WORKING TO PREVENT DROWNING AND REDUCE WATER-RELATED INJURY.

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2 WORKING TO PREVENT DROWNING AND REDUCE WATER-RELATED INJURY. The Lifesaving Society is a full-service provider of programs, products and services designed to prevent drowning. We save lives and prevent water-related injury through our training programs, Water Smart public education, drowning research, aquatic safety management and lifesaving sport. We are a national volunteer organization and registered charity composed of ten provincial/territorial branches, tens of thousands of individual members, and over 4,000 affiliated swimming pools, waterfronts, schools and clubs. The Lifesaving Society is a leader and partner in the delivery of water safety education throughout Canada and around the world. (The Society operates globally in over 25 countries.) We represent Canada in the Commonwealth Royal Life Saving Society and we are Canada s Full Member in the International Life Saving Federation. The World Health Organization recognizes ILS as the world authority in the global effort to prevent drowning. The Lifesaving Society takes lead responsibility for drowning prevention in Canada. We have been teaching swimming, water safety and water rescue in Canada since Teaching Canadians to save themselves and rescue others: Annually, over 1,000,000 Canadians participate in our swimming, lifesaving, lifeguard, first aid and leadership programs. As Canada s lifeguarding experts, we set the standard for lifeguard training and certify Canada s National Lifeguards. Making Canadians Water Smart: The Society focuses its public education efforts on people most at risk or on those who can make a significant difference. Our Swim to Survive program provides the skills to survive an unexpected fall into deep water. Drowning research: The Society conducts research into drowning, aquatic injury and rescue interventions to support the Society s training programs and drowning prevention education. Setting the standard: The Society establishes aquatic safety standards and consults on aquatic safety issues for the aquatic industry, governments and the judiciary. Lifesaving sport: The Society is the Canadian governing body for lifesaving sport a sport recognized by the International Olympic Committee and the Commonwealth Games Federation. Our Lifesaving Sport Fundamentals program offers a recreational introduction to lifesaving sport skills. Age-group, senior and masters athletes compete provincially, nationally and internationally. Lifesaving Society New Brunswick 70 Melissa Street Fredericton, New Brunswick E3A 6W1 Tel: Fax: info@lifesavingnb.ca Registered Charity No RR0001 All donations gratefully received. Tax receipts issued for donations of $25 or more. Lifesaving Society, Water Smart, Swim to Survive, Swim for Life and National Lifeguard Service are registered trademarks of the Royal Life Saving Society Canada.

3 President s Report I am pleased to report that 2016 was a great year of new program and service offerings, infrastructure development, and continued stability for Lifesaving Society New Brunswick. In 2016, we reached more New Brunswickers with increased participation in the Society s Swim for Life, Canadian Swim Patrol, Bronze Cross, and National Lifeguard training programs. It is heartening to see such strong growth in both our swimming and lifesaving programs, up 17% and 39% respectively over the previous year. Canada Games Aquatic Centre in Saint John hosted the Society s Governor s Investiture honouring the continued, dedicated service of our volunteers with Commonwealth Honour Awards. At our AGM that followed, it was my privilege to announce that the Society would be relocating. We officially relocated to our newly purchased headquarters at 70 Melissa Street in Fredericton in August I d like to express my gratitude to the members of the Relocation Committee for their diligent work on this project. In the spring, the Board convened a successful strategic planning workshop the results of which will guide our drowning prevention priorities and plans for New Brunswick over the next few years. In May, Lifesaving Society New Brunswick was well represented at the Society s national annual meeting in Edmonton. The meetings culminated with a celebration of the RLSS Commonwealth 125 th Anniversary of drowning prevention hosted by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Lois Mitchell. The Society s Public Pool Safety Standards Committee Justine Blizzard, Pam Bursey, Len McCormick, Angela Johnson and Michael Shane completed development of Lifesaving Society safety standards for New Brunswick s aquatic facilities. The Society will publish these industry-established standards in Following their participation in the Society s Staff Shortage Symposium in Toronto (October 2015), Lifesaving Society New Brunswick volunteers Samantha Kuhn and Luc Sonier led similar sessions in Riverview and Bathurst in January and February respectively to address employer concerns and issues related to aquatic staff availability, recruitment and retention. The Potash Corp Civic Centre and Parlee Beach Provincial Park hosted successful New Brunswick pool and waterfront lifeguard championships. Parlee Beach also welcomed Canada s lifesaving athletes to the 2016 Canadian Surf Lifesaving Championships held August I thank my fellow Board members and staff for their commitment to the continuing growth of the Society in New Brunswick. I thank the Society s affiliate members for their continued support in delivering community-based programs throughout the province. I also wish to thank the Government of New Brunswick for its ongoing support of our drowning prevention mission. Stephen Hanlon At a royal reception in London in November, our very own Doug Trentowsky was among the recipients of the HRH Prince Michael of Kent 125 th Anniversary Certificate of Merit. This special edition of the Certificate of Merit, commemorating the 125 th Anniversary of the formation of the Society, was awarded to individuals whose voluntary contribution and achievements have had significant impact on the Society s work. The 2016 edition of the Lifesaving Society Maritimes Drowning Report, released in advance of National Drowning Prevention Week, was a sobering reminder of the importance of our work despite the encouraging news of a decrease in the average overall water-related fatality rate in the Maritimes. New Brunswick Report 1

4 Financial Report The summary financial information presented here is derived from the Royal Life Saving Society Canada New Brunswick Branch Inc. audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, The Lifesaving Society New Brunswick is a provincially incorporated legal entity, with revenues generated from training and leadership programs, donations, and provincial government grants. Detailed audited financial statements are available upon request. During the 2016 fiscal year, the Society reported a deficiency of revenues over expenses from operations of $51,000 in comparison to a deficiency of revenues over expenses of $79,000 in Overall net revenue increased by 22% this year over the prior year, while expenditures increased 1%. Performance was better than expected with the 2016 budget predicting a deficit of $61,000. Net revenues increased 22% from $134,000 in the prior year to $164,000 in the current year. The improvement was a result of increased sales of Training programs and Literature. Net revenue from Training programs grew by $7,000 over 2015 and net revenue from Literature increased $7,000 over the prior year. Service contract revenue increased $10,000, due to a LifeguardDepot.com inventory management contract signed in Fundraising revenue increased $4,000, but is an inconsistent funding source in the absence of a sustainable fundraising program. The Society needs to invite more members to add drowning prevention to their list of worthy causes and annual donations. Expenditures increased 1% from $212,000 in the prior year to $214,000 in Expenditures remained in line with prior year, with some notable variances. Depreciation expenses increased to $19,000 compared to $2,000 in The increase was due to new depreciation charges of $16,000 on the new office building purchased in the current year. Training program expenses declined by $14,000 due to Society no longer providing a translation service for national literature. The Society is grateful to our friends who donated to support drowning prevention during 2016 and we encourage all members to become Friends of the Society. For donations of $25 or more, the Society issues tax receipts and acknowledges donors in our annual report. We still face a significant financial challenge in New Brunswick. By controlling costs, using technology to maximize efficiencies, and developing new products and programs to support long-term growth, the Society is well positioned to manage the challenge. We appreciate the continued support of the loyal affiliate members and the dedicated efforts of the volunteers and staff that allow the Society to continue its work of drowning prevention in New Brunswick. Wendy Smith, CPA, CA 2 Lifesaving Society

5 Financial Highlights OPERATIONS Net Revenue $ $ Training programs 41,417 25% 34,835 26% Literature 30,209 18% 23,699 18% Service contract 27,083 17% 17,000 13% Government grants 26,982 17% 26,884 20% Leadership 14,538 9% 11,693 9% Fundraising 12,119 7% 8,328 6% Merchandise 5,223 3% 4,617 3% Member fees 4,406 3% 4,351 3% Lifesaving sport 1,750 1% 2,530 2% 163, % 133, % Expenditures Admin, salaries & occupancy 179,386 83% 156,510 74% Member services 13,169 6% 11,007 5% National levy 10,185 5% 10,108 5% Meetings & travel 8,940 4% 13,175 6% Lifesaving sport 1,391 1% 6,261 3% Training program 1,376 1% 15,398 7% 214, % 212, % Net Surplus/loss for the year (50,720) (78,522) Contributions 50,720 78, BALANCE SHEET Net Assets Net working capital (391,276) 5,531 Capital assets 403,324 6,517 12,048 12,048 Fund Balances General fund 12,048 12,048 12,048 12,048 New Brunswick Report 3

6 Awards Report Top Line Summary Swimming 11,374 9,751 8,981 Lifesaving 1, First Aid 1,363 1,227 1,149 Lifeguarding 1, Safety Management Lifesaving Sport Leadership Total 15,416 13,240 12,392 Swimming Swim to Survive 938 2,133 1,133 Swim for Life 10,436 7,618 7,848 11,374 9,751 8,981 Lifesaving Junior Lifeguard Club Canadian Swim Patrol Bronze Star Bronze Medallion Distinction Boat , First Aid First Aid 1,148 1, CPR ,363 1,227 1,149 Lifeguarding Bronze Cross National Lifeguard , Safety Management Aquatic Supervisor Pool Operator Safety Inspector & Auditor Lifesaving Sport Athletes Officials Leadership Instructor Examiner Trainer Lifesaving Society

7 Affiliate Recognition Awards The Lifesaving Society New Brunswick recognizes affiliate members who deliver the Society s training programs. Awards are presented on the basis of points earned in the calendar year. OPEN CATEGORY: Awarded to the affiliate member with the largest lifesaving program. 1 City of Saint John 8,145 2 City of Fredericton 7,963 3 YMCA of Fredericton 6,305 4 Town of Riverview 5,707 5 City of Miramichi 5,146 6 YMCA of Greater Moncton 5,059 7 Town of Woodstock 3,088 8 Ville de Dieppe 1,537 9 Complexe Sportif Regional Edmunston 1, CDSG Gagetown Aquatics 1, PotashCorp Civic Centre 1, Town of St. Stephen 1, Magic Mountain 1, YMCA of Saint John Recreaplex 916 UNDER 20,000 POPULATION: Awarded to the municipal affiliate with the largest lifesaving program in a community with a population under 20, Town of Riverview 5,707 2 City of Miramichi 5,146 3 Town of Woodstock 3,088 4 Complexe Sportif Regional Edmunston 1,521 5 PotashCorp. Civic Centre 1,157 6 Town of St. Stephen 1,119 7 Piscine regionale à Shippagan Town of Quispamsis City of Bathurst Florenceville-Bristol 382 SEASONAL AFFILIATES: Awarded to the seasonal affiliate with the largest lifesaving program. 1 Magic Mountain 1,000 2 Town of Quispamsis Village of Bath Florenceville-Bristol Village d Atholville Parlee Beach Provincial Park Salisbury Lions Pool Grand Manan Mactaquac Provincial Park 120 Point system Affiliate recognition awards encourage and recognize the use of the Society s training programs. Point values reward affiliates who offer a full menu of Lifesaving Society programs and reflect the relative degree of difficulty or amount of training and effort required to achieve each level including the programming time commitment. Recertifications are assigned half the point value of original certifications. Award Points Water Rescue Awards Canadian Swim Patrol 7 Junior Lifeguard Club 10 Bronze Star 10 Bronze Medallion 15 Bronze Cross 20 Distinction 30 National Lifeguard 40 First Aid Awards Anaphylaxis Rescuer 2 Basic First Aid 4 CPR-A /-B /-C 4 / 6 / 8 CPR-HCP 8 AED 10 Emergency First Aid 12 Workplace Standard First Aid 25 Specialized Training Lifesaving Fitness: Bronze / Silver / Gold 5 / 7 / 9 Boat Rescue 10 Lifesaving Sport Officials 15 Leadership Training Core Instructor 15 Assistant Instructor 20 Swim Instructor 40 Lifesaving Instructor 40 Advanced Instructor 20 Exam Standards Clinic 15 Update Clinics 15 Lifesaving Sport Coach 30 Specialized Instructors 30 Trainer clinics 30 New Brunswick Report 5

8 Training Programs Training Programs contributes to the mission of the Society by teaching Canadians the skills and the knowledge they need to enjoy water safely and to save themselves and rescue others in an emergency. The Society s National Lifeguard certification is the standard for professional lifeguards in Canada. The growth trajectory of Lifesaving Society training programs continued in 2016 with a 16% increase in year-over-year participation. Bronze Medallion held steady, while Bronze Cross and National Lifeguard grew 10% and 20% respectively. The Society s First Aid awards, which affiliates are increasingly programming with the Bronze awards, grew by 2%, while CPR grew by 119%. The Society launched a comprehensive First Aid program in 2014, which includes Basic and Emergency First Aid as well as Workplace Standard First Aid and CPR-A,-B,-C, and HCP. Participation in the Society s Swim for Life program increased 37% in 2016 over the previous year. We welcomed Woodstock, Riverview and the Canada Games Aquatic Centre as new Swim for Life affiliates. Adam Munn and Angela Johnson remain active on the team developing the next generation of literature to support the Society s revised leadership program, which is designed to develop progressively skilled and knowledgeable Lifesaving Society Instructors and Trainers. The Society initiated revisions to its Bronze medals awards in Ryan Ferguson and Adam Munn represented New Brunswick at the national meeting in Toronto in August, which addressed the overall parameters for the revisions. In November, Joey Doucet and Angela Johnson joined the content team developing test items and performance requirements. CPR/First Aid Update The Society transitioned to the new CPR and first aid guidelines in There were no major changes and nothing that affected the Society s test items or Must Sees. Importantly, there were no changes to the resuscitation standards for drowning victims. The Society s updated literature can be identified at a glance: the front covers carry this wording: With the 2015 CPR guidelines. Assistant Instructor Workbook The Assistant Instructor Workbook was available in English and in French in The workbook is designed for candidates on the Lifesaving Society s Assistant Instructor course. It contains content and learning activities that guide candidates through course content while drawing on candidates personal experiences. In 2016, the Society launched its new Safeguard program, which provides safety supervision training for guardians (e.g., day camp counsellors, counsellors-in-training and others) who accompany groups of young people to pools or waterfronts. The course stresses the responsibility undertaken by these group leaders for safeguarding the young people in their care even when under lifeguard supervision. Current Lifesaving Instructors who hold National Lifeguard certification teach and certify Safeguard candidates. Drowning Report Nine out of 10 drowning victims in the Maritimes are men and those years of age have the highest drowning rate of all age groups according to 2016 edition of the Maritimes Drowning Report released by the Lifesaving Society in June. The encouraging news is a decrease in the average overall water-related fatality rate in the Maritimes from 1.8 to 1.5 per 100,000. The report is available at 6 Lifesaving Society

9 Lifesaving Sport Lifesaving Sport contributes to the mission of the Society by engaging and inspiring youth in our humanitarian mission; by providing an incentive for training; by encouraging innovation in techniques, and; by providing opportunities for volunteer recruitment, retention and leadership development. The Lifesaving Sport Council s work capacity grew again in 2016 with the continued volunteer support of Lisa Hanson Ouellette, VP Sport, Roger Graham, Officials and Coaches Chair, and Maureen MacNeil, Athlete Representative. Maureen continues to represent New Brunswick on the Canadian Athletes Council. A big thank you to Alexandra Ferguson and Alyce Sutcliffe for their contributions to the 2016 NB Competition Manual and their mentorship of New Brunswick athletes Championships New Brunswick: Two clubs, three teams and 12 athletes competed in the Pool Lifeguard Championships hosted by the Potash Civic Center in Sussex on March 20. Fredericton Lifesaving Club competitors Maureen MacNeil, Zach Dilworth, Emma St-Onge and Nikita Spencer took home the championship Tobias Cup. The New Brunswick Waterfront Lifesaving Championships saw nine Clubs, 26 teams and 51 athletes from NB, NS, PEI and ON competing at Parlee Beach Provincial Park on July 25. Congratulations to champions: Fredericton Lifesaving Club s Rachel Hausman and Bea Lougheed (Under 19 Women); YMCA of Fredericton athletes William Lutton and Landen McGrath (Under 19 Men); Gabrielle Leger and Jocelyn Melanson from Parlee Beach (Open Women), and; Simon LeBlanc and Louis Savoie from Parlee Beach (Open Men). Parlee Beach earned the overall championships title. A sincere thank you to the 28 officials and volunteers who helped host a successful championships. Past president Doug Trentowsky (front centre) with New Brunswick athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers at the 2016 Canadian Surf Lifesaving Championships at Parlee Beach. Maritime: Four New Brunswick athletes Maureen MacNeil, Azura Saunders, Brandon Saunders and Max Saunders competed in the first Maritime Pool Lifesaving Championships in Truro, NS on April 16. NB officials were represented by Beth Ferguson, Lisa Hanson Ouellette, Roger Graham, Ryan Ferguson and Ryan Johnson. Canadian: Maureen MacNeil from the Fredericton Lifesaving Club was the sole New Brunswick athlete at the Canadian Pool Lifesaving Championships in Edmonton, AB in May. New Brunswick co-hosted the Canadian Surf Lifesaving Championships at Parlee Beach, August with 27 athletes from four New Brunswick clubs competing. New Brunswick athletes earned four silver and four bronze medals. Parlee Beach Lifesaving Club was the top performing New Brunswick team (5 th overall) winning two silver and four bronze medals. Congratulations to Gabriel Selway (Saint John) on his silver medal performance in the Men s Open Surf Swim earning him New Brunswick s only invitation to the 2017 Canadian Lifeguard Challenge on August 6, Special thanks to the 16 NB officials and volunteers who worked this championship. Together, we made history with NB seeing its largest athlete and officials delegation to date at a national championship. Training and certification Nine junior athletes, ages 7 to 14 years, enhanced their skills for the first time in a full day of training. An additional nine NB Youth & Open athletes simultaneously participated in the annual surf craft clinic hosted by Simon LeBlanc at Parlee Beach on July 24. Former and current National Team members Alexandra Ferguson (Whitby), James Verreault (Ottawa), Emily Verreault (Ottawa) and Ryan Ferguson (Fredericton) delivered the clinic. Alexandra and James stayed for the New Brunswick Waterfront Championships competing with and mentoring New Brunswick athletes Nikita Spencer and Jon Fullarton throughout the competition. New Brunswick Report 7

10 Member Services Member Services develops and maintains the corporate functions, systems and infrastructure required to support and service the membership of the Society. Governance The National Society (Lifesaving Society Canada) is governed by a Board of Directors nominated by Branches and elected by the members at the Society s AGM. National commissions are led by volunteer commissioners who report to the Board of Directors. These commissions are: Public Education, Training Programs, Lifesaving Sport, Aquatic Safety Standards and International Relations. A management team is comprised of senior staff of the 10 provincial/ territorial Branches. New Brunswick Board of Directors An elected volunteer Board of Directors governs the Lifesaving Society New Brunswick in accordance with its mission and bylaws. Directors are elected for a two-year term by the Society s membership at the annual general meeting. No person or body external to the Society is entitled to appoint any directors. In November 2016, Wendy Smith was appointed to the Board as VP Finance replacing Kate Gagnon who had resigned April. There were no other changes to the Board. Activity centre councils Activity centre councils are composed of chairs, appointed by the Board of Directors for a two year term, who oversee specific portfolios necessary to manage the work of the activity centres. Chairs recruit and develop committee members. A vice president, or another individual appointed by the Board of Directors, chairs each activity centre council. Annual Meeting and Investiture The City of Saint John hosted the Society s Annual General Meeting and Governor s Investiture on April 30. Society Governor, Frederick C. McElman, presided at the presentation of Commonwealth Honour Awards, which recognize volunteer leadership and service to the Society. The Service Commendation honours volunteers for significant contributions to the aims of the Society. In 2016, Service Commendations were awarded to Stefanie Adkins (Saint John) and Jaqueline McDermott (Saint John). The Service Medal acknowledges a minimum of five years of noteworthy service as a volunteer officer or committee member. Recipients are eligible for a Bar to Service Medal at intervals of four years. In 2016, Maureen Hanlon (Saint John) and Stephen Hanlon (Saint John) received the Bar to Service Medal. The Service Cross honours meritorious service of at least 15 years. Recipients are eligible for a Bar to Service Cross at intervals of five years. In 2016, the Service Cross was awarded to Marcel McLaughlin (Shippagan). Information and communication services The Society continued to provide services to Affiliate and Individual Members in both official languages. All public member services, training program and lifesaving sport publications are released in English and French, including the five 2016 issues of Society s Splash newsletter. Adam Munn and Angela Johnson remain active on the Leadership Task Force responsible for revision the Society s leadership training literature. In November, Angela Johnson and Joey Doucet represented New Brunswick at the Bronze Medal Awards Revision meeting in Toronto. Our office continues to upgrade its IT capacity and infrastructure to provide efficient and timely service. In August we added a second phone line to handle increased call volume from members and increased the number of work stations in the office. Headquarters and office staff With its lease expiring the Society purchased and renovated a new Fredericton headquarters at 70 Melissa Street, and moved in on August 3. The new location provides generous space for offices, meetings and warehousing with ample free parking. The new permanent headquarters provides more efficient space to better serve our members and the people of New Brunswick. The Society employs managers for Training Program and Member Services. Angela Johnson continued as Training Program Manager and Ryan Ferguson continued as Member Services Manager. Doug Ferguson continued as Chief Executive Officer. The Society employed summer students Alex Mullin and Carter Small to assist with the increased support required from the office during the summer months. 8 Lifesaving Society

11 Governor Frederick C. McElman, CM, QC Lifesaving Society New Brunswick Board of Directors Stephen Hanlon, President David Dumont, President Elect Doug Trentowsky, Past President Wendy Smith, Vice President Finance Sarah Price, Corporate Secretary Mikaël Doucet, Vice President Member Services Adam Munn, Vice President Training Programs Lisa Hanson Ouellette, Vice President Lifesaving Sport Marcel McLaughlin, Vice President without portfolio Leah Nixon, Vice President without portfolio Council Chairs Lifesaving Sport Council Roger Graham, Coaches and Officials Maureen McNeil, Athlete Rep (Front, from left) Governor Frederick C. McElman, President Stephen Hanlon (Back, from left) Jacqueline McDermott, Stefanie Adkins, Marcel McLaughlin, Maureen Hanlon Training Programs Council Joey Doucet, Bronze Revisions Carlie Dunbar, Swim for Life Sarah Hebb, Leadership Tim Williamson, First Aid and National Lifeguard Programs Member Services Council Samantha Kuhn, Volunteer Recognition Luc Sonier, Annual Conference Her Majesty The Queen greets Doug Trentowsky at her Buckingham Palace reception marking the 125th Anniversary of the Royal Life Saving Society. The event was co-hosted by Commonwealth President HRH Prince Michael of Kent and attended by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, HRH Princess Michael of Kent, and TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester New Brunswick Report 9

12 Fundraising Fundraising activities contribute to the mission of the Society by raising money to support our drowning prevention priorities. Donor Clubs The Society s donor clubs acknowledge individuals who donate funds towards the Society s work. In 2016, the Society received donations from the following; Distinction Club ($500 or more): David Dumont, Doug Ferguson, Arthur Irving and Sandra Irving, Fred C. McElman Merit Club ($300 to $499): No donations Bronze Club ($100 to $299): Alexandra Ferguson, Beth and Ryan Ferguson, Wendy Mahony, Doug Trentowsky Friends of the Society ($25 to $99): Robbie Giles In Memoriam and Tribute Donations The Society is honoured to receive donations in memory or in honour of individuals. We received no donations in this category in Partners and supporters The work of the Lifesaving Society is made possible in part due to the generous support of our partners and supporters. We thank the Government of New Brunswick for its continued generous support of the Lifesaving Society. We thank Parlee Beach Provincial Park, which again provided one of the best waterfront venues in the country for our New Brunswick Waterfront Lifeguard Championships and the Canadian Surf Lifesaving Championships. We are grateful to PotashCorp Civic Centre in the Town of Sussex, our host for the 2016 New Brunswick Pool Lifeguard Championships. We thank the City of Saint John, which hosted the Society s 2016 Annual General Meeting and Investiture of Commonwealth Honours. Donate to the Lifesaving Society online. Visit and click the Donate Now button. A new window will open where you have options to direct your donation to specific funds or causes. We celebrated 125 years of Royal Life Saving Society drowning prevention throughout the Commonwealth in Lifesaving Society Canada International Relations Commissioner, Bob Clark, chaired the Commonwealth 125 th Anniversary Steering Committee. Among the many celebratory events and projects, the Society set an ambitious drowning prevention goal the introduction of survival swimming in every Commonwealth nation. A significant step was the publication in February of the RLSS Survival Swimming Guide developed under the leadership of Lifesaving Society Ontario s public education director, Barbara Byers. The year ended in royal style at a Buckingham Palace reception hosted by the Society s Commonwealth Patron, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II herself a Lifesaving Society award holder. From small beginnings in London in 1891, the Royal Life Saving Society today encompasses thousands of volunteers and millions of lifesavers in 27 Member Branches working to eliminate drowning among the Commonwealth s 2.2 billion people. As a member of Lifesaving Society Canada, you share the outstanding heritage of our worldwide humanitarian charity and its lifesaving ideals. Thank you for being part of the global effort to eliminate drowning. 10 Lifesaving Society