The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) are delighted to announce that today, Michael John Storey CBE, has become their new patron. Lord Storey takes over the role as patron from Lord Norrie, who retires as RLSS UK patron, after 24 years.

Lord Storey joins RLSS UK as patron after a long and distinguished career in both the education and political spheres. He is a leading exponent of ensuring no child leaves school without being able to swim.

Having first joined the House of Lords in February 2011, Lord Storey has served as the Liberal Democrats’ Education spokesperson since 2015 and is already a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), for Water Safety and Drowning Prevention.

As well as campaigning to ensure school pupils all leave school with the ability to swim, Lord Storey is seeking a change in the law to make it a legal requirement for all public buildings in England, to have an AED on site:

“When Oliver King tragically lost his life to a cardiac arrest, during a swimming competition in 2011, it was noted that had an AED been on site, his chances of survival would have been enhanced. We would never operate a school without a first aid kit or fire extinguisher and I believe, an AED is an equally crucial piece of equipment,” explains Lord Storey.

“It is a great honour to become a patron of the Royal Life Saving Society UK. The work they do towards getting our youngsters swimming, is vitally important, additionally; their passion and commitment to educating and training people from all walks of life, on how to enjoy the water safely, mirrors my own. We have an exciting future ahead and I am looking forward to playing my part.”

RLSS UK President, Ian Hutchings welcomed the appointment:

“I’m delighted Lord Storey has agreed to join us as patron. It is a huge boost for us to have an engaging and passionate politically-active figure on board, I’m optimistic that our relationship will go a long way towards achieving our aim of a world without drowning.”

Ian added:

“Lord Storey’s background and experience will make for an informative, educational and enlightening speech as he joins us at us at our prestigious Honours event, later this year. I’d also like to put on record, our utmost thanks to Lord Norrie for his dedication to RLSS UK over the last 24 years, we all wish him well for his retirement.”