The Royal Life Saving Society Canada Newfoundland and Labrador Branch Incorporated

The Royal Life Saving Society Canada Newfoundland and Labrador Branch Incorporated is the provincial branch of the national Lifesaving Society in Canada. It operates as a registered charity with the primary mission of preventing drowning and water-related injuries through education, training, and public awareness programs.

Overview

As a provincial branch of the Royal Life Saving Society Canada (RLSSC), the Newfoundland and Labrador Branch carries forward the national organization's mandate by focusing on aquatic safety within the Newfoundland and Labrador region. It delivers a variety of water safety programs, including lifesaving, swimming, lifeguard, and leadership training courses.

Mission and Activities

The branch's mission aligns with that of the Lifesaving Society Canada — to prevent drowning and aquatic injuries through training programs, public education initiatives branded as Water Smart®, aquatic safety management services, drowning research, and sponsoring lifesaving sports. It promotes safety practices in boating and water recreation, with special attention to demographics at higher risk, such as males and children under 12 years old.

The branch serves as an important resource for water safety education, regularly publishing drowning statistics and safety reports specific to Newfoundland and Labrador. Its programs aim to foster safe behaviors around water bodies and promote the wearing of lifejackets, especially since boating without lifejackets is a leading risk factor for drowning in the region.

Relationship to National and International Bodies

The Newfoundland and Labrador Branch is part of the Lifesaving Society network, which includes other provincial and territorial branches across Canada. The national body is a full member of the International Life Saving Federation and the Commonwealth Royal Life Saving Society, serving as Canada's representative in these international organizations. The Society sets national standards for lifeguarding certification and aquatic safety.

Organizational Information

The branch is a registered charity (Business Registration Number 132378134RR0001) recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency. It operates independently but in close coordination with the national organization to execute water safety initiatives tailored to the local community's needs.

Each year, the branch supports thousands of Canadians in Newfoundland and Labrador who participate in its various training programs designed to enhance aquatic safety and reduce drowning incidents.

Public Engagement

The branch maintains a comprehensive online presence to distribute information, registration services, and resources related to water safety training and drowning prevention. It also provides access to aquatic supplies and training materials through an online store.

This branch exemplifies the Lifesaving Society’s enduring commitment since its founding in Canada in 1896 to enhance aquatic safety and reduce preventable water-related incidents through education, research, and community involvement.