Lifesaving: Story of the Royal Life Saving Society

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Water is not a natural environment for mankind, but since early times he has been aware of the need to survive out of his element and to develop rescue techniques. It is known that mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and cardiac massage have been practised for thousands of years. It was not until 1891, however, that The Swimmers' Life Saving Society was formed to combat a rising annual toll of over 2000 deaths through drowning. Over the years The Royal Life Saving Society, as it is now known, has been hugely successful in preventing needless suffering through providing instruction to the public, training lifesavers and lifeguards and generally raising public awareness of safety in the water. The organization has grown to become the recognized leader in lifesaving education, with programmes in water safety, rescue and resuscitation being conducted in over 50 countries around the world. The Society's members are all volunteers. This book is a tribute to their achievements, and aims to evoke the perils and pleasures of lifesaving and to bring new life to the Society's motto - "Whomsoever you see in distress, recognize in him a fellow man".