The UK’s drowning prevention charity, the Royal Life Saving Society UK, has today (Wednesday) announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Di Steer accepted the position as CEO after the charity’s Board of Trustees completed an interview process following a national recruitment campaign.

Having worked for the RLSS UK as Corporate Director and more recently Acting CEO, Di has an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by the organisation and the ways in which we can move forward positively and robustly.

She comes from a strong background of organisational development and strategic change so is perfectly placed to help RLSS UK reach its full potential and maximise opportunities.

RLSS UK President, Peter Moyes, said: “Di is the best person and ideally suited to lead the RLSS UK forward and has the right skills to complement the expertise and experience that the organisation is proud to have amongst its staff.

“She has the full support of the Board of Trustees and we are looking forward to continuing to work together as a team.”

Around 400 people drown in the UK every year and the RLSS UK aims to prevent drowning through water safety education. Di has been integral in the development of the new business plan for the society and is determined to drive it forward, achieve its ambitious plans and ultimately save lives and reduce the number of people that tragically lose their lives to drowning each year.

Di, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, said: “It is a privilege to head a society so rich in history and this is something we will continue to embrace and build on for the future.

“I am excited by the challenge this role presents. We have ambitious plans as The Drowning Prevention Charity which I intend to turn into reality.

“We have a fantastic team of staff and volunteers and together we can really make a difference – educating the public in drowning prevention education and creating safer communities.”