qualifications have been added to complement the RLSS UK First Aid Essentials suite of qualifications.
The Emergency Outdoor First Aid (EOFA) and Outdoor First Aid (OFA) qualifications are to satisfy an increasing demand for first aid qualifications tailored to the outdoor environment. They are ideal for employees primarily working in an outdoor environment, such as outdoor activity centre leaders, outdoor lifeguards, outdoor activity instructors, groundskeepers, or operators.
For more information about Emergency Outdoor First Aid, visit www.rlss.org.uk/eofa, and for the more comprehensive Outdoor First Aid, visit www.rlss.org.uk/ofa
Interested in delivering RLSS UK Outdoor First Aid?
To deliver RLSS UK Outdoor First Aid Trainer Assessor, you need to fulfil the prerequisites, which include:
• Hold a regulated First Aid at Work (FAW) qualification or higher.
• Hold a regulated Outdoor First Aid qualification or equivalent.
• Hold a valid Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) or equivalent qualification.
• Hold a current RLSS UK ‘Licence to Operate’ Membership.
If you hold the relevant prerequisites, you can apply to become an Outdoor First Aid Trainer Assessor via your RLSS UK Account.
To find out more, visit www.rlss.org.uk/become-an-outdoorfirst-aid-trainer-assessor
‘Life-threatening bleeds’ is now an optional element on RLSS UK qualifications
Content on dealing with life-threatening bleeding has been carefully created with our Clinical Governance group and has now been added as an optional element to the NPLQ, EFAW, FAW, EOFA and OFA qualifications. Many RLSS UK Trainer Assessors have now completed a free online update to both upskill and provide the necessary information needed regarding life-threatening bleeding.
RLSS UK’s First Aid Essentials suite includes all the essential first aid courses that individuals and employers need to meet their health and safety requirements
RLSS UK’s First Aid Essentials suite includes the below regulated courses:
• Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
• First Aid at Work (FAW)
• Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFA)
• Paediatric First Aid (PFA)
• Combined Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFA) & Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
• Combined Paediatric First Aid (PFA) & First Aid at Work (FAW)
• Emergency Outdoor First Aid (EOFA)
• Outdoor First Aid (OFA)
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Programme
• Anaphylaxis Management
BOOST YOUR LIFEGUARD RECRUITMENT QUICKLY with these three strategies
Lifeguards are an essential part of the team for all swimming pools, open water, and beach venues. However, lifeguard recruitment has been challenging for some leisure operators for various reasons in recent years. For example, recruitment competition from other sectors that don’t require qualifications (e.g. retail) and/or limited access to local candidates in rural or remote communities.
However, at any time, at least 80,000 qualified lifeguards are looking for work across the UK and Ireland. Leisure operators need to innovate their recruitment strategies and create attractive job advertisements compared to competing sectors to tap into this lifeguard candidate pool and address their workforce shortages.
Here are three strategies and tips to help you quickly upgrade your lifeguard recruitment process:
Recruitment Tip 1:
Emphasise the job perks of being a lifeguard and working for a leisure operator
Lifeguards in the 2024 RLSS UK Lifeguard Survey reported that they enjoyed working as a lifeguard, and the social purpose it offered was a reason they became and/or continue to be a lifeguard. We recommend using statistics from the RLSS UK Lifeguard Survey on your job advertisements, posters, and recruitment webpages. Here are a few to get you started:
• 93% of pool lifeguards are proud of their job*
• 83% of pool lifeguards feel like they’re making a difference within their community*
• 80% of lifeguards rated their experience working as a lifeguard ‘excellent’ or ‘good’*
*Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) Lifeguard Survey 2024, n= 2,456 RLSS UK qualified lifeguards working in a lifeguard role
Another nine statistics are available at www.rlss.org.uk/lifeguard-recruitment-tips
Offer an internal referral scheme
Often, your team members are your biggest ambassadors and will talk about their job to their family and friends—possibly even influencing others through social media, too! Therefore, why not incentivise them to do this and reward them if someone joins your team based on their influence with a referral bonus, which could be monetary or benefits-based!
Recruitment Tip 3:
Partner with a school, college, or university near you
A key strategy that works exceptionally well for long-term recruitment – even in rural or remote communities where the candidate pool is more limited – is building a relationship with local education providers with students over 16 years old.
By offering to run a lifeguard course for their students (e.g. one session a week over 10 weeks), you could access up to 12 new lifeguards after every course!
Another option is to advertise through college and university job boards and webpages, ensuring that you communicate the flexible working arrangements that lifeguarding offers –especially compared to other industries!
Don’t forget that the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) now offers 8 UCAS points too, which can be attractive to college students applying to university.
For more strategies and tips to help your lifeguard recruitment, visit www.rlss.org.uk/lifeguard-recruitment-tips
Lifeguard Appreciation Day
Thursday 31 July 2025
We want to say a MASSIVE thank you to all RLSS UK Lifeguards. You do an incredible job every day, and you truly deserve recognition for your hard work.
In the UK and Ireland, we are fortunate to have over 87,000 RLSS UK qualified lifeguards dedicating their time and expertise to keeping us safe in and around water. These #EverydayHeroes are not just present, they are vigilant supervisors who enforce essential safety rules and provide critical rescue services when needed. On Thursday 31 July, it was Lifeguard Appreciation Day, a chance to recognise and appreciate the invaluable work of lifeguards.
Trained in water safety, life-saving techniques, first aid, and CPR, they play a vital role in accident prevention and emergency response. Being able to enjoy a day by the pool or at the beach, knowing that skilled professionals are watching over you and your loved ones, is all down to lifeguards. Their commitment to maintaining safe environments at swimming pools, beaches, and open water venues allows us to enjoy water activities without fear.
Below are some of the posts that were shared as part of Lifeguard Appreciation Day 2025.
RLSS UK WATER SAFETY PARTNER
WATER SAFETY PARTNERSHIPS:
A shared passion: To help improve water safety so everyone can safely enjoy being in, on, or near water.
Warm up with Dryrobe®
Water safety doesn’t stop at the shoreline. Warming up properly after getting out of the water is just as important as being safe whilst in it. Quickly changing into dry clothes helps prevent rapid body temperature drops, which is vital for your comfort and well-being. This is where the Dryrobe® Advance becomes essential. Its oversized design provides ample room to effortlessly change out of your wet swimwear or wetsuit. The super warm inner lining is unique in its ability to quickly wick water away from your body, helping you dry fast. The durable, waterproof, and windproof outer shell delivers complete protection from the elements. Made with high-performance recycled fabrics, Dryrobe’s iconic changing robe is the ultimate piece of kit for open water swimmers or anyone who loves getting in the water.
Find out more at: dryrobe.com
Peace of Mind by the Water: Guardian™ Lifebuoy Housing
Glasdon UK Limited is a leading manufacturer of essential outdoor water safety equipment. Their Guardian™ Lifebuoy Housing keeps lifesaving equipment protected and readily available. Units are robust and weatherproof and shield buoys from harsh elements, ensuring they’re in perfect condition when needed most.
Units are available in two sizes (600mm and 750mm), with options including models with and without buoys. They can be mounted on walls, rails, or posts. Clear graphics are on the housing to help guide rescuers in emergencies. Units can also be customised with instructions, alerts, or logos for added impact.
For more information, visit: uk.glasdon.com
Airspace Solutions Continues Bespoke Service to UK Leisure Centres
Airspace Solutions continues to set the standard as the UK’s market leader in bespoke, cutting-edge swimming pool inflatable play, with two exciting recent installations delivered to GLL Carlisle and Wiltshire Council (WC).
Each inflatable, measuring between 18 and 20 metres in length, was designed following a detailed site survey and consultation—a level of service unique to Airspace. The personalised approach ensures that every inflatable is tailored to each facility’s specific space, audience, operation, programme, and revenue targets.
David Durstone of The Vale Community Campus expressed his satisfaction: “We are delighted with our new deep water inflatable, designed and manufactured to our exact business needs for our pool. Airspace was the only manufacturer that would come to see us! We felt they listened to our likes and dislikes, and helped iron out small operational issues through bespoke design.”
For more information, visit: www.airspacesolutions.com
4Leisure Recruitment: Full-Service Lifeguard Solutions Supporting Water Safety Across the UK
As a trusted recruitment partner in the Leisure industry, 4Leisure Recruitment plays a vital role in supporting water safety through the end-to-end delivery of qualified, compliant, professional lifeguard teams.
In a recent project for a luxury rooftop pool in Central London, we were involved from the construction phase - consulting on health and safety requirements, sourcing and vetting premium lifeguards, and managing all legal, operational, and induction processes. Post-launch, our team continues to manage rotas, ensure compliance, and provide ongoing operational support.
This project is just one example of how 4Leisure contributes to the wider water safety mission: ensuring every lifeguard we place is qualified and fully prepared to deliver safe, effective supervision in any aquatic environment.
We’re proud to be an RLSS UK Water Safety Partner, sharing the same commitment to raising standards and protecting lives in and around the water.
For more information, visit: www.4leisurerecruitment.co.uk/lifeguarding
Safety Ladders for Stratford Waterfront Pontoon, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Lee & Stort Boat Co Ltd deliver scheduled and private hire river cruises and experiences from their moorings at Ware Town Quay in Hertfordshire and Stratford Waterfront Pontoon in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, see here: www.leeandstortboats.co.uk
Mark Sillitoe, Director, is delighted to have received a highly visible, maintenance-free, safety ladder in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Mark required the ladder extremely urgently, for a special high-profile event, and was most impressed when Peter Lindsay, from Port-Safety, personally delivered the LifeLadder to the site - travelling by the Elizabeth Line and London Underground!
LifeLadders, made of recycled and recyclable plastic, have a vastly reduced carbon footprint compared to length steel ladders, which can rust and are far less visible to anyone in the water in distress. A Water Safety Partner of the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), well known to the RNLI, PLA and Canal & Rivers Trust, there are now many LifeLadders in the Greater London area. Clients installing these ladders make a strong, unequivocal statement about the importance they place on reducing water-related accidents.
For more information, visit: www.port-safety.com
‘Beginner’s Guide’ to Lifeguard Zone Visibility Tests (LZVTs)
Vital for your Pool’s Safety!
Never heard of a Lifeguard Zone Visibility Test (LZVT)?... Or are you struggling to conduct a Lifeguard Zone Visibility Test (LZVT)?
Here’s a ‘Beginner’s Guide’ to Lifeguard Zone Visibility Tests (LZVTs) based on a webinar that RLSS UK’s Commercial Director, Jo Talbot, and RLSS UK’s Head of Customer Relations, Richard Flavell, presented recently.
What is a Lifeguard Zone Visibility Test (LZVT)?
A Lifeguard Zone Visibility Test (LZVT) is a practical exercise designed to highlight any areas of the pool surface or pool basin floor where a casualty cannot be seen from a lifeguard position - especially those furthest away, closest to the lifeguard position and any challenges to visibility such as reflections, water features, etc.
Does Every Swimming Pool need to Conduct a Lifeguard Zone Visibility Test (LVZT)?
The HSE’s ‘Managing Safety in Swimming Pools’ documentation states:
“84 If your risk assessment has indicated that it is reasonably practicable to provide lifeguards, you should decide how many you need. The number of lifeguards required will depend on their ability to see someone getting into difficulties and being able to respond in a timely manner. This will be influenced by how you intend to deploy them, for example, patrolling the poolside, static in highchairs or in an observation tower.
A Lifeguard Zone Visibility Test (LZVT) (see www.rlss.org.uk/ hsg179) can be used to help you determine the number of lifeguards.”
It’s important to note that the HSE document ‘Managing Safety in Swimming Pools’ provides guidance. You don’t have to follow it, but if you don’t follow the guidance, you need to show that what you are doing is as good as, if not better than, the guidance. The guidance document says, “An LZVT can be used”. However, you may have another means to determine the number of lifeguards. Whatever means you’re using, you must record that and be able to demonstrate your way of determining the number of lifeguards, if asked in an investigation.
How to Conduct a Lifeguard Zone Visibility Test (LZVT):
STEP 1 Find a to-scale plan of the swimming pool and lay a 2m² grid over it (Top tip: use a CAD drawing of your pool design to ensure you’re using a to-scale drawing). Add the plan and grid to an LZVT Record template and mark any key features such as the deep end, shallow end, changing rooms or step locations.
STEP 2 Create the same 2m² grid layout on your actual pool (double-checking that they match). To mark out the grid, you’ll need a tape measure, and you can use swimming floats or cones to mark the grid lines (see image).
STEP 3 Decide on the Lifeguard position to test (this could be an existing position or a new position you have considered), put someone in that lifeguard position and have another person drag a light skin coloured manikin wearing shorts (such as the RLSS UK Manikin Max) along the bottom of the pool. The manikin should be dragged around the grid - moving along each row twice to cover the whole 2m² grid. At each end/side/corner, the manikin should be placed against the wall. You should end up with four marks in each 2m² grid box on your LZVT Record template – either ticks or crosses to indicate 100% visibility or not. You should have a record for each lifeguard position and zone.
STEP 4 Repeat the LVZT for every lifeguard position and zone, and for all pool session set-ups (e.g., inflatables, etc) and all conditions (e.g. nighttime, daytime, etc.)
STEP 5 Keep your LZVT documentation with your risk assessments so they are reviewed regularly. The information from the LZVT (e.g. the lifeguard position and the zone) needs to be transferred to the lifeguarding arrangement section within your PSOP.
Your risk assessment should refer to the LZVT because it is part of your mechanism to determine that you have the right number of lifeguards and their zones are correct.
Want more help with Lifeguard Zone Visibility Tests (LVZTs)?
For more details about conducting Lifeguard Zone Visibility Tests (LZVTs), visit: www.rlss.org.uk/hsg179
If you need help conducting a Lifeguard Zone Visibility Test (LZVT), this is a service we offer within our RLSS UK Consultancy Services. We can visit your site to conduct LZVTs with your team, providing clear guidance and training, meaning your team will be able to competently complete testing in the future. Learn more at: www.rlss.org.uk/swimming-pools-consultancy-service
How RLSS UK Elevated Safety at Bluestone’s Blue Lagoon
Bluestone operates one of Wales’ most popular holiday destinations. At the heart of their offering lies the Blue Lagoon—an indoor waterpark featuring wave pools, four flumes, a lazy river, and an outdoor bubble pool.
With such diverse aquatic facilities serving guests of all ages to enjoy, Bluestone faced the complex challenge of maintaining the highest safety standards whilst preserving the fun, relaxed atmosphere families expect from their holiday experience.
RLSS UK’s Approach
RLSS UK worked with Bluestone to deliver a multi-faceted approach to swimming pool safety, combining expert assessment, recommendations, and ongoing support.
Pool Safety Operating Procedure Review and Pool Safety Audit
The project commenced with the RLSS UK consultant reviewing Bluestone’s PSOPs and completing a Pool Safety Audit.
The audit involved:
• Detailed assessment across all aquatic areas
• Staff engagement with Duty Managers, Senior Lifeguards, and frontline staff
• Observation of lifeguarding practices during normal operations
• Review of training records and safety documentation
Ongoing Quality Assurance
Building on the initial success, RLSS UK established a Mystery Visit programme, providing regular, objective assessments of operational standards and safety compliance.
The Results
The audit revealed Bluestone’s commitment to safety culture:
• Exceptional training management
• Leadership-driven safety culture
• Highly engaged workforce
Client Impact and Feedback
Mike Slack, Head of Leisure at Bluestone National Park Resort, said: “Working with the RLSS UK has been a hugely positive experience for our team, helping us build on our existing strengths. Their audit gave us fresh insights and practical advice, and the ongoing mystery visits have helped us stay sharp and consistent. We’re always striving to improve, and thanks to RLSS UK’s support, our guests can feel more confident that they’re enjoying a safe, welcoming environment every time they visit.”
The audit findings confirmed that while multiple enhancement opportunities existed, most recommendations were straightforward to implement, delivering immediate improvements to both safety standards and operational practices.
Transform Your Pool’s Safety Standards
–RLSS UK’s Swimming Pool Safety Services
Pool Safety Audits – RLSS UK’s “Swimming Pool MOT”
• In-depth assessment against best practice, industry guidance, and UK legislation
• Tailored evaluation of your specific facility needs
• Review of management systems, risk controls, and operational procedures
Pool Safety Operating Procedure Reviews
• Expert review and creation of safety procedures
• Collaborative approach ensuring practical, effective procedures
• Staff empowerment through clear safety guidance
Mystery Visit Service
• Unbiased operational assessments
• Anonymous, semi-anonymous, or announced visit options
• Objective customer experience evaluation
• Detailed reports with actionable recommendations
• Progress tracking through regular assessments
For more information about RLSS UK Consultancy Services, visit www.rlss.org.uk/consultancy
ELEVATE 2025
Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) staff attended Elevate 2025 in June. As one of the UK’s leading trade shows for the physical activity and fitness industry, it was a great opportunity to highlight aquatics and raise awareness of key industry issues.
Building an inclusive future for swimming
Beyond the Lifeguard: Ensuring pool safety without constant supervision
This session launched the new industry guidance to support non-lifeguarded swimming pools.
Question time with leading Aquatic CEOs
Featuring RLSS UK’s CEO Simmy Akhtar
The Future of
Pool
Safety
Could supervision technology become the next AED?
This session was led by RLSS UK Commercial Director, Jo Talbot, with additional contributions from technology operators and experts, Alan Ritchie from GLL, Keith Evans from Places Leisure, Helen Dixon from Right Directions and George Lampshire from Everyone Active.
RLSS UK Education Manager, Andy Lane, was part of a panel of senior industry experts sharing how they are working to embed inclusion across the swimming ecosystem.
Strengthening Swimming’s Voice: The role of the Swimming Alliance lobbying group
A panel discussion with members of the Swimming Alliance’s lobbying group about the priorities for the Alliance and their approach to raising the voice of swimming with decision makers.
Safe Swimming PoolsExpert reflections on past pool incidents and prevention strategies
This session was hosted by RLSS UK’s Commercial Director, Jo Talbot, and invited Dan Jacklin, Barrister and Expert Witness and Ian Ogilvie, Safety Consultant and Expert Witness to look at lessons learnt from previous incidents, how swimming pool operators can prevent accidents/incidents, and how to be prepared if you do experience a serious incident.
A Generation on Pause: Can the Leisure Sector reignite
1,000,000
young lives?
This seminar explored the unique position of the Leisure sector in offering meaningful employment opportunities for young people.
Beyond 25 Metres – why swimming skills alone don’t guarantee to keep children safe
This seminar was presented by Mike Tipton, MBE, from the University of Portsmouth and RLSS UK Commercial Director, Jo Talbot. Mike delivered a compelling session explaining why those who are able to swim are still at risk of drowning when they find themselves unexpectedly in water.
Maximising Operational Efficiencies while not impacting safety
This session provided a deep dive into how operational costs can be managed well while following guidance and ensuring safe swimming pools. It also provided an overview of practical, simple suggestions for operators to explore when reviewing opportunities to improve efficiencies whilst maintaining safety standards and complying with safety guidance and regulations.
Unlocking New Aquatic Revenue through Diversification
RLSS UK’s Senior Head of Commercial, Nick Grazier, was joined by operators and suppliers, including RLSS UK Water Safety Partner –Airspace, presenting activities and equipment that can help provide more varied activities within swimming pools to help operators attract new customers and provide alternative income.
We have already booked our stand for Elevate 2026, which will celebrate Elevate’s 10-year anniversary. Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 June 2026, ExCel London
www.elevatearena.com
RLSS UK
INDUSTRY Guidance
RLSS UK’s Industry Guidance is an essential resource for swimming pool operators who have questions about safety protocols. Drawing on our experience, advice from expert advisors, partnerships, and information from various organisations, we provide a comprehensive collection of guidance documents to support you.
The RLSS UK Industry Guidance list includes:
• GS001: Lifeguards – Mobile Phones and Smart Devices
• GS002: Ramadan and Fasting, Swimming Safety Considerations
• GS003: Administering Medication
• GS004: Frequency of Ongoing Training for Lifeguards
• GS005: Shallow Water Blackout, Hyperventilation, and Breath Holding
• GS006: Do Not Resuscitate (DNR / DNACPR / ADRT)
• GS007: Lifeguarding and Ramadan Safety Considerations
• GS008: Working as a Lifeguard with Epilepsy or Seizures
• GS009: Lifeguards Working in Hot Weather (Hot Facilities)
• GS010: Lifeguarding a Swimming Pool During Cold Water Swimming
• GS011: Technology in Swimming Pools
• GS012: Swimming Pool Activities involving Extended Breath-Holding
• GS013: Lifeguard Zone Visibility Test (LZVT)
• GS014: Lifeguard Uniform
• GS015: Lifeguarding with a Stoma
• GS016: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Lifeguarding at Work
• GS018: Pool Safety Operating Procedures (PSOP) – Example Content List
To view or download these guidance documents, please visit www.rlss.org.uk/rlss-uk-industry-guidance
RLSS UK Industry Courses
RLSS UK offers various career development courses to ensure that RLSS UK qualifications are delivered professionally and to industry-leading standards. These courses also support the career progression of our network of RLSS UK Trainer Assessors (TAs), Mentors, National Trainer Assessors (NTAs), and Instructors.
Below is a list of courses available from October to December 2025. Unless otherwise specified, all these courses are delivered remotely.
Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) (Face-to-face at RLSS UK Headquarters, Worcester)
Tuesday 25 - Friday 28 November
Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)
Tuesday 21 October
Tuesday 4 November
Friday 21 November
RLSS UK Mentor
Monday 15 December
National Pool Management Qualification (NPMQ)
Monday 6 – Thursday 9 October
National Pool Supervisor Qualification (NPSQ) Tutor New dates available soon!
National Trainer Assessor (NTA) (Face to face at RLSS UK Headquarters, Worcester)
Tuesday 11 – Wednesday 12 November
Swim School Health and Safety Award
Monday 3 - Wednesday 5 November
Wednesday 10 - Friday 12 December
To book for these courses or view alternative dates, visit: www.rlss.org.uk/rlss-uk-industry-courses
RLSS UK
Are you already an RLSS UK Training Assessor?
If you are, there may be Opportunities and Updates available via your RLSS UK Account to complete, which means that you could deliver more RLSS UK training and qualifications.
Depending on which RLSS UK qualifications you hold and if you hold a current RLSS UK Licence to Operate Membership, there are upskill opportunities for NRASTC, ATPRA, NSCLA, Open Water Emergency Rescue Award, Swimming Pool Emergency Rescue Award, Rookie Lifeguard Instructor and more.
Visit the Awards & Training tab in your RLSS UK Account to discover any Opportunities or Updates that are open to you. For more information, visit: www.rlss.org.uk/trainer-assessorta-upskill-opportunities-and-updates
That easy access to TA Support opportunities is also available from our website at: www.rlss.org.uk/atc-atp-ta-support
Updates from
RLSS UK Compliance
INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE: MORE THAN JUST A TICK BOX
In the training and qualifications world, quality isn’t just a goal; it is a responsibility. Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) is at the heart of this responsibility, a process that ensures assessments are fair, consistent, and courses are delivered to the highest standards.
But what exactly is IQA, and why is it important to get it right?
WHAT IS INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE (IQA)?
IQA is the process of checking that qualifications are being delivered and assessed properly. It ensures that all candidates are treated fairly and that assessments are consistent, no matter who delivers them and where the courses and assessments take place in the country.
Qualified Internal Quality Assurers carry out these checks. They use their knowledge and experience to review how training and assessments are planned, delivered, and recorded. This can include:
• Observing training sessions and/or assessments
• Reviewing course documents/assessment paperwork
• Conducting remote or face-to-face reviews
These checks help ensure that trainers and assessors are following the correct procedures and that candidates are receiving a fair and valid experience.
WHY IT MATTERS
IQA isn’t just about meeting audit requirements; it is about protecting the integrity of the qualifications we deliver. When done correctly, IQA helps to:
• Ensure fairness and consistency across all assessments
• Meet compliance standards set by RLSS UK Qualifications
• Support continuous improvement by identifying areas for development
• Build trust with candidates, employers, and regulators
In short, IQA helps us deliver training and assessment that people can rely on.
THE ROLE OF THE INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURER
An effective Internal Quality Assurer doesn’t just tick boxes; they provide meaningful feedback. That means completing IQA forms in as much detail as possible, highlighting what’s working well and what could be improved.
Balanced feedback is key. Positive comments reinforce good practice, while constructive suggestions help trainers and assessors grow. This approach supports individual development and raises overall delivery standards across the board.
A CULTURE OF QUALITY
When IQA is taken seriously, it creates a culture where quality is everyone’s priority. Trainer Assessors feel supported, candidates feel confident, and organisations can be proud of the qualifications they deliver.
So next time you complete an IQA check, remember it’s not just a form, it’s a vital part of ensuring excellence in everything you do.
20 HOURS OF CPD FOR NPLQ: WHAT COUNTS AND WHEN CAN IT BE COMPLETED?
If renewing your National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), it is a requirement to have completed 20 hours of Continued Professional Development (CPD) prior to assessment.
But what exactly qualifies as valid CPD, and when should it be done?
WHAT IS VALID CPD?
To be accepted as evidence for your NPLQ renewal, CPD must meet specific criteria. It is not just about clocking hours; it’s about demonstrating meaningful learning and development. For CPD to be valid, it must clearly show:
• In-water swimming pool rescue skills (at least 4 hrs)
• CPR (at least 4 hrs)
• First Aid (at least 4 hrs)
• Lifeguard theory (at least 4 hrs)
The remaining 4 hours can be used flexibly, but all CPD must be relevant to the NPLQ’s content.
Continued Professional Development (CPD) can be achieved by:
• Attendance at Lifeguard ongoing training and competency assessment* (strongly recommended)
• Attendance at alternative training, face-to-face or online, relating to in-water swimming pool rescue skills, CPR, First Aid and Lifeguard theory
Candidates renewing their qualification must provide accurate records, paper or electronic, of CPD to the Trainer presenting them for assessment. These records must contain:
• The CPD method
• An outline of the topics covered
• The dates on which the activity was undertaken
• The time period of the CPD
• The number of hours
• Evidence that you undertook the CPD activity (e.g. signature from the Trainer of the CPD, certificate, etc.)
TAs can evidence their required CPD activity by delivering a full NPLQ new candidate course within the validity of their current NPLQ.
WHEN SHOULD CPD BE COMPLETED?
All CPD must be completed within two years of the validity of the current qualification. If a renewal before the expiry date is not possible, the NPLQ has expired, and you are using the 28-day grace period, all CPD must have been completed within the last two years and can include the 28-day grace period.
FINAL TIP
Lifeguards should keep detailed records of their CPD sessions and not rely solely on their employer to track this. Good recordkeeping ensures a smooth renewal process and demonstrates personal accountability for professional development.
MANAGEMENT OF LIFE-THREATENING BLEEDING
Since the release of additional content for managing life-threatening bleeds, we now see this being included in courses and renewals. Please remember that if you select this content when creating the course: You must consider the number of candidates on the course and may need to extend the lesson plan contact hours to accommodate the additional content for delivery. This should be demonstrated via the day planner for the course you are planning to deliver.
Then…
Ensure you complete the assessment paperwork for Life-threatening Bleeds, retain it, and upload it to the Course Management system (CMS) with the rest of the course/renewal documentation in the assessment paperwork area. The assessment records for use are located in your personal RLSS UK Account, in the Resources area, Management of Life-threatening Bleeding Folder, Trainer / Instructor.
Failure to train and assess the candidates following the guidance and completing the correct paperwork may result in qualifications being revoked.
Clubs & Branches Updates from our
Rookie Lifeguard Challenge Festival
This June marks the 26th year of the Rookie Lifeguard Challenge Festival, which took place at John Charles Centre for Sport this year.
Organised by RLSS UK’s North and West Yorkshire Branch as part of Drowning Prevention Week 2025, the competition has been designed to introduce competitive lifesaving, motivate participants, and have fun!
The competition showcases grassroots lifesaving sport in its prime and involves three age groups: under 9, 10 – 11, and 12 -14.
With plenty of action underway, the events included a Lifesaving Relay, a Body Board Relay, a Manikin Relay, a Line Throw Relay (between 6m and 10m according to each age category), an Obstacle Relay, a Flipper Relay, and a Boat Race.
There was an absolutely fantastic turnout on the day –in total, 41 teams and over 240 lifesavers from the following clubs or groups took part:
• Active Leeds – Aireborough
• Active Leeds – Fearnville
• Active Leeds – John Charles
• Active Leeds - John Smeaton
• Active Leeds - Kirkstall
• Active Leeds - Scott Hall
• Billingham Forum Lifesaving Club
• Blyth S & LC
• Lancashire Tridents
• Leeds Phoenix LSC
• Rawmarsh LSC
• Retford Life Saving Club
• Ripley Rascals
Results
Under 9’s:
1st Place – Gold: Blyth Sandhoppers
2nd Place – Silver: Active Leeds Kirkstall
3rd Place – Bronze: Active Leeds John Smeaton/Fearnville
10 - 11yrs:
1st Place – Gold: Leeds Phoenix LSC
2nd Place – Silver: Active Leeds John Smeaton Dolphins
3rd Place – Bronze: Blyth Rookies
12 - 14yrs:
1st Place – Gold: Leeds Phoenix LSC - Red
2nd Place – Silver: Active Leeds John Smeaton Purple
Many thanks to all the coaches and assistants who volunteered to give up their time to help organise and make this event possible. The event was a huge success, with all the lifesavers having a great competition! A big congratulations to all for taking part, and especially to the winners!
Hear all about the fabulous activities that Colwick Park Lifeguards have been attending!
Henley Royal Regatta
July saw Colwick Park Lifeguards back at the Henley Qualifiers and Royal Regatta for another year, and the Henley Regatta Qualifiers. The regatta went smoothly, and the team were brilliant.
The event consists of four safety boats on the water during racing, in which volunteers are tasked with keeping rowers safe and removing any hazards from the course.
With over 25 volunteers contributing, we hope everyone had a great time and enjoyed themselves. Sam Boot, Harley Glover-Newson, and Chris Brookes led the team. We want to thank them for organising the event, and everybody who turned up and kept the event safe.
British Dragonboat Association Leagues
The BDA Leagues took place on the River Trent in Nottingham on 27 July. Teams from around the UK battled it out alongside the Victoria Embankment in Nottingham. Led by James Bloor, the day was a resounding success.
Wilderness Festival
Many Colwick Park Lifeguards and members volunteered and teamed up with RLSS UK at Wilderness Festival. Colwick Park assisted RLSS UK in running the event by offering radio communication equipment, an inflatable boat, and running training courses.
The event took place in Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire, from Wednesday 30 July to Monday 4 August. A team of over 20 was tasked with keeping swimmers safe over two lakes, as well as ensuring the boating lake runs smoothly. In their downtime, volunteers also had the opportunity to explore the festival to see the live acts and performances!
2025 Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships
This year’s Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships 2025 kicked off with a bang as we hosted the Commonwealths 2025 in Swansea!
We welcomed 11 teams from across the Commonwealth to take part in the competition, showcasing their lifesaving skills: Team Australia, Team Canada, Team England, Team Kenya, Team Mauritius, Team Northern Ireland, Team Scotland, Team Singapore, Team South Africa, Team Sri Lanka and Team Wales.
Opening Ceremony
It was fantastic to welcome the participating teams to the Opening Ceremony alongside the High Sheriff and Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan and to hear from Greg Whyte OBE about his challenges and experiences.
Leaving our Commonwealth Legacy
When we were chosen to host this year’s Championships, we committed to going beyond the competition and creating a legacy in the community around lifesaving sport and all our important work.
RLSS UK representatives and athletes visited local schools to engage and speak on the importance of water safety, deliver drowning prevention assemblies, and promote lifesaving sport among young children.
Ruth Lee’s Donation of Manikins
Our Water Safety Partner, Ruth Lee, was a sponsor of the Commonwealths and, in honour of this, donated three Ruth Lee Junior Pool Rescue Manikins to the Commonwealth Championships.
We decided to donate the three manikins to competing countries with fewer resources for lifesaving equipment, presenting them to Mauritius, Singapore, and Kenya. We also had the opportunity to use them for the first time in the SERC event.
The West Group Ltd
A huge thank you goes out to our gold sponsor, The West Group Ltd, for the Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships. We couldn’t be more grateful for their amazing support throughout the event, and even had Managing Director, Richard Oddy, join the action and get involved from the sidelines, handing medals out.
RESULTS
Brayden Woodford
from Team Australia took home the Langland Bay Cup for Men – after coming in 2nd place in the Male National 100m Manikin Tow, and he also placed in the following events: 200m Obstacle and Male 200m Superlifesaver.
Chelsea Jones
also from Team Australia, took home the Langland Bay Cup for Women. Much deserved after she won the 200m obstacle, 50m Manikin Carry, 200m Superlifesaver, and 100m Rescue Medley.
Indigo Laing
from Team Scotland, congratulations on reaching many B finals!
Ben Hyett
from Team Wales, congratulations on reaching many B finals!
Hiruna De Silva
from Team Sri Lanka was an athlete from a developing lifesaving sport nation and gave a brilliant performance in the 12.5m Line Throw.
The John Long Trophy Award Development Team
Prince Michael of Kent Salver Award National Team
from Team Northern Ireland, congratulations on reaching
A special mention goes out to Team England, which won not only the Nationals but also the Development Team. A huge well done for this exciting first and double win! Well done to all the teams involved in the competition for your efforts and enthusiasm!
FROM RLSS UK
The Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships was a huge success! Thank you
From the organising committee, referees, officials, and volunteers who were hard at work in the background making sure everything ran smoothly, to the athletes, team managers, coaches, and spectators, a huge thank you from everyone at RLSS UK. Your efforts in delivering this fantastic event with invaluable roles and support throughout do not go unnoticed, and none of this would be possible without you.
A thank you to the University of Swansea and Wales National Pool, too, for hosting the competition in such excellent, first-class facilities!
The RLSS UK Shop offers a comprehensive range of lifeguard clothing and pool safety equipment. From bright, easily identifiable uniforms (including T-shirts, shorts, and hoodies) to essential rescue equipment, every product is tailored for functionality, durability, and visibility.
Additionally, the shop features a wide selection of safety equipment such as rescue tubes, throw bags, pool extraction boards, and first aid kits, which are crucial for effective emergency response.
NLA Sport
Our suite of Sport Awards, which are part of the National Lifesaving Academy (NLA), provides a fantastic opportunity for lifesavers and swimmers aged 12+ to get involved in Lifesaving Sport.
The awards are structured to allow athletes to improve their fitness whilst learning the basic skills required in Lifesaving Sport, before progressing to awards that develop specialist skills in different events. Participants can specialise in one event or challenge themselves to collect all the Sport Awards!
EUROPEAN LIFESAVING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Round up
The European Lifesaving Championships took place in Poland during September, with pool events held in Szczecin and beach events taking place at the city F & G beach in Międzyzdroje.
RLSS UK was represented by a number of competitors at the event, including:
Asier Lopez
Zophia Quigley
Samuel Lawman (Captain)
James Blaby
Jack Sadberry
Amaia Lopez
Emily Robson
Crawley Town Lifesaving Club
Olympia Lifesaving Club
Race Pace Yorkshire & Gyllyngvase SLSC
Race Pace Yorkshire
Crawley Town Lifesaving Club & Brighton SLSC
Crawley Town Lifesaving Club
Loughborough Students Lifesaving Club
They were selected having completed trials at various competitions, including the RLSS UK National Speed Lifesaving Championships.
The Open team achieved 5th overall (5th - Pool, 2nd - Beach), and the Youth team also achieved 5th overall (8th - Pool, 1st - Beach).
Ash Man, Team Manager, said: “22 nations taking part…open 5th overall and 2nd on beach. Youth 5th overall and 1st on beach. 6 from 6 on taplin!!! Totalled 34 medals youth and open..17 golds, 8 silvers, 9 bronze.”
Thank you to Matt, Jas, Dan (Management team), Joe (Physiotherapist) and Keith Gammon for transporting the trailer.
A huge thank you to our major sponsors, Swimzi, Hydro Flask and Union of Surf.
And finally, thank you, Ash Man, for leading the teams to great success.
We now look forward to the Lifesaving World Championship in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, next autumn 2026.
Rescue Round-up
Hear about just a handful of our Everyday Heroes from this year who deserve a shout-out for their heroic actions…
Four rescues in two months across Parkwood Leisure sites
HENGROVE PARK LEISURE CENTRE, BRISTOL
On Tuesday 11 March, an 84-year-old man got into difficulty whilst swimming. Quickly jumping into action, lifeguards hit the pool alarm, flagging that a pool rescue was taking place.
The Duty Manager and a Swimming Teacher used the assisted lift to remove the casualty from the water. CPR was commenced immediately after Jo Morgan, Centre Manager, brought over the defibrillator, and throughout, the wider lifeguarding team assisted in getting other members of the public out of the pool and wider area to reduce panic.
The casualty started breathing and was placed in the recovery position, but a few minutes later, it was evident to the team that he had not stabilised and required further aid.
BINGHAM ARENA, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
On 18 March, a man collapsed in the changing rooms. The team rushed to the area where the casualty was found unconscious, lying on his front. Lifeguard Sophie Macinnes was first on the scene, rolled him onto his back, checked his airways, and moved him into the recovery position.
Whilst monitoring him, the casualty stopped breathing, and so lifeguards James Hellon and Benjamin Curson, as well as Sophie, began providing CPR with support from a nurse and doctor who were on site. The defibrillator was used, alongside around eight minutes of CPR. The casualty started breathing again as paramedics arrived. Eight minutes and a life saved –well done to the team!
RUSHCLIFFE ARENA, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
One month later, on 25 April, lifeguard Joel Mason noticed a man sinking in the pool at Rushcliffe Arena. He quickly entered the pool and raised the alarm for support from other lifeguards on site, who assisted Joel in getting the casualty safely to poolside.
There were signs of difficulty breathing, and so CPR was commenced. After approximately two minutes of CPR, the casualty began breathing again and was returned to the recovery position. Paramedics soon arrived and took over his care - he was now believed to have suffered from a stroke, and this had initiated the medical emergency. An air ambulance arrived, and the casualty was taken away for further care - thanks to the team’s great training and quick thinking!
WILLESDEAN SPORT CENTRE, LONDON
A day after the Bristol incident, a lifeguard spotted an 18-year-old as he sank underwater and failed to rise to the surface. The lifeguard crew, along with the teenager’s Swimming Teacher, Peter Corr, pulled him from the pool, where he was found not to be breathing.
The support team, who arrived at the poolside, initiated CPR and used the defibrillator twice. Paramedics arrived around ten minutes after the initial call was made, and by this point, the casualty had been sick but was breathing again.
After the casualty was supported by paramedics, an air ambulance and two doctors on site, he left breathing and was transferred to the hospital. Another example of great teamwork saving the day!
King Alfred Leisure Centre’s Team of Heroes
MARCH 2025, KING ALFRED LEISURE CENTRE, KINGSWAY HOVE
During a swimming lesson, Dave had a major cardiac arrest and suddenly fell unconscious in the shallow end of the main pool. Matt Hearne, Swim Teacher, quickly realised, shouted for help, and entered the water to bring him to the side of the pool. The team of lifeguards on site activated the alarm and completed an assisted lift, while others quickly worked to clear the pools.
Barry checked for breathing, and his training soon kicked into action as he confidently began CPR, before Lee brought the defibrillator, and the team worked together to use it. After completing three rounds of CPR and using the defibrillator, Dave started to regain consciousness. The team monitored him and placed him in the recovery position while waiting for the ambulance to take him to the hospital. The team consisted of Barry Warren, Matt Hearne, Lester Searle, Ben Salt, Jackie Proe, Lee Tidey, and Louise Tuppen. Undoubtedly, Dave’s full recovery is down to the fantastic team at King Alfred Leisure Centre and their excellent NPLQ training and quick thinking!
The team have since met with the casualty, Dave, and his wife, May, who shared a few words about the team: “Dave and I cannot thank the team at the King Alfred enough. Their prompt action saved his life. When they realised Dave was in trouble, they immediately acted, getting him out of the water, doing CPR, and using the defibrillator. The paramedics praised them for knowing exactly what to do and putting that knowledge into action. Had Dave’s cardiac arrest not happened in the King Alfred, with trained and knowledgeable staff, the outcome would have been very different. No words of praise and gratitude are enough for this amazing team!”
Lifesaver’s skills heroically used to save a young life
On 12 December, Tony Kershaw left to go home after a training session with Wantage Lifesaving Club, as his wife called, saying she had found a teenage girl unconscious nearby.
Once Tony arrived at the scene, he saw that someone was already there and was calling 999. He assessed the situation and immediately put his lifesaving skills to good use, starting CPR as the young person was not breathing.
The emergency was an incredible example of collective action to save a life, as a nurse walking by assisted him. A defibrillator was located and applied to the teenager, but this only advised further CPR, an action Tony maintained until the emergency services arrived.
Thanks to Tony’s quick thinking and valiant effort, when the police and ambulance crews did reach the scene, the girl was breathing unaided again.
The paramedics assessed the teenager’s health and took her to the hospital. Thankfully, the girl was reunited with her family that weekend. RLSS UK is proud to recognise Tony’s hard work saving a life and highlights the importance of lifesaver training.
Last Thursday, Wantage Lifesaving Club presented Tony with a certificate for his efforts.
Water Smart Schools
In its second year since its launch, the Water Smart Schools programme continues to grow steadily, averaging one new school registration per academic day. We are delighted to see that over 560 schools across the UK have joined the FREE educational initiative!
Notably, there has also been a rise in registrations from Specialist (SEND) settings, highlighting both the success of our inclusive approach and the growing demand for water safety education in these environments.
Wright Robinson College go Gold!
We’ve recently had a secondary school achieve gold level with Water Smart Schools, which is a fantastic achievement!
Hear a few words from Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Aquatics Teacher at Wright Robinson College:
“With our school having its own swimming pool and being located next to a reservoir, water safety is absolutely vital to us. We recognise that understanding water safety and drowning prevention isn’t only about protecting children now; it’s about knowledge that can save lives well into adulthood. We were
seeking a meaningful way to engage our students and their families, and the Water Smart Schools programme has been precisely that.
Working through the accreditation process has enabled us to build a comprehensive, whole-school approach to water safety education. It has strengthened our focus during key times like Drowning Prevention Week and ensured young people and families remain safe over the summer holiday or when temperatures rise. The programme has also ensured that water safety is embedded into our aquatic and pastoral curriculum all year round. As the Aquatics Teacher, I’ve seen students confidently apply their learning during lessons and in ‘Let’s Swim’ sessions as part of our My Mind, My Body programme.
The impact has been incredible; we can already see the lasting positive impact that this work is having on our community.
Thanks to proactive collaboration with our water safety partners – such as Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service – the Water Smart School programme’s reach has expanded significantly. We are committed to building on this momentum by developing similar partnerships in the coming months and are excited to share updates with you along the way!”
NEW SEND Resources for 2025
Aligned with RLSS UK’s inclusion strategy and our commitment to removing barriers to water safety education, 2025 saw the launch of a new suite of lesson plans and resources tailored for use within both mainstream and Specialist SEND school settings.
These inclusive educational materials are designed to support students with a range of needs, particularly those with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). They include pictogram-based resources, including ‘Visual Stories’, to aid nonverbal and emerging readers.
Also new this year are our customisable ‘Spot the Dangers’ interactive whiteboard tools. These allow educators to adjust the level of detail in our standard water safety scenes, helping to reduce sensory overload and support speech and language development. These materials are also available for SMART Notebook and Promethean ActivInspire.
In addition, we are continuing to adapt and create resources for visually impaired learners. These tools feature enlarged text and graphics, high-contrast colour schemes, and compatibility with screen-reading software.
We are committed to our inclusive approach to creating accessible resources and tools for all children and young people to become educated on water safety. These resources will bring us one step closer to achieving this. We can’t wait to show you our next exciting updates - watch this space!
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
RLSS UK has been busy behind the scenes and is pleased to share some exciting updates with you!
Collaboration with Jobcentre Plus and Worcester Skills & Employment
We’ve been actively collaborating with Jobcentre Plus and the Worcestershire Skills and Employment Team, visiting our Head Office and the team participating in employment talks and skills shows.
Our Community Development Team recently attended a skills show to promote opportunities for young people, highlighting RLSS UK’s volunteering roles, awards and qualifications that support future employment. Our Qualifications and Awards Manager also delivered a briefing to Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) case workers, explaining how RLSS UK qualifications can lead to careers in the Leisure industry—supporting our journey towards the next level of Disability Confident Employer status through inclusive recruitment.
Accessibility Taskforce
We’ve also launched an ‘Accessibility Taskforce’a dedicated group focused on improving the accessibility of our digital platforms. The group’s work ensures that all users can easily access and engage with our content regardless of ability, reflecting our broader commitment to inclusive communication across all channels.
Update
Neurodiversity Awareness Month
During Neurodiversity Awareness Month, RLSS UK staff engaged in various activities to deepen their understanding of neurodiversity, including curated videos, meditation sessions, group discussions, and interactive exercises. The initiative encouraged ongoing conversations and inclusive working practices.
Andrea, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Executive, said: “We’d love for this Neurodiversity Awareness Month to be the start of more conversations, greater understanding of different ways of thinking, and improved working practices that help everyone feel focused, supported, and motivated here at RLSS UK.”
Key Initiatives
Since the EDI Network’s refresh in March 2025, the group has actively reviewed key initiatives.
These include assessing the diversity of imagery in the updated NPLQ blended learning package, ensuring accessibility at upcoming events and roadshows, and reviewing the EDI training package—already completed by 1,363 members. Looking ahead, the next edition will introduce our newly appointed LGBTQ+ Representative, who will share their vision and priorities for the group.
BULSCA
The 2024-2025 BULSCA season ended at our competition at Loughborough in May. Our Simulated Emergency Response Competitions (SERCs) - the ultimate test of lifesavers’ skills, teamwork, and knowledge - were based on a theatre accident in Central London at ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and a lakeside incident involving a school-sponsored walk. This was a brilliant competition, with nearly 40 teams of four competitors and nearly 50 volunteers making the day possible. Thanks to all our volunteers and officials from the 2024-2025 season.
It is a pleasure to introduce the names of the new BULSCA committee for the 2025-2026 season and share our league dates.
2025-2026 COMMITTEE:
CHAIR
Tom Park
SECRETARY
Abbie Luckhurst
TREASURER
Anton Oleinik
CLUB DEVELOPMENT
Amy Parnell
CHAMPIONSHIPS
CO-ORDINATOR
Katy Nicholls
COMMUNICATIONS
Ashlin Evans
DATA MANAGER
James O’Donohoe
LEAGUE DATES
Nottingham: 8 November 2025
Warwick: 22 November 2025
Birmingham: 6 December 2025
Bristol: 7 February 2026
Southampton: 21 February 2026
Loughborough: 2 May 2026
Our Student Championships date is still to be confirmed, watch this space!
Are you interested in attending or helping at BULSCA competitions? Contact your BULSCA club or BULSCA directly via their Instagram and Facebook pages!
AWARD WILLIAM HENRY
Back in January 2023, we were delighted to relaunch our William Henry Award, which recognises the contributions of our brilliant volunteers. We were thrilled with the response, and to date in 2025, there have been over 6,851 hours submitted, with a grand total of 33,353 hours having been submitted since the award began! Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to log their volunteering so far.
Here are some stand-out stories from our volunteers over the last six months...
During Drowning Prevention Week, GILLIAN WILKINSON delivered lifesaving water-based training at the Rookie Lifeguard Festival at Westonbury, where she inspired young swimmers and future lifesavers. Gillian kept club sessions flowing, helped plan a summer camp, and even juggled the Westoe Fayre accounts.
CONNIE MILLAR volunteered at Coney Beach, where she trained the next generation of lifesavers! Connie coached young athletes in essential lifesaving techniques, building their confidence, strength, and teamwork.
A massive shoutout to JOHN COX, GEORGE TARTE, and SUSAN BRIGITTE RIDER, who volunteered their time and skills as lifeguards with the Event Water Safety Team at the Henley Royal Regatta! From their post aboard a powerboat, they watched the action, ensuring everyone stayed safe while the rowers raced by.
256 of our amazing volunteers have already achieved milestones in 2025 and received their awards, so congratulations to you all!
Please visit our website to learn more about the William Henry Award or volunteering for RLSS UK.
It’s really easy to take part in the William Henry Award. All you need is an RLSS UK Account (which can be created online, for free), and you don’t even need to be a member!
To start submitting your volunteer hours, log in to your RLSS UK Account, click on the ‘Applications/Forms’ tab, and then click on the ‘William Henry Award’ link. Fill out the form with details of your volunteering activities.
Please provide as much detail as possible and include photos so that we can share your story and inspire others to volunteer for us!
We encourage you to be as detailed as possible and include photos, so we can highlight your amazing efforts and inspire others to join our incredible community of volunteers.
You can submit applications regarding volunteering activities undertaken from 1 January 2025 onwards.
Awards are given at the following milestones:
Willian Henry Award
FUNDRAISING
Meet some of our recent incredible fundraisers
LA MARMOTTE CYCLING FUNDRAISER
On 22 June 2025, Martin, Geo, Keith, Andy, and Jono cycled ‘La Marmotte’ for RLSS UK.
They decided to support RLSS UK because Geo suffered a shallow water blackout in 2022, after holding his breath underwater for too long.
They took on this challenge to raise awareness of underwater hypoxic blackout, promote safe swimming, and emphasise the importance of learning CPR skills.
La Marmotte is approximately 175km through the Alps, including four main climbs in a single day, ending on the top of Alpe D’Huez (a whopping 5500m vertical ascent in total!).
A huge challenge, but they completed it! The group have raised over £5,000 for RLSS UK – congratulations and a massive thank you for your support.
POOL2SCHOOL
We introduced our first-ever #Pool2School non-uniform day during our Drowning Prevention Week campaign!
We invited pupils from across the UK and Ireland to swap their usual school uniforms for bright red and yellow outfits, mimicking the iconic colours of lifeguard uniforms. This vibrant display of colours successfully raised awareness about our water safety campaign and helped us gather vital funds to support our lifesaving charity.
We had so much fantastic support from our amazing fundraisers. You might remember Amelia from the last copy of our magazine—she and her sister have done an absolutely amazing job promoting water safety in their school!
2025 Challenges
GREAT NORTH SWIM 2025
Lake Windermere once again hosted the UK’s largest open water event—the Great North Swim—welcoming an impressive 7,500 swimmers and 20,000 spectators over three lively days. RLSS UK was proud to continue its long-standing role in providing water safety cover with our volunteer lifeguard team, working together with the wider safety team.
The event ran safely and smoothly despite a mix of wind, storms, and sunshine. A standout moment came during a storm-related evacuation, where 300 swimmers were cleared calmly from the water in under ten minutes. RLSS UK Volunteer Lifeguards and safety staff acted swiftly and professionally, earning praise from organisers for their efficient response.
Kate and Evelyn’s story:
Kate and Evelyn Jervis swam for RLSS UK at the Great North Swim and raised £500 between them!
This is what they had to say about the swim:
“The event was fantastic, it had a lovely supportive atmosphere, and we really enjoyed the swim. It was a little more challenging than the practices we had done in our local lake with the water’s choppiness, thanks to the wind, and it was a few degrees cooler, too, but that did not dampen our spirits, and we loved every moment. We would definitely go again!”
“Lifesaving has been a part of our family for as long as I can remember. My mum started with our local club over 40 years ago, with me and my two siblings working our way through the awards and going on to have jobs in beach and pool lifeguarding, and being a part of our local club, passing on the knowledge we were taught. Now all four of my children are also avid RLSS UK members, working towards their awards, keeping physically fit, having fun, and making friends, all whilst learning essential life skills.
“I have seen how Lifesaving can bring together people of all ages, from all walks of life, working together to raise awareness of water safety. It supports our young people into employment and provides them with the opportunity not only to learn, but to share their knowledge and teach skills which people can use throughout their lives. This fundraiser has enabled RLSS UK to continue supporting the adult volunteers who give much of their time to helping the charity and local clubs run.”
SWIM SERPENTINE
On Saturday, 20 September, ten amazing fundraisers swam the Serpentine in London’s Hyde Park to raise money for RLSS UK. The swimmers have raised almost £1,000 between them!
“As a passionate swimmer, I recognise the importance of water safety. We want a world where everyone can safely enjoy being in, on or near water.”
“I have always wanted to tackle the Serpentine, and I have experienced first-hand the great training and work RLSS UK provides, so who better to do it on behalf of!”
How to
get involved with RLSS UK
We have lots of great ways to make donations, so it can be easy for everyone to help raise vital funds for RLSS UK and help us to allow everyone the opportunity to enjoy water safely.
Text:
Donations via text are quick and easy. All you need to do is:
To donate £3 text RLSSUK001 to 70331
To donate £5 text RLSSUK001 to 70970
To donate £10 text RLSSUK001 to 70191
Online:
Donations can be made via our website: www.rlss.org.uk/ donate/support-our-drowning-prevention-efforts
Fundraise!
Please create your own fundraising challenge on our website
Request one of our donation boxes?
You can display our donation boxes in areas such as workplace receptions or at events to encourage passersby to donate. You can pay the money into the RLSS UK bank account when the box is full. Email fundraising@rlss.org.uk to request yours!
REMEMBER!
If you are a UK taxpayer, please Gift Aid your donation.
Gift Aid is a government scheme that allows us to reclaim the basic rate tax you pay as a UK taxpayer. It means that we can claim 25p of tax for every £1 you donate, at no extra cost to you. All you need to do is complete a Gift Aid declaration, usually a tickbox, when donating.
Cheques:
Cheques made payable to RLSS UK can be sent to:
Royal Life Saving Society UK Red Hill House 227 London Road Worcester WR5 2JG
MBE TRIBUTE Kenneth White
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) former President, Kenneth White MBE, who sadly passed on 10 August 2025.
Regarded highly by all who knew him, Ken from Hayling Island off the south coast of England was a staunch supporter of everything related to lifesaving and RLSS UK. From being a member of the Wessex branch to serving as past RLSS UK President between 1998 and 2004, Ken left a legacy in lifesaving and will forever be part of the RLSS UK family.
Ken was a remarkable man, known for his advice and constant support of RLSS UK’s mission, and he will be very missed by our community. In 2016, Ken received the 125th Anniversary Certificate of Merit from HRH Prince Michael of Kent, Commonwealth President of the Royal Life Saving Society. Ken was honoured by HRH Prince Michael of Kent for his contribution to the valuable work of RLSS UK. This prestigious certificate was awarded to individuals whose voluntary contribution and achievements significantly impacted the Society and its work, or represented the Society in an exemplary way, particularly in the fields of sport, youth and drowning prevention.
Ken’s legacy will continue to live on, with a nod to his brilliant work being shown through RLSS UK’s annual Honours ceremony and the Ken White Trophy. In honour of all his time dedicated to the Society, Ken’s trophy is awarded for any fundraising work on behalf of the Society at a national, regional, branch, club, or local level, recognising the level of commitment and enthusiasm throughout.
We sincerely value Ken’s vital contributions, dedication, and time committed to the Society throughout his life. We will continue to champion all things lifesaving and make him proud.
RLSS COMMONWEALTH FATAL DROWNING FACTSHEET
On 25 July 2025, to mark World Drowning Prevention Day, we launched the second Issue of the RLSS Commonwealth Fatal Drowning Factsheet. The Factsheet illuminates fatal drowning in Commonwealth countries – a significant yet preventable cause of loss of life. In 2021, more than 121,000 people died from drowning in Commonwealth countries, with a fatal drowning rate of 4.7 per 100,000 per year. Notably, 40% of global drowning deaths occurred in Commonwealth countries.
To see the full factsheet, please scan here:
NEWS
RLSS RESEARCH HONOUR
In late 2024, the RLSS Board of Trustees approved the creation of the RLSS Research Honour –an award established to recognise outstanding drowning prevention researchers whose work has significantly influenced the Society. It contributed to our global drowning prevention mission.
For 2025, this inaugural honour is awarded to Dr Tessa Clemens from Canada, Dr Amy Peden from Australia, and Dr Aminur Rahman from Bangladesh. Congratulations to them on this truly deserved recognition of their contributions to the drowning prevention research field.
RLSS WELCOMES NEW DEPUTY COMMONWEALTH PRESIDENT AND OPERATIONS MANAGER
On Monday 14 July 2025, at the RLSS Commonwealth Council meeting, Dr Stephen Beerman was installed as the Deputy Commonwealth President of the Society. Steve succeeds Clive Holland, whose term has ended after 12 years in this role. The Society sincerely thanks Clive for his commitment and dedication to the Commonwealth over the last 12 years.
We are also pleased to announce that on Monday 30 June 2025, Sarah Peiris joined the RLSS team as Operations Manager. Sarah succeeds Emma Harrison, who has been with the Society for the past 18 years.
2024 MOUNTBATTEN & RUSSELL MEDALS
The 2024 Mountbatten Medal has been awarded to Braedon Powell from South Africa. In March 2024, Braedon, who was 15 years old at the time, rescued a man who had been swept out to sea in rough surf and powerful rip currents.
The 2024 Russell Medal has been awarded to Cosette Palmer from Australia, who performed a CPR rescue attempt on her fiancé after she spotted that he was face down and unresponsive in the sea after embarking on a deep free dive from their kayak.
Kids Section
Pull out these pages for the kids in your life to get creative, be inspired and challenge themselves - all whilst learning about water safety!
Water Safety at the River
SPOT THE DANGERS
RLSS UK, Red Hill House, 227 London Road, Worcestershire, WR5 2JG rlss.org.uk | info@rlss.org.uk | 0300 323 0096
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