Lifesaving is a sport for everyone. The life you save may be your own. We aim to bring more fun and realism to a great sport, whilst turning bystanders into lifesavers. Most of our content is designed to enhance your lifesaving classes or swimming training. Course syllabus, training methods, awards and regulations all vary from country to country. A handful of volunteers keep this project alive on virtually no budget so that lifesaving clubs worldwide have some useful resources, especially in developing countries.

Are Lifesaving Lessons Realistic ?

Lifesaving is a valuable community skill that could save lives. But many lifesaving clubs focus on competitions or passing exams rather than training for real life survival. The pool water is warm and clear, no wind, no waves, no sunburn, everyone just in swim wear. Life is easy!

The real world is different. It can be hot or cold, with murky water, currents, waves and obstacles. Research shows that every 17 hours someone in the UK drowns, with an average 400 to 500 people drowning each year. Drowning is the most common cause of accidental death among under 16 year olds. Most of the victims of drowning are described as good or strong swimmers, therefore, it is not just sufficient to know how to swim, but swimmers also need to know how to keep safe.

On the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, lifeguards often have to rescue fully clothed victims who got caught in the waves. In Japan, police officials reported that about 1,200 people drown each year. Around 25% of them were found in a swimsuit. The other 75% drowned wearing clothes while doing activities such as boating or working near water. They were not able to cope with the how the clothes slowed them down in the water and got exhausted quickly.

Can you honestly say you're adequately prepared for this?

About this Website

This non-profit community website is independent and not affiliated to any lifesaving organisations, but we support and work with them provided there is no red tape. If you find any pages useful print them out for your lessons.

This site is reader driven. Please tell us what you like to see so we can improve this site for you and your club. Enjoy your visit.

Photos

The photos on this site are for illustration only and should not be taken as technically correct instruction. Out of respect for some viewers in America and Middle East we won't show any swimsuit edition photos. Minimum attire is T-shirt and shorts. This saves us trouble.

A big "Thank you" to all readers who sent in photos, mainly from Germany, Holland, Thailand and the Philippines. Keep the photos coming. Public pools in Britain don't allow photography anymore. They are scared of the lawyers. This is quite annoying as it often keeps clubs from showing what goes on in classes. Sorry, Britain, but that is really silly.

Legal Stuff

Please note that we shall not be responsible or liable in any way for any and/or all consequences that may be suffered by you as a result of using, or the inability to use, any materials or content on this website. No right of action shall arise as a result of reference to, or reliance upon, any information contained in, or omitted from this website.