History and Development of Lifesaving

 

The Royal Life Saving Society was formed in 1891 in an attempt to reduce the annual toll of 5,000 lives lost in drowning accidents in the United Kingdom – by publicising the causes of these accidents, by encouraging everyone to learn to swim and by teaching competent swimmers the methods by which a drowning person might be saved. In 1924, the Society was granted a Royal Charter by King George V; a supplemental Charter was granted by Queen Elizabeth in 1959.

 

The Royal Life Saving Society, Commonwealth is active in over forty countries worldwide. The Society's Commonwealth Conference is held every four years and is attended by representatives from around the world. Special events and development workshops are held regularly on every continent organised by the Society's volunteer and professional officers.

 

The Society has major Branches in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. In addition, lifesaving activities are particularly strong in the Far East, India and Africa. Member Branches and Honorary Representatives keep in touch with developments worldwide through the RLSS Commonwealth Secretariat.

 

Today RLSS is the largest single organisation dedicated to teaching of lifesaving and the prevention of drowning in the United Kingdom and one of the largest in Europe.