Surf Life Saving does vital work supporting waterside communities across the UK. From beaches and lakes to fast flowing rivers, the charity provides world class advice and training, volunteer support and rescue services, and community engagement activities. Our volunteers are on alert throughout the year, in every season, often after paid patrols have gone home.
In the past week alone, we have had 41 lifesaving preventions reported and seen two remarkable rescues hit the news, both led by Surf Lifesaving members. Their exceptional courage and foresight saved 3 lives in Holywell Bay and at Saunton Sands.
On Friday 25th April in a “textbook rescue” Oscar, a member of Saunton Sands SLSC, paddled to the aid of a man who had been hit on the head by his board, leaving him temporarily paralysed in heavy surf at Saunton Sands, Devon. Working alone, Oscar pulled Gavin Bowden, 60, on to his board, signalled to the shore for help and kept him afloat for about 30 minutes before the RNLI inshore lifeboat arrived – read more here.
On the 30th April two members from Holywell Bay SLSC spotted a father and his eight-year-old young son in an inflatable kayak off Holywell Bay, Cornwall, after they had been caught by an offshore wind on Wednesday. The pair paddled out to them on rescue boards and pulled them back safely to the beach. – read more here
The lifesaving community are really proud of these rescues, and the other interventions and patrols that members complete every week.
As the summer season gets underway and beaches, lakes and rivers become increasingly busy, raising the prospect of further incidents, our trained lifeguard volunteers across Great Britain will be standing ready to help.
To support this critical work CEO Anna Smee is leading a programme to revitalise Surf Life Saving GB, ensuring they can continue to save lives, train the next generation of life savers, and respond to evolving community and environmental needs. Anna is an experienced CEO who has led charities and commercial businesses focused on delivering positive social impact. She is also an avid sportswoman who has competed in rowing and triathlon, and enjoys spending time kitesurfing, paddleboarding and cold water swimming.
With Anna at the helm, 2025 looks set to be an exciting year for Surf Life Saving GB, as the charity gears up for the next 70 years!
