Royal Life Saving Society marks 125 years of service in Australia

With 2019 marking 125 years of service by the Royal Life Saving Society in Australia, the occasion was recently marked by a black-tie ball was held at the Dockside in Brisbane.

Royal Life Saving Society - Queensland President, Les Mole says the state board was pleased to host such a memorable occasion, commenting "the focus of the evening was to highlight the exemplary efforts of our army of volunteers who are as committed today as they were back in 1894.

“Although innovation over time has changed some of the technical aspects of rescue and resuscitation, the general principles of saving a person’s life still remain relevant today.”

Royal Life Saving Society - Australia remains affiliated to the founding organisation in the United Kingdom, and still has official recognition by Royal Charter.

Internationally, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia is a member organisation of the International Life Saving Federation - a network of lifesaving agencies from across the world who share a commitment to drowning prevention - while, across Australia, the Society has a network of branches in each state and territory known as the State and Territory Member Organisations (STMOs). 

Royal Life Saving NSW was the first ‘lifesaving’ organisation in Australia, originating in 1894 and it is that 125th anniversary that is being celebrated in 2019.

Writing about the anniversary in the recently released Royal Life Saving Strategic Framework 2016-2020, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia Chief Executive, Justin Scarr stated "(this is) a landmark year.

"In acknowledging this milestone it is important that we reflect on our achievements, consult with our partners and reinforce our commitment to reduce drowning and increase swimming, water safety and lifesaving skills across the Australian community.

"Over the past century our vision has remained the same, and we have always sought to reduce drowning, to increase physical activity, especially in and around the water, and to contribute to the creation of more resilient communities, Australian wide."

New closing date for responses to National Aquatic Industry Survey - Friday 14th June
Royal Life Saving, on behalf of the National Aquatic Industry Safety Committee (NAISC), launched the national survey in early May and responses have been coming in from all corners of the aquatic industry from across Australia. 

The close dating has now been extended by two weeks. 

Information gathered from the survey will be used to help shape policy and programs that will benefit the working lives of those in the industry, and strengthen the industry as a whole.

The survey is anonymous but participants who choose to leave their name and email address will be eligible to win a $100 JB Hi-Fi gift voucher. 

The survey now closes midnight Friday 14th June and the 30 lucky winners will be contacted by email by 30th June 2019.

Click here to take part in the survey.

Main image (from left) Paul Barry, Executive Director, Royal Life Saving Society - Queensland, Cameron Eglington; Queensland Police Commissioner, Katarina Carroll and Les Mole, President Royal Life Saving Queensland.