Drowning Prevention Week inspires Midlothian Council to adopt the official Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) colours. Lifeguards in Midlothian are now kitted out with the distinctive red and yellow colours of the Royal Life Saving Society’s lifeguarding uniform after taking part in the charity’s annual campaign. In June 2013, the Penicuik Centre in Midlothian, Scotland, took part in the annual Drowning Prevention Week – a UK wide campaign which aims to reduce the number of drowning deaths and support families affected by drowning. During this time, the lifeguarding team demonstrated a united front and wore the traditional yellow and reds of the RLSS UK, which saw a surge in positive feedback from the centre’s users and built on the already high professional standards maintained by the lifeguards. Photo: Left to Right: Holly Clark, Jenna Jarvie, Russell Jackson and Martin Taylor. Front: Paige Hunter. After such a successful campaign, the Penicuik Centre along with nearby Loanhead, Newbattle and Lasswade Centres suggested that they all adopt the official RLSS UK colours, so they could continue raising awareness visually by showing their association with the industry leading organisation. Daniel Burnett, Duty Officer at Penicuik Centre said: “The distinctive lifeguarding colours have made a real impact at all of the four sites and given us a chance to raise even more awareness of the RLSS UK. There’s been some extremely positive feedback from users of the pools and it has boosted the morale even higher than it was before. “It’s important for us to be able to raise awareness of the importance of water safety and the new uniforms have united all of the 77 lifeguards as one big driving force of that work.” Bryan Finlay, RLSS UK management board member and Scottish Regional Chair said: “Presenting a professional image is an integral part of being a lifeguard and it’s wonderful to see how lifeguards across the Midlothian region are demonstrating their support of the RLSS UK. “The organisation has an unrivalled heritage so initiatives like this not only help build public confidence but they also instil a great sense of pride in our aquatics professionals and we look forward to more following their example.” Drowning Prevention Week 2014 will run from June 21st to 29th and the lifeguards of Midlothian Council are already planning family activities around Rookie Lifeguard and preparing their flyers for another exciting Drowning Prevention Week.