Surf Life Saving is a way of life!Lifesaving is at the heart of what we do, with the principal objectives to make safer beaches, educate communities and ultimately to save lives.Surf Life Saving began in Australia and was introduced here by Australian, Alan Kennedy in 1953, who wanted to stop the loss of life on the shores of North Cornwall. That year, a group of young men were trained and took the 'Bronze Medallion' and became the first ever qualified beach lifeguards. Surf life Saving clubs grew very quickly and Surf Life Saving Great Britain (SLSGB) was formed in 1955. Since then it is estimated that volunteer Surf Life Savers have saved thousands of lives. Surf Life Saving GB today has some 70 surf life saving clubs across the country and each club's objectives are to

• patrol local beaches
• offer first aid and rescue assistance
• train and educate the community in surf life saving skills via a range of comprehensive awards and qualifications
• offer lifesavers opportunities to keep fit through Life Saving Sport, increasing skill levels and making them better equipped to deal with emergency situations