The RLSS (Royal Life Saving Society) and GLL ( Greenwich Leisure Limited) have signed a partnership agreement for the delivery of Swimming Pool lifeguarding courses for the next three years until the end of 2022.

GLL  is the UK’s largest public swimming pool operator with 140 pools and over 5,000 lifeguards;  RLSS is the UK’s largest lifeguarding qualifications provider in the UK.  The move will save money and provide a secure training partnership that guarantees the highest standards in GLL’s pools and sustainable career pathways for thousands of lifeguards and swim teachers.

All GLL’s lifeguards are trained in the RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Qualification and its swimming teachers enjoy the benefits of the National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches.

The RLSS and GLL are both focused on improving overall participation in swimming and creating environments and qualifications that reflect how modern pools should be operated.

Chris Hebblewhite, Associate Director for Standards and Compliance at GLL said: “GLL are delighted to be working with RLSS to improve swimming pool safety with the intention of getting more people, more active, more often.  Safe and well-maintained pools encourage repeat visits and as a social enterprise we need to support the health of local communities in this way.

“Nationally, there is a shortage of lifeguards and the industry desperately needs to attract young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, something that both our organisations are passionate about.”

Robert Gofton, CEO of RLSS UK added: “We believe that lifeguards should reflect our wider society and that everyone, irrespective of their background, disability, faith, gender, race and sexual orientation, should be able to take advantage of the many benefits of lifeguarding.”

“We are delighted to partner with a forward-thinking organisation like GLL, to deliver pool lifeguarding courses and encourage more people from all backgrounds to join the lifeguarding community.”