Our 125th Anniversary
2016 saw RLSS celebrate its 125th Anniversary of the foundation of the Society in 1891. To mark the anniversary year, RLSS has established a number of programmes including:
Survival Swimming—a challenge to all Commonwealth nations to implement and ensure the widespread take up of survival swimming, a proven method of preventing drowning.
Recognition of Service to the Society – our Commonwealth President graciously established the H.R.H. Prince Michael of Kent, 125th Anniversary Certificate of Merit to honour individuals who have given distinguished service to the Society. In addition, a unique 125th Anniversary Service Certificate was created for Member Branches to honour individuals whose past performance or future promise, contribute to the drowning prevention mission of the RLSS.
Gathering and Sharing our history – the collection and documentation of Commonwealth and Member Branch history, particularly since the Society’s centenary, thereby strengthening the record of milestones and achievement we leave for others.
Celebration and Educational Events – bringing together senior and emerging leaders of the Commonwealth lifesaving family to share learning and develop skills and expertise.
Our President, His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent, sent a special message to members and volunteers in recognition of the 125th Anniversary, which you can see here. We were also delighted to have received a message of support from our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen, which can be seen here.
Our Shared Legacy was a series of articles published for the 125th anniversary which you can see here.
The 125 Human Banner Challenge was a fun activity which all Member Branches, Clubs and Societies could take part in.
The RLSS 125 Picture Challenge: showed creative ways to show the numbers ‘125’