National Life Saving Director And Regional Directors example essay topic

331 words
Surf Life Saving originated in Australia in the early 1900's, when the growth of seaside towns and interest in swimming led to a number of drownings. Patrols were formed by local residents living close by beaches with strong currents, alerting people to the dangers of the surf. The Surf Life Saving Association of Great Britain (SLSA) was formed in 1955. Volunteer clubs patrolled beaches at Bude and St Agnes in Cornwall and Brighton, their aim to protect, rescue and resuscitate bathers.

The SLSA of GB is a founder member of International Life Saving (ILS) whose members throughout the world teach lifesaving to the same high standards. The Association, is in the main, a club based organisation with upward of 80 clubs and bodies currently affiliated and over 4000 members. The clubs are geographically grouped into regions for administrative purposes, namely; Cornwall, Devon, Scotland, Wessex and Wales. The regions have a key historical significance within the Association and form a vital link in the structure of the Association. There are now 82 Surf Life Saving Clubs affiliated to the SLSA, with thousands of members from Nippers (8 - 12) to Seniors and Masters. During the last 44 years over 17,700 rescues have been made on our beaches by lifeguards, most of whom have come from the volunteer ranks of the Surf Life Saving Clubs where they learn their patrolling and rescue skills.

Club funds come in some instances from local councils who provide professional lifeguards to patrol beaches, whilst the majority of funds for equipment and sport come from fundraising events and sponsorship by local businesses. The Life Saving and Sport interests of the Association are catered for by National Commissions with representation from each region. Along with the President, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Finance Director, National Life Saving Director and Regional Directors, the Directors of these Boards form the Council of Management and sit as elected trustees of the charitable company.