The purpose of the SLSA Wales Lifesaving Commission is to lead and oversee all lifesaving, lifeguard training, rescue, first aid, and related operational activities within the Surf Life Saving Association of Wales. It supports SLSA Wales' overall mission "to prevent the loss of life through drowning."

Key Responsibilities of the Lifesaving Commission

  • Develop and maintain lifesaving standards across Wales.

  • Organise and oversee training and qualifications, including:

    • National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ)

    • Lifeguard Trainer and Assessor awards

    • First Aid and Life Support qualifications

    • Inshore Rescue Boat training and related awards.

  • Ensure volunteers remain competent and current in rescue techniques, sea safety, resuscitation, first aid, and physical fitness standards.

  • Provide guidance and support to clubs, tutors, assessors, and lifeguards throughout Wales.

  • Contribute to the strategic delivery of SLSA Wales objectives, working as one of the four commissions that underpin the Board of Trustees. The commissions are responsible for delivering activities that help the organisation fulfil its charitable purpose.

  • Act as the link between grassroots clubs and the Board of Trustees, ensuring operational and training issues are represented at a national level.

 

 

In Simple Terms

The Lifesaving Commission is the body within SLSA Wales that ensures Welsh Surf Lifesavers are appropriately trained, qualified, assessed, and supported so that they can perform beach patrols, rescues, first aid, and water safety activities safely and effectively. It is the commission responsible for the technical and operational delivery of lifesaving across the organisation.

Becoming a Lifesaver

Anyone can become a member of a Surf Life Saving Club. There are many different forms of membership. If you are aged over 15 and a competent swimmer you can enrol as an active member and train to becoming a lifesaver. To find out more ask at your local surf lifesaving club.

 

The volunteer Beach Lifeguards are the unsung heroes of the sea. Their record in of averaging 53 rescues a year, speaks volumes for all their hard work and dedication in providing such a service to the community. A summary of these volunteers, efforts,  are shown below.

Incident Figures - 10 Year Average Yearly Figures

Incident Type

Number

Rescues

53

Assistance

23

First Aid

59

Medivac

25

Lost Person

8

Advice Given

54

Water incidents requiring emergency response

15

Other Incidents

15

The relatively low rescue figures are due in part to the vigilance of Lifeguard Patrols in keeping the public safe. SLSA Wales are committed to further reduce these figures by working in partnership with Water Safety Wales and fully implement the Wales Drowning Prevention Strategy 2026 – 2030. Click Here

Incidents and rescues would not be possible unless the lifesavers were trained to be proficient in reading and understanding the sea conditions, rescue techniques, resuscitation, first aid, and had a minimum standard of physical fitness.

It is the task of SLSA Wales to provide the opportunities for our members to qualify and be continually updated in these areas. Typically, throughout the year courses are provided in: Beach Lifeguarding (NVBLQ), Lifeguard Trainer, Lifeguard Assessor, First Aid, Life Support and Inshore Rescue Boats. For further information on Lifesaving in Wales please contact:  lifesaving@slsawales.org.uk  

SLSA WALES ONLINE INCIDENT REPORT FORM

 

Useful Contacts

Lifesaving Commission Chair

Geraint Rees

e-mail:  lifesaving@slsawales.org.uk 

 

Secretary to Technical Commission

Ron Braddon

e-mail:  lifesaving_sec@slsalwales.org.uk 

 

SLSA Wales ~ Development Tutor

Hugh Murray & Grace Morgan

e-mail:  lifesaving_development@slsawales.org.uk

 

Regional Tutor ~ Vale of Glamorgan

Vacant - Contac Geraint Rees

e-mail:  lifesaving_east@slsawales.org.uk 

 

Regional Tutor ~ Bridgend and District

Andy Morgan

e-mail:  lifesaving_bridgend@slsawales.org.uk

 

Regional Tutor ~South West Wales

Paul Williams

e-mail:  lifesaving_south@slsawales.org.uk 

 

Regional Tutor ~ West Wales

Andrew Thomas

e-mail:  lifesaving_west@slsawales.org.uk

 

SLSA Wales Awards Administrator

Richard Kedward

e-mail:  lifesaving_awards@slsawales.org.uk 

 

Regional Tutor ~ North Wales

Roger Pierce

e-mail:  lifesaving_north@slsawales.org.uk