History

Milestones in the Society’s history 

1891

1891

Renowned swimming champion William Henry founded the Swimmers’ Life Saving Society in London, England, in response to the huge number of drownings that were happening every year.

1892

1892

The Society introduced the Bronze Medallion, still the flagship lifesaving award today. In the same year, 30 lifesaving rescues were recorded, more than half of them by members of the Life Saving Society. 

1893

1893

HRH The Duke of York, later King George V, became President of the Society, beginning the close association with the Royal Family that continues to this day.

1904

1904

King Edward VII ordered that the Society be recognised as the Royal Life Saving Society.

1924

1924

The Society received its formal Royal Charter from King George V. 

1955

1955

The Society resolved to grant greater autonomy over awards and administration to its National Branches and to seek changes to its Royal Charter to allow this.

1960

1960

By a Supplemental Royal Charter the Society was reorganised into five independent self-governing branches: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom; coordinated by a Commonwealth Council with representatives in many other Commonwealth countries.

1967

1967

Malaysia becomes a national branch and joins the Commonwealth Council.

2018

2018

The Society receives its Supplemental Charter and Byelaws.  A new membership structure is introduced, and Singapore becomes a National Branch and joins the Commonwealth Council.

You can find further information about our history on the ‘Our Shared Legacy’ page, which features articles about people and events which have been hugely significant in the Society’s history and development.