Published 3 April 2013

Great news that there have been zero pool drownings now for 15 months. Today the RLSS UK issued this press release on the news!

After reporting no pool drowning deaths in 2012, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has praised everyone involved in pool lifeguarding, after industry intelligence revealed no pool drownings occurred in the first quarter of 2013 – adding to the 12 months of 2012.

This news is testament to the dedication of all those involved in managing the delivery of water safety in pools across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Di Standley, CEO of the RLSS UK, said: “This is a very significant and proud achievement for all involved in pool lifeguarding and water safety and shows the continuing hard work, commitment, professionalism and passion of all pool lifeguards in the UK.

“We are thrilled with the figures this quarter and will continue to work hard and strive to help ensure that 2013 will be another landmark year with zero pool drownings”

The RLSS UK trains 95 per cent of pool lifeguards, delivering the UK’s premier pool lifeguard qualification, its’ Ofqual regulated National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) 8^th edition, through its trading subsidiary, IQL UK Ltd.

IQL UK Ltd launched the qualification in January 2012 when it was rolled out to more than 4,000 Trainer Assessors covering 2,500 swimming pools.  The fact there have been no pool drownings since the launch of the NPLQ 8^th Edition is testimony to the quality of the training covered in the new course.

Tara Dillion, Executive Director of IQL, said: “It is only with the support of pool lifeguards, trainers, and approved training centres that IQL UK Ltd is able to continue to deliver the most respected and relevant lifeguarding qualifications in the world.  The news today of zero pool drownings for 15 months means that all those involved in pool lifeguarding should be very proud.”

There were between 5-10 deaths as a result of pool drownings in both 2010 and 2011. Every year more than 400 people lose their lives through accidental drowning – inland water accounts for 63 per cent of these deaths.

For more information on the NPLQ 8^th Edition or water safety advice visit our website. www.rlss.org.uk