CENTRES

SURF LIFE SAVING GB

1 INTRODUCTION

PAGE 2012 – a year of contrast – tough, but ultimately rewarding! 1 Chairman’s Introduction 2 Chief Executive’s Welcome A blustery wet summer yet great groundswell; Personally, I have been inspired this year by our 3 Impact 2012 challenging financial times yet bountiful ideas and sportsmen and women both at the national level and in 3 Heroes of the Surf Winners enthusiasm; tighter regulations and more onerous the international arena, and my congratulations go to 4 Surf Life Saving GB in 2012 processes yet more flexible and passionate people. It all who competed and achieved. My commitment to ‘be SLSGB launches first ever flood rescue team often seems the way that when a system is stressed in part of it’ in 2013 is greater contribution to regional and one direction, it counters to retain balance. 2012 has seen national competitions for both myself and my club. SLSGB launches Event Water Safety Guidelines document SLSGB achieving a great balance. Buckingham Palace lunch celebrates signing of new strategic partnership Looking forward, I know we are all committed to Patrolling project Our staff team have done an awesome job in continuing supporting the organisation’s efforts to build the From the Commissions to build a capable organisation with fit for purpose capability and capacity of every club and every member 6 Centres processes and systems that better support the needs to save lives. Our foundation – sixty years of experience of clubs and members within a very tight budget. – gives us a great platform on which to build a dynamic SLSGB Clubs and exciting future. However, this platform needs a strong Safeguarding and welfare The new Board of Trustees, from diverse backgrounds evidence base in order to communicate our impact. It is in life saving and industry, have gelled well and begun Patrolling clear we will need greater support and funds to continue applying their individual skills and passions in helping to Fundraising building our organisation. Sponsors and supporters need shape our organisation. For these efforts, I thank them. Facilities this evidence and an understanding of the impact of 8 Club News Continued dialogue with key partners including the RNLI, the thousands of volunteering hours we all contribute, Surf life savers at the Olympic Games SLS Wales, RLSS and Surf Life Saving ensures we whether training, , running our clubs, protecting Exeter Chiefs put to the pre-season test by Exmouth Rescue are not only recognised but also supported in delivering and serving our communities or participating in sport. essential lifesaving services that are beginning to make 9 Education Finally, I am extremely proud to take on the role of a difference. Education Pathways Project Chairman of SLSGB and my thanks must go to David Grose National Update The whole organisation has managed its finances to a for his stewardship and passion for the organisation over New Inland waters award balanced position through the loyalty of current members, the years. Our organisation still has much potential to MIS usage transforms education administration our growing membership, the generosity of the Kennedy deliver and I, for one, am looking forward to doing my bit! Club members, corporate support and many trusts and Women in Waves makes a splash in North Devon Thank you all for your efforts and continued support of grants. This, set against a reducing income from our Junior the organisation and its direction. Here’s to a fun, safe partnerships and general economic environment, is a 12 Events and rewarding 2013. heroic effort. British Life Saving Sport Pool Championships Pete Lawrence British Life Saving Sport Surf Championships Chairman Long distance events SWELL British IRB Championships International IRB Challenge Performance Youth Performance Photos in this annual review with thanks to: Simon Buck, Andrea Hewitt, 16 Grateful Thanks Mark Lakeman, Steffi Marks, Julie Matraves-Piotrowicz, 17 Events Calendar 2013 Adam Wooler, Newquay SLSC, Tenby SLSC

2 1 IMPACT 2012

MEMBERS TRAINED THROUGH SLSGB 2012 has been an amazing year. Collectively we achieved all our goals for the year: over 6,000 members, 3,400 awards, 2,700 event participants and 68 clubs.

When I reflect on the highs of 2012, I am proud of Last year I laid down a challenge to ‘be part of it’ – time OF OUR MEMBERS the commitment of the management team; staff and to recap – are you? ARE FEMALE volunteers ‘working’ as one to achieve our operational goals. I am proud of the huge number of club officers Get on board. SLSGB is its members. Giving your time, YOUNG PEOPLE ARE MEMBERS who have embraced the MIS and the opportunity it ideas, connections, loyalty and energy to your club, region OF SLSGB (55% YOUTH) presents to become more administratively efficient, and at national level will create a stronger whole for the resulting in better use of our time delivering the benefits benefit of every member. of surf life saving to more people. Be ‘up for it’. Challenge yourself to learn, improve and Educationally, the number of Trainers, Assessors, Coaches grow. Reach out and create more opportunities for others LIVES and Tutors who have thrown themselves into our ‘pathways to share your experience. project’ (see page 10) has been incredible, and they have SAVED Be a critical friend. Challenging ourselves will mean we all have challenged themselves to continually improve. They get it wrong sometimes. Help one another to see what’s RESCUES DURING are the embodiment of ‘professional’ volunteers and should not working and what can be done to fix it, making it VOLUNTEER PATROLS be very proud of their achievements. better and stronger for the future. When it’s right, share it I am delighted that the strength, diversity and leadership of with others. the Board of Trustees is driving the organisation forward. MINOR INJURIES Be proud. Surf Lifesavers achieve amazing things. You ATTENDED TO can help the stronger whole by being counted for the VOLUNTEER PATROL HOURS things you achieve. By celebrating our own successes, others will also.

In my spare time, I have committed to being part of it as a member and volunteer. Everyone involved in SLSGB is totally Here’s how I’ve got on… committed to success and achieving our vision

Esther’s personal volunteer scorecard to reach 20,000 people every year – even our office burning down didn’t get in the way! We Congratulations to the following winners of Heroes of the Surf awards 2012 Get on board Set up new club in Torbay, with a seniors section, hundreds have reviewed every aspect of our work plan Bravery Award Gold Jamie Rowlands Services to the Regional Community Tracy Lark of Junior , beach summertime patrol. Awarded to chart our course for the year ahead. What £70K of funding to rebuild current ‘ice cream kiosk’ home. we must do in 2013 is evidence our collective Bravery Award Gold Andy Waterfield Services to Life Saving Sport Carolyn Devine Be up for it Bravery Award Gold David Marney Services to Life Saving Sport Clare Frank Beach lifeguard course in early 2012 - qualified as a surf volunteer power to enable us to harness support lifesaver. Missed lifeguard time by 24 seconds – not bad, at local, regional and national level. A new MIS Bravery Award Gold Martin Marney Services to Life Saving Sport Joe Deasy could do better. Took part in coaching course. module will soon be launched to enable you to do Bravery Award Commendation Lily Derges Services to Life Saving Sport Gerard Hughes Be a critical friend Set aside worries of negative comments from others and this easily. Please use it – it’s time the world knew Bravery Award Commendation Nick Ayers Sports Person of the year Sophie Moore shared my experience with funding applications and club what surf life saving was all about. Bravery Award Commendation Daniel Tyler Services to lifesaving Adrian Mayhew development plan. Challenged any club officer who said Bravery Award Commendation Rory Abel Services to the Regional Community Shaun Challis their clubs were full - not one club in SLSGB is anywhere Thank you for being in it, at it and on it in 2012. Bravery Award Commendation Jobe Harriss Services to the Regional Community Seaford Lifeguards near full. Be proud Bravery Award Commendation Ella Henwood-Walter Volunteer of the Year Duncan Norris It goes against the grain but I will share this record of Certificate of Merit Teignmouth SLSC achievement with all members. I am proud of what I have Certificate of Merit Anthea McCoy achieved in my spare time for my community and for my children. Certificate of Merit Don Duffield 2 3 SLSGB IN 2012

From the Commissions Lifesaving Commission

In October Adrian Mayhew became acting Commissioner and the permanent position will be voted on at the AGM.

Over 2012 the Commission continued to look at best practice and advice, and has also started working closely with the educational team by providing technical advice for the new modular learning pathways to be brought in during 2013/14. With our medical advisor Paddy Morgan, we have worked on providing even more comprehensive and up to date directives on better patient care including airway management and haemorrhage control.

Finally our National Water Safety Guidelines for all aspects of water safety is now completed. This framework acts as a national standard for how we will deliver patrols or water safety for events around the country. This, and the inspection process to assist clubs and teams, will further improve standards delivered by SLSGB for a safer and improving educational community.

Adrian Mayhew, Lifesaving Commissioner

Sport Commission

In 2012 the Sport Commission brought in additional safety measures in events, following SLSGB launches first ever SLSGB launches Event Buckingham Palace Patrolling project new guidelines issued by Surf Life Saving Australia, with the introduction of high visibility flood rescue team Water Safety Guidelines lunch celebrates Thanks to Safety Officer Adrian rash vests for all competitors. Water safety personnel found the rash vests made competitors far more visible and therefore made their job easier. It was much appreciated that all the In May, South Worcester Lifeguard Club document signing of new strategic Mayhew, in 2012 we created a ‘framework for patrolling members accepted the new changes and bought into it, and the events ran very smoothly launched two new boats in Evesham, SLSGB joined forces with RoSPA (The Royal partnership and events’ document setting and professionally. Worcestershire, to celebrate becoming the Society for the Prevention of Accidents) in We welcomed members of the newly out minimum standards and The Sport Commission is aware that life saving sport as a whole needs to grow through first ever individual club to be qualified to 2012 to create the first ever comprehensive formed Kennedy Club to Buckingham expectations for clubs that wish increased participation opportunities, and this year the introduction of a novice category work alongside first responder emergency Event Water Safety Guidance document to Palace for a special lunch generously to patrol or provide water safety in the Board Series and a new open water swim – ‘The Big Bay Dip’ added to the services during national flood emergencies help SLSGB clubs and other organisations hosted by our chief patron HRH The Duke cover. Previously, although there opportunities available. in England and Wales. The team is named handling water-based activities. of Edinburgh, K.G., K.T. in November. was fantastic work undertaken South Worcester Flood Rescue Team. The Commission needs support from the members to feed ideas and experience to shape the Sponsored by Lloyd’s insurer Sportscover by many SLSGB clubs, there was His Royal Highness was thanked for future of life saving sport in Great Britain and it was agreed that new development groups In 2012 the club was awarded £72,500 and with support from Derby University, very little guidance or standards his support from the very beginning of will be created, under the banner of the Sport Commission. These will be focused on key from DEFRA’s Flood Rescue National the guide is a result of extensive research for clubs to aspire to. With this SLSGB: it was 65 years ago whilst on areas of development to help the growth of SLS sport in all areas including from Nippers and Enhancement Project fund to create the into water injuries and deaths over guidance we now have greater honeymoon in Australia on the Royal novice level, to elite competition and everything in between. South Worcester Flood Rescue Team. The clarity of roles and responsibilities a variety of water sports. It will be Yacht Britannia that HRH first saw surf life funding has enabled them to purchase for patrols, and in respect of event Nigel Bowden, Sport Commissioner available to local authorities, charities, saving in action. He was so motivated two flood rescue boats and train safety cover. Now clubs have sports organisations, event operators by what he saw that he decided to bring members to DEFRA’s training standards defined standards this should and leisure companies and includes home a reel and line as inspiration to Regional Commission used by emergency services in flooding. result in increased assurance to emergency planning, how to choose the educate more people in Great Britain Ten South Worcester members have been the public and local authorities. As a commission 2012 was a quiet year, but the Regions themselves have been working hard right equipment, risk assessment and about saving lives by the sea. Our chief trained so far, with further numbers being to create and facilitate new activity. There are some great examples of good practice other health and safety advice. patron’s support is as strong as ever, for trained in 2013. of regional surf life saving activity around Great Britain. David Walker, leisure safety manager which we are very grateful. SLSGB President David Grose and SLSA President Graham Ford sign, The South Worcester Flood Rescue Team for RoSPA, said: “The rationale for this The Cornwall Region holds an annual carnival event called the Max Hocking Fun Day – a day At the lunch we also welcomed watched by HRH The Duke of is on call 365 days of the year and can be of fun activity on the beach that aims to introduce youngsters to the sport of lifesaving. The guidance is to bring together good policies Graham Ford, Surf Life Saving Australia Edinburgh deployed anywhere nationwide. They are fun day also hopes to increase club Nipper membership and encourage smaller clubs to start on water safety to help site managers and (SLSA) President and recently elected coordinated under the Fire and Rescue Nipper sections. It is hosted by different clubs each year to help promote the work they do. ultimately save lives, especially with more President of the International Life National Coordination Centre, and once When the event started more than 15 years ago at St. Agnes around 150 Nippers took part; people taking part in open swimming Saving Federation, and we signed a new deployed, they work to save now there is in excess of 500 children each year. At the event all Nippers are divided into events and similar sports.” strategic partnership with Surf Life Saving lives and render humanitarian teams on the day, and with many different clubs being involved it means children are able Australia. We are delighted that SLSA’s aid where required. to establish new friendships and get to know children from other clubs. Events on the beach commitment to provide resources and and in the ocean are on offer, along with beach games and a tug-of-war. In 2012 Crantock man power to us for the next two years were hosts as it was their first year of introducing Nippers to the club. It was a huge success will enable more people to take part in and as a result they have planned to take part in all Nipper competitions in 2013. exchanges to share and gain knowledge. Diane Green, Regional Commissioner

4 5 CENTRES

Patrolling In 2012, 35 of our clubs offered a patrol service on their local beach. Of these clubs, 20 have an IRB and 21 are able to administer oxygen at the scene of an incident.

Like many of our clubs, Bude Surf Life Saving Club carries out We were proud to achieve an voluntary patrols, supporting the paid RNLI lifeguards during organisational record-high for busy periods. This year, as a club, Bude SLSC members carried out five rescues during lifeguarded hours and a number of other memberships in 2012, with 6,222 rescues whilst training on the beach, outside of guarded hours. members, an increase of a third over Following a tragic incident during which a lady drowned, Bude SLSC were asked by RNLI to supply volunteer lifeguards to work the past three years. with their staff to help keep a beach open in the Bude area throughout October.

Funding and facilities Twenty three clubs were awarded RNLI support grants in 2012, totalling £28,688. Ranging from £500 to £2,350 the grants are to support the purchasing of new rescue equipment or contribute towards a larger grant project.

Newly formed in 2012, Torbay Surf Life Saving Club was awarded just under £50,000 from Sport England to renovate their premises at Goodrington – a former ice cream kiosk – to including changing facilities and an office. The club was also awarded £10,000 from National Lottery for lifesaving equipment. Safeguarding and welfare Our second oldest Surf Life Saving Club, St. Agnes SLSC, secured We are grateful to all our club Safeguarding Officers and £50,000 in Olympic legacy funding from Sport England’s Inspired other lead volunteers and educators who have supported and Facilities Fund in 2012. The funding will enable them to upgrade managed the safeguarding of our members over the last year. clubhouse facilities including a new enhanced ‘dry area’ to SLSGB is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children support training and development, all supported by renewable within our organisation. By definition, we do everything possible energy to improve sustainability. to minimise the risk of harm to children by putting plans and SLSGB clubs Croyde Surf Life Saving Club celebrated in 2012 when their plans procedures in place to protect them. Our Safeguarding Policy is Surf Life Saving GB volunteers and clubs are the lifeblood for a new state-of-the-art clubhouse, training and beach rescue available on our website for all to refer to. of the organisation. Volunteers devote their time to centre at Croyde beach were granted planning permission. The training and educating communities who live by water: In 2012 we noted an increase in the sharing of information, and centre will be the first ever permanent home for Croyde in its sea, lakes and rivers, and if necessary, providing a we are reassured that our clubs are coming to us for the support 50 year history, and will include emergency first-aid facilities, rescue service. Without SLSGB volunteers, many and guidance we can offer them. We have completed 226 equipment and vehicle storage, changing areas and a large would not have any lifeguard cover at all, and coastal criminal record (CRB) checks over 2012, and in total we have beach safety training room, as well as providing an excellent communities would lack knowledge of their environment over 715 approved volunteer members, with criminal records vantage point for monitoring the beach. It will be shared as and how to stay safe. checks, who are supporting their clubs and regions. a summer base for RNLI lifeguards. The club’s exciting new Our MIS online database provides information at the touch of centre is a result of many hours of members’ work stretching a button for those who have authorised access. A designated over 15 years and they received grants from Rural Development Accredited Training Centres Club Officer can check safeguarding training and criminal record Programme for England (RDPE) via Leader 4 North Devon and Defra to help with the planning process. We were pleased to welcome three new accredited check dates, and use the system to record any other training training centres (ATCs) in 2012, who are now recognised for their members. We have also developed and implemented In August 2012, North Norfolk Surf Life Saving Club officially as providers of surf life saving education within a an online safeguarding training module within our Trainer opened their brand new home – a former public toilet building commercial environment. SLSGB courses are now being courses to ensure our lead educators are receiving a base in Cromer given a £90,000 facelift by North Norfolk District delivered both in the UK and overseas by ATCs, with level of information about how to safeguard members. We Council. The new premises, which the club rent, are complete North Norfolk celebrate opening their new facilities courses delivered in Abu Dhabi, Morocco, France and the continue to emphasise the importance of vigilance amongst club with showers and changing rooms, and were kitted out with a Caribbean in 2012. representatives in volunteer recruitment. £20,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund and Sport England.

6 7 CENTRES EDUCATION

2012 was a great year for education with Surf life savers at the exciting events such as the National Update, Olympic Games a schools education week in Brighton and As water safety experts, SLSGB members are often called upon to a first – Women in Waves – a project to work at high profile water-based events, and London 2012 was no exception. More than 25 members took part as Gamesmakers and engage more women in surf life saving. Llyr Farragher, a member at Polzeath Surf Life Saving Club and SLSGB We had 7-14 year olds training to be the trainer, assessor and safety crew member, played a key role at the Games. Llyr managed a volunteer team responsible for water safety next generation of surf life savers with our at the sprint canoeing; planning and managing the safety cover and Junior Lifeguard award and Trainer Assessors training the other volunteers to bring them up to the highest level.

Reflecting on the games Llyr said: starting to use our online database.

“It was amazing to experience to work with such skilled volunteers What a busy year it was. More members than ever qualified in and to see how much it means to people.“ SLSGB awards and qualifications in 2012, to reach the incredible Along with Llyr, there was representation for SLSGB from David total of 3,453 qualifications. Tidball (Tids), Felicity Elliott and Daniel Thorogood from Exmouth Our most popular awards remain the competencies – participant Beach Rescue; SLSGB medical advisor Lucy Oblensky; Tom Gwilliam awards required to compete in life saving sport, with 824 of from Seaford; Alex Lovell, Simon Lott, Gareth Jones and Gary Parker SLSGB member at Dorney Lake them taken. This is then followed by the Nipper awards, with from Dawlish Warren; Christian Wood; Luisa Petta and Michael Petta 573 awards in 2012. from South Worcester; Bill Ezekiel from Southbourne; Carl Goulding from Potters Bar; a huge number from Saunton Sands including Jan, SLSGB Surf and Beach Lifeguard awards remain the qualifications Paul, Jon and Rob Reid, Lucy Smith, Richard Harrison, Gill Hevingham, of choice to work on beaches, with 485 members qualifying Cara Deasy, Joe Deasy, Dave Worms, Julie Turner and Simon Luton. in 2012. We also have seen a rise in the number of water and industry safety qualifications taken, especially the Surf Coach Safety and Rescue qualification which was taken by 312 members. In 2012 we had 72 newly qualified coaches, who will Exeter Chiefs put to the now be leading training sessions in their clubs. pre-season test by Exmouth Surf & Beach Lifeguard + proficiency 1037 Surf Life Saver/Lifeguard Support 66

Beach Rescue Surf Coach Safety & Rescue 312 The Exeter Chiefs rugby union squad were put through some tough Coasteering 25 challenges on Exmouth Beach in July by SLSGB member David Tidball Chiefs Josh Tatapu and Phil Dolman (aka ‘Tids’) and his volunteer lifeguards from Exmouth Beach Rescue IRB/ISB 70 as part of the squad’s pre-season training. take on a beach run Trainer Foundation 21 Tids was asked to design a course for the Premiership side to test Trainer/Assessor Updates 112 their ability in an alien environment and they completed activities that stretched them mentally as well as physically. Nipper awards 573

Mark Twiggs, the Chiefs’ head fitness and conditioning coach said: Competencies 824

“It was great to watch the team cope with the exercises provided Coach Level 1 and 2 72 by Exmouth Beach Rescue. The boys got cold as the temperatures dropped and it lashed down, but they kept going, proving Inland Waters Safety Awareness 28 themselves again and again.”

8 9 EDUCATION

Education Pathways Project New inland waters award One of the biggest developments in 2012 was the beginning of The SLSGB Inland Waters Safety Awareness was launched at Women a process to unitise all SLSGB awards to create a clear education South Worcester Lifeguard Club at an event in May. Aimed in pathway for both participants and educators. at people who spend time in, on or near water for work and pleasure, the SLSGB Inland Waters Lifeguard and SLSGB Inland All of the awards have been split into units that can be makes a splash Wavesin North Devon Waters Safety Awareness is essential training to ensure the completed as a whole to achieve an award, or as individual In June, Surf Life Saving Devon launched a new taster session public’s safety in inland waters environments. units over a period of time, either for personal development for women wanting to gain more water confidence in the sea, or to eventually progress onto the completion of an award. We The course provides essential water safety knowledge that ‘Women in Waves’. Aimed at women aged over 30, Women have also created a new online learning environment that will not only includes practical action for dealing with getting into in Waves was the brainchild of Woolacombe SLSC’s Tracy Lark. enable both deliverers and candidates to access a variety of difficulty, but also fulfils Health & Safety 1974 Act, sections 2 & The full day session was designed to increase surf safety and teaching and learning resources, as well as videos and activities. 3 and fulfils DEFRA National Occupation Standards. The award is confidence, improve sea swimming techniques and gain board In addition to this we have now improved the standard of our SLSGB accredited and is delivered by SLSGB accredited Trainers. paddling skills, with the day culminating in the participants courses by ensuring that they align with national awarding achieving surf life saving level 1 awards. body guidelines in terms of content. This is a significant step Following the taster sessions, further weekly sessions were in helping us to progress in the future to become accredited by MIS usage transforms run at Woolacombe beach and now more than ten women are such awarding bodies. education administration regularly attending pool swimming sessions. When complete, the unitisation will transform the way our In 2012, all Trainers and Assessors were given access to, and courses are run and make it easier for everyone involved to training for, our Member Information System (MIS). Although it either deliver or complete these valued courses. has been a long process to get everybody up to speed with the online database, it has significantly improved administration of courses. We have also tried to listen to suggestions and National Update 2012 recommendations and have made changes to the system We were delighted to host the biggest ever National Update, throughout the year in order to make it more efficient and with more than 70 members in attendance. Delegates were user-friendly. treated to an interesting talk on sudden death and prolonged survival in cold water from Professor Mike Tipton from the University of Portsmouth, along with 13 different workshops, ranging from Junior Lifeguard to coasteering and AED. A range of other workshops available to all club officers included marketing and safeguarding. The weekend featured the Heroes of the Surf awards, where SLSGB members were recognised for Junior Lifeguard, our surf safety and beach awareness their hard work. programme for children saw its second year roll out in 2012.

Aimed at children new to the beach environment, it can be delivered to locals or children visiting on holiday. It gives children the opportunity to try out board paddling, surf swimming and beach games whilst learning important safety messages. The course has been very well received by clubs:

Since its launch there have been a number of fundamental “In the world of education there aren’t enough bite-sized taster developments that have enabled us to reach a greater number sessions where the child can come away from the experience of participants and also to implement a delivery structure with a certificate of achievement. Within a club’s well organised through schools. Clubs, Accredited Training Centres and schools coaching structure the Junior Lifeguard programme can be have all delivered the award in 2012 with more than 600 delivered in two hours giving the child a real understanding of children taking part. Surf Lifesaving within an awesome practical session.”

In 2012 the resources were rewritten and revamped and the Brendon Prince, Torbay SLSC Chairman and Head of Outdoor course changed to two and a half hours in duration to fit in line Education at Torquay Boys Grammar School. with surf lessons, and to allow two sessions to be run in a day. “As a teacher and former coach I can say that the package The certification process has been streamlined with clubs taking is very good indeed. We modified the lesson plan at times, control of ordering certificates. This has also enabled clubs to depending on conditions. The feedback from the children and mark up the participant price in order to develop their own parents was very positive and we had quite a few ‘returners’.” income streams, whilst still offering a high quality product at a price competitive with other surf sports providers. Adam Frere-Smith, North Norfolk Surf Life Saving Club

10 11 EVENTS

British Life Saving Sport Surf Championships More than 1,200 competitors took to the beaches of Portreath Woolacombe’s Ellie Parker, 18, won four gold medals including and Polzeath for the British Life Saving Sport Championships the board race and Oceanman in the Youth. Sixteen year old 2012. The Masters opened the event at Portreath in huge surf Charlotte Hewitt, from Portreath, won with wind and rain added to the mix, but conditions improved an impressive three gold medals and 2012 was a special year for life saving sport, culminating over the week, as did the weather. The Nippers and Open a silver, and Portreath youth captain events were bathed in glorious sunshine. Jamie Green also won three golds. In in the World Lifesaving Championships, Rescue 2012, in the Nippers competition, eight year old Hosts Portreath and Polzeath made a fantastic effort to ensure Evie Wong from Rhoose Surf Life Saving Adelaide, Australia, so for the elite athletes there was a everyone had a brilliant time, from bacon rolls in the morning to Club in Wales had an incredible time, incredible lunches and cakes. lot riding on performances. winning all available individual gold At the Open event, held at Polzeath, competitors arrived medals in her age group. Overall, there were more competitors taking part in life saving sport than ever before, to small surf – completely opposite to the previous year’s An adjustable Icon Ski was awarded with 2,764 over the year. We are grateful to clubs for their support of SLSGB events; in competition – but the small wave created some fantastic races to the most improved Youth 2012, 41 clubs entered our events, and we were delighted to see Lincoln Lifesaving Club with tight finishes. With places in the GB and Northern Ireland team in the ski event, which taking part in our events for the first time. team up for grabs, the competition was tough; we had great was won by Portreath. performances from home grown talent and the addition of SLSGB events continue to be professionally run with the majority of event staff in a Australian medallists meant there was a fantastic atmosphere. In addition to the surf life volunteer capacity; this is testament to all the highly skilled members who dedicate saving action at the Nippers their time to the cause of life saving sport. Event water safety, officials, and team The overall title was won by Portreath for the ninth year running event, sponsors South West management roles are all carried out by volunteers, without whom we would not be – a truly remarkable achievement. Water provided entertainment for able to run our events. George Haynes was the stand-out performer, winning an children aged from two upwards, amazing three individual gold medals, in the surf, board and with fiercely contested sandcastle Oceanman races. British Life Saving Sport Pool Championships 2012 building competitions and mini In the Masters, Dawlish Warren’s Clare Frank won an incredible beach for children wanting Held at Cardiff International Pool for the second year running, the British Life Saving six gold medals, including the prestigious Oceanwoman. to emulate their older siblings. Sport Pool Championships were again a popular event, attracting clubs from all across the country. Competitors travelled from as far afield as Blyth in Northumberland and Northern Ireland – commitment indeed! OPEN SUPER CLUB (based on points scored throughout the pool 1. Portreath and surf championships) OPEN 2. Woolacombe SCORE GOLD SILVER BRONZE 1. Portreath 3. Pen-Y-Bont Portreath SLSC 865.5 13 26 12 2. Woolacombe Crawley LSC 445.5 9 7 21 3. Saunton Sands Woolacombe SLSC 351.5 0 5 8 NIPPER 1. St Ives NIPPER 2. Woolacombe SCORE GOLD SILVER BRONZE 3. Gyllyngvase Woolacombe SLSC 1706 28 31 22 St Ives SLSC 1467 21 12 15 Portreath SLSC 880 4 5 15 YOUTH 1. Portreath YOUTH 2. Woolacombe SCORE GOLD SILVER BRONZE 3. Pen-Y-Bont Portreath SLSC 1269 18 40 10 Blyth LSC 1134 30 11 12 Woolacombe SLSC 641 6 8 4 MASTERS 1. Portreath MASTERS 2. Saunton Sands SCORE GOLD SILVER BRONZE Saunton Sands SLSC 1331 24 18 15 3. Woolacombe Rhoose Lifeguard Club 533 1 5 10 Midland Surf 336 16 10 2

12 13 EVENTS EVENTS

Long distance events SWELLRounding off the summer of life saving sport action In 2012, nearly 200 competitors took part in the British Board this year for the first time we ran SWELL, a weekend of Series sponsored by Bennett, and the British Surf Ski Series beach, ocean and water sports competition at Boscombe, sponsored by Icon Ski. Events ran at venues across the south, with Bournemouth. The largest event of the weekend was the one race at Paddle Round the Pier, held in Brighton and Hove. British IRB Championships, followed by – for the first time - the International IRB Championships. Running either side of The Bennett Board series is going from strength to strength and Boscombe Pier, SWELL also featured surf boats, board, ski, this year we added a new ‘novice’ category. We took the series ocean kayak, open water swim, and Stand Up Paddleboard to three new beaches: Ilfracombe, Broadsands (Torbay) and (SUP) racing. Not only could people take part in competitive Newquay, along with the race in Brighton. The series concluded races but there were also opportunities to try out new at Broadsands where a tight finish meant it was all still to sports, including SUP. paddle for. In many categories the series winners were still not confirmed until the finish of the race, and even then we had some dead heats! British IRB Championships Performance Youth Performance Winners: The British IRB Championships was a great success once Rescue 2012 World Championships – European Junior Life Saving Championships, Sweden Nippers 8-10yrs: Eddie Pearce, Lydia Surridge again. With the event being open to international clubs for Adelaide, Australia The European Championships 2012 was the closest competition Nippers 11-13yrs: David Miller, Morva Hughes the first time, entries were up on previous years. Saunton The GB & NI team Team were put to the test even before they in recent years with Great Britain achieving fourth place overall, Sands retained the overall club title but Bantham SLSC were Novice: Frilly Ansdell, Matt Beardmore reached Australia during a stopover in Singapore. To break the only 24 points behind third placed Spain, the closest we have comprehensive winners of the men’s event. The second Intermediate: Tegan Hughes, Will Holmes long journey the team stopped for a pool training session and ever been to the top three in Europe. day saw the first ever International IRB Teams Challenge Open: (joint) Scott Wood and Andy Surridge some relaxation time. Halfway through the session an elderly event ever held worldwide. Teams of 12 from Great Britain, 1st Italy: 443 points man was hauled from the bottom of the pool after suffering Elite U16yrs: (joint) Josh Surridge and Charlie Haynes, England, Germany, Denmark, Poland, Latvia, Belgium, 2nd Germany: 423 points a suspected heart attack. Noticing the local lifeguards needed Summer Whitely France and competed for the Arancia Trophy. 3rd Spain: 383 points assistance the GB team swung into action co-ordinating and 4th Great Britain: 359 points Senior Elite: Andrew Byatt, Emily Theobald Eventual winners England scraped through on the final assisting in the resuscitation of the man until paramedics arrived. event of the day, the Rescue Relay – a challenging back Ocean Ski results: to back event that combines all the races into one. Once settled into the Rescue 2012 competition village in The girls’ team finished third overall, with a first place finish on Adelaide, the team began with a great start in the pool with the beach, a massive 58 points ahead of Germany, and then Open Masters Women fourth place in the Simulated Emergency Response Competition finished fifth in the pool. 1st Ben Farrell 1st Colin Smith 1st Jenna Hawkey International IRB Challenge (SERC) and getting into all the ‘B’ finals. The team came out The boys’ team finished fifth overall; they finished fourth on the 2nd Glenn Eldridge 2nd Robin Kaye 2nd Tarryn Brown For the first time ever, SLSGB hosted an international IRB of the pool in 14th place which took us into the beach in a beach, just missing out with only two points between them and 3rd Mark Ressel 3rd Andy Parritt 2nd Chloe Bunnett challenge in 2012. Featuring teams from Denmark, Poland, great position. Competition was fierce on the beach with the second place. The boys also finished in fifth position in the pool. France, New Zealand, Germany and Belgium, the competition best in the world all competing for those important places. James Purvis won the first ever gold medal in pool swimming was hot, with England victorious in the men’s competition and Congratulations to our bronze medal winners in the Beach Relay: events for the youth team, in the 50m Manikin Carry. Big Bay Dip Great Britain in the women’s. Second and third placed were GB James Edwards, Chris Parry, George Haynes and Simon Worne. and Denmark in the men’s, and New Zealand and Belgium in Members of the team were also placed in the top 10 of many As part of SLSGB’s aim to provide more people with the opportunity Medals: Team members: the women’s. events and finished in 11th place overall. to get involved in life saving sport, in 2012 we ran our first ever Gold: Rachel Henderson – Portreath open water swim event, at Broadsands, Torbay (Devon). James Purvis Lily Nichols – Woolacombe Team members: Josie William – Run-Swim-Run Ellie Parker – Woolacombe Sixty five swimmers enjoyed the inaugural Big Bay Dip and with George Haynes Ellie Parker – Woolacombe (winner for the second year in row) Josie Williams – Portreath distances ranging from 200-1600 metres, it gave swimmers (team captain) – Portreath Rhian Thomas – Pen-Y-Bont Mesha Wardman – Portreath of all ages and abilities the opportunity to take part in a James Edwards – Llantwit Major Silver: Zara Williams – Crawley Town Tom Bolt – Portreath competitive open water swim. The 400m open water swim Matt Hewitt – Portreath Ellie Parker Matt Hewitt – Portreath Board Race race was won by local boy Luke Foster from Torquay whilst Josh Andrew Kane – Blyth Team Managers: Aiden Mcguire – Blyth Ellie Parker Surridge (Woolacombe SLSC) and Charlotte Hewitt (Portreath Chris Parry – Pen-Y-Bont Scott Wood Beach Flags Tom Parry – Pen-y-Bont SLSC) took the 1600m male and female crown. Simon Worne – Rawmarsh Belinda Peres Matt Hewitt & Tom Parry James Purvis – Blyth Jo Devine – Woolacombe The Big Bay Dip also featured races for children, something quite Board Rescue Jenna Ferris – Portreath Ellie Parker & Lily Nichols unique for open water swimming. Isabelle Hatton (St Ives SLSC) Managers: Sarah Henderson – Portreath Board Rescue and Zac Surridge (Woolacombe SLSC) won the 8-12 years race Ian Hutchings and Jon Webb with Jessica Surridge (Woolacombe SLSC) and Charlie Haynes Bronze: (Portreath SLSC) were triumphant in the 13-16 years. Lily Nichols Board Race IRB action at Rescue 2012

14 15 SLSGB

At a time when the economic climate is challenging for us Kennedy Club all, we are especially grateful to all of our kind supporters. BRITISH LIFE SAVING SPORT POOL CHAMPIONSHIPS Members Roll 14 April Open and Masters Bath University In terms of charitable giving, we offer our sincere thanks to of Honour 20 April Nippers Millfi eld School all the individual donors, patrons, corporations and trusts and foundations. David Grose 21 April Youth Millfi eld School

In 2012 we were delighted to work with a new supporter, Priscilla Grose BRITISH BOARD SERIES north Devon-based Nalu Beads, who created a limited edition Nigel Curry 11 May Please note: there will be a new structure for the British Saunton Sands, North Devon Board Series 2013, as it will include Spec Ski races. Surf Life Saving bead to raise funds for, and awareness of, Roger Smith 25 May Newquay, Cornwall New format as follows: SLSGB. Two pounds from every sale of the bead is donated Ian Smith 8 June Board series: 10.00am – 11.30am Porthcawl, Wales directly to SLSGB to help support our work to make the public 29 June Ski paddle clinic: 11.45am – 12.45pm Carbis Bay, Cornwall Jane Piper Nalu Beads launch fitter and safer by the sea. Spec Ski series: 1.00pm – 2.30pm Rodney Seymour Commercially, we were delighted to yet again work with Richard & Judith Murray OCEAN SKI SERIES South West Water, who sponsored the British Life Saving 1 June Icon Classic North Devon Sport Nipper Surf Championships. Children taking part in the 15 June Weymouth to Lulworth (W2L) Dorset event were able to enjoy additional activities including a 29 June Paddlefest St Ives, Cornwall daily sandcastle competition with giveaways and took home Life Members 3 August Gold Coast North Devon a special water bottle. Younger children were treated to P. Boeck, J. Brice, D. Sprague, 7 September Poole Bay Surfski Race Dorset taster sessions in beach flags and enjoyed frolicking around J.W.F. Tanner, R.G. Ferguson, on the beach. A.H.K. Thomas, O.A. May, ENGLISH IRB CHAMPIONSHIPS At our British Life Saving Sport Open Surf Championships A. Wynd, K.G. Mitchell, 13 July 2013 organised by Bantham Surf Life Saving Club Sedgewell, Bigbury we were pleased to be supported by volunteers from M. Andrews, R.J.H. Martin MBE, BRITISH IRB CHAMPIONSHIPS Barclaycard, taking part in their corporate social responsibility I. Palmer, A. Pennell, S. Jago, 25 August Open Saunton Sands programme. S. Brown, D. Green, T. Higham, D. Lawrence, 26 August Masters and Development Saunton Sands Girls enjoying the South West Water We were delighted to again have the support of Bennett Boards P. Gaisford, R. Trewella, J. David, sandcastle competition BRITISH LIFE SAVING SPORT SURF CHAMPIONSHIPS for our British Board Series, and Scott Wood from Bennett D. Cornall, W. Ezekiel, 17 & 18 August Masters Saunton Sands, North Devon continues to provide a commitment to the lifesaving cause. D. Grose, P. Lake MBE. 20 & 21 August Youth Saunton Sands, North Devon In December we launched the National Event Water Safety 23 & 24 August Nippers Saunton Sands, North Devon Guidance document, thanks to the generous financial support of Sportscover (see more on page 4). Trusts and Grants 31 August & 1 Sept Open Perranporth, Cornwall We have continued to build our relationships with water and 29th May Charitable Trust WEEKEND ocean-based sports, working closely in 2012 with Amateur Anthony Estate Carew Parole SWELL Featuring: Boscombe, Dorset Swimming Association, British Canoe Union, British Kite 28 & 29 September Double Ski Championships Awards for All Long distance board, ski and swim events Association, Surfing GB, British Stand Up Paddle Coral Samuel Trust SUP racing Association and county sports partnerships nationwide. Kitesurfi ng competitions Docks company of PALS Our thanks also go to: Everys Solicitors, First Group, Rhead The Gibbons Family Trust Group, RoSPA, Southerns, Sport England, Sport & Recreation Alliance, Sportscover and UK Sport. Norman Family Trust

Competitors in action in the British All donations and commercial support, small and large, Passion for Fundraising Board Series sponsored by Bennett makes a huge difference to the work we do. We continue Sport England, Sportsmatch & Small Grants to build on the strength and stability our supporters Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01392 218007 and sponsors give us, helping us give more people the Tanner Trust www.slsgb.org.uk www.facebook.com/slsgb

opportunity to become fitter and safer by the sea. Founded 1955, Chief Patron: H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh K.G., K.T. The Whirlwind Trust Printing supported by Peninsular A Company Limited by Guarantee not having a Share Capital. Company Reg No. 2678080. Registered in England and Scotland. Registered Offi ce: 19 Southernhay West, Exeter EX1 1PJ. Yorkshire & Clydesdale Bank Charity No: 1015668. Scottish Charity No: SC042339. VAT Reg No 142 2439 93. Foundation © Surf Life Saving GB All Rights Reserved 2013.

16 Surf Life Saving Great Britain 19 Southernhay West, Exeter, EX1 1PJ E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01392 218007 www.slsgb.org.uk www.facebook.com/slsgb

Founded 1955, Chief Patron: H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh K.G., K.T. A Company Limited by Guarantee not having a Share Capital. Company Reg No. 2678080. Registered in England and Scotland. Registered Office: 19 Southernhay West, Exeter EX1 1PJ. Charity No: 1015668. Scottish Charity No: SC042339. VAT Reg No 142 2439 93. © Surf Life Saving GB All Rights Reserved 2013.

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