The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) launched their brand-new National Lifesaving Academy (NLA) award last month, and on Monday 24 October, held an industry launch event at Birmingham University.  

The event saw attendees from the aquatics industry, including Fusion Lifestyle, SERCO Leisure, Stevenage Leisure Limited and several lifesaving clubs from across the midlands, whilst a demonstration was given by RLSS UK Trainer Assessor, Teresa Myatt with members of Birmingham University Lifesaving Club. Participants were shown new skills that will form part of the NLA award, showing how the award teaches vital lifesaving skills in a fun way. 

RLSS UK aims to enhance communities, so everyone can enjoy being in, on and around water, safely. This new award gives as many people as possible the opportunity to learn lifesaving skills at an affordable price.  

Lee Heard, Charity Director, said: “For many young people, lifesaving is the first step in a long career within the leisure industry. With this in mind, any bronze medallion achieved can be used a Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) hours towards the relevant vocational lifeguard qualification, something which can be a fantastic earning opportunity whilst studying, as well as a great addition to any CV.  

“As well as this, our lifesavers will now learn the same theory and techniques you can find in our regulated qualifications, such as First Aid at Work and the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, meaning that lifesavers will now cover the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for adults, children, and infants. The NLA is also a fun way to learn all the necessary skills to stay safe and enjoy being in, on and around water in pool, beach and open water settings.”  

Over the coming months lifesaving clubs up and down the UK and Ireland will be gearing up to offer the programme to young aspiring lifesavers. RLSS UK is encouraging youngsters and their parents to visit their local lifesaving club and find out more about how they can learn the skills that can keep themselves and others safe in, on and around water.

Find your local lifesaving club