RLSS UK and Carnival UK - the UK arm of Carnival Corporation that is the world’s leading cruise line operator - are celebrating three years of a close partnership which has strengthened knowledge, awareness, and training across the cruise line’s ships.

Carnival UK, which operates P&O Cruises and Cunard, prides itself on offering some of the most exciting, varied, and adaptable cruise choices on the market.

As part of an ongoing commitment to their guests and crew, Carnival UK partners with RLSS UK to train staff, throughout their fleet, in water safety and CPR.

With each cruise ship typically featuring three swimming pools (or more!), RLSS UK has now trained over 3000 crew working around swimming pools in basic knowledge of casualty identification and using ship safety equipment to perform a rescue.

An additional 2000 crew have been awarded a Level 3 Award in Basic Life Support for Adults, Children, and Infants (including drowning), to ensure more crew members can provide vital CPR whilst the ship’s medical team make their way to the scene.

One crew member who undertook the training is Marcus Dsouza, Assistant Dining & Beverage Manager on MV Britannia. He said: “It is part of my duties to have the skills to be able to save someone from an accident on board or ashore, I consider it an honour to have been trained to save a life at sea.”

In 2018, RLSS UK introduced the National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (NRASTC), with the specific goal of adding aquafit classes to their schedule aboard P&O Cruises ships. 

Elsewhere in their brand portfolio, Carnival UK is ensuring their Pool Supervisors for P&O Cruises and Cunard are specifically trained in responding to aquatic emergencies. Pool Supervisors can also be quickly deployed to respond to any unforeseen incident which may require immediate assistance.

"We are thrilled to have worked with Carnival UK for the past two years and are excited to continue this relationship into the future,” said Jo Talbot, RLSS UK’s Commercial Director.

“As the UK’s leading provider of water safety training, lifesaving and lifeguarding, working with a global leisure operator, feels like a very natural partnership, as they share our passion for people enjoying water safely.

“P&O Cruises and Cunard guests recognise the brands as synonymous with a compelling holiday experience, offering something for everyone in a safe and enjoyable environment. We are proud to be associated with upholding this well-deserved reputation.”

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