Surf Life Saving GB helps protect people around inland waters including rivers, canals, lakes and flood-affected areas.
Through training, prevention activity and specialist volunteer teams, we support communities across the UK to stay safer in changing environmental conditions, helping reduce risk, improve awareness and respond when incidents occur.
Our trained volunteers contribute to safer inland environments through prevention, preparedness and response.
As climate change increases flood risk and inland water use continues to grow, community-based volunteers play an increasingly important role in local safety.
In recent years, Surf Life Saving GB has:
Much of our inland work focuses on prevention.
Surf Life Savers help communities understand the risks associated with inland water environments, including:
Strong currents and hidden hazards
Cold water shock
Flood conditions
Urban waterways and canals
By promoting awareness and safer behaviours, we help reduce the likelihood of accidents before they happen.
Some Surf Life Saving GB clubs operate patrols and safety activity in inland locations such as:
These patrols provide:
Safety presence and observation
Community reassurance
Early intervention where appropriate
Support for local events and activity
Surf Life Saving GB has developed specialist capability to support communities during flooding and local emergencies.
Our highly trained flood team works alongside partner agencies and emergency services to coordinate volunteers and provide support where needed.
This may include:
These teams are supported by volunteers trained in rescue techniques, first aid and safeguarding, enabling rapid assistance when communities need it most.
Inland lifesaving is closely linked to community resilience.
Many Surf Life Saving GB clubs are evolving into local hubs that can support communities during emergencies — helping provide trained people, practical skills and equipment.
This growing capability helps communities prepare for events such as:
By investing in training and preparedness, Surf Life Savers help strengthen local resilience long before incidents happen.
Volunteers receive specialist training to ensure they can operate safely around inland water. Training includes:
This ongoing development helps ensure volunteers are ready to support their communities safely and effectively.
You can help make your local community safer.
Whether you want to train, volunteer or support inland resilience activity, there are many ways to get involved.