RLSS UK

Who we are

It is the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK)'s purpose to enhance communities, so everyone can enjoy being in, on and around water, safely; because every life is worth saving. Our work is vital in every city, town, community and home.

RLSS UK has a proud history of helping to reducing the number of lives lost to drowning. Our mission is to be the leader in lifesaving and lifeguarding in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Sharing, our expertise and knowledge with as many people as possible, giving everyone the potential to save lives and enjoy water, safely.

Here, at the RLSS UK, we have an impressive heritage. We have built up years of experience and, we are honoured, to boast a strong force of loyal members and volunteers who work with us to promote water safety and educate in life saving skills.  Our roots were established back in 1891 as the Life Saving Society, and, in the early 1900s, with support from the Royal Family, we were granted permission to adopt the ‘Royal’ to our title – a badge that we are still immensely proud of today.

We have used our extensive, world-leading knowledge of water safety and training to develop a comprehensive range of vocational qualifications and a series of awards and education programmes which all have the ultimate aim of preventing drowning and stopping unnecessary loss of life. Our portfolio includes the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) - the premier lifeguard training programme.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Our mission as a charity is crystal clear – enhance communities so EVERYONE can enjoy being in, on or near water safely – because every life is worth saving.  

Every individual deserves equal, fair, and dignified treatment, access to lifesaving information, activities, training and volunteering opportunities. However, societal inequalities present challenges for some. Biased systems and structures privilege certain groups while disadvantaging others.

In all our work, we recognise these disparities and work tirelessly to address them. Creating an inclusive space for all, reflective of the diversity of our society, requires each of us to take positive action. We must reflect on our own experiences, assumptions, and behaviours, actively striving to make space for those often excluded.

Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer