WORKING TO PREVENT AND REDUCE WATER-RELATED INJURY.

The Society is a full-service provider of Teaching Canadians to save themselves and programs, products and services designed to prevent rescue others: Annually, over 1,000,000 Canadians drowning. We save lives and prevent water-related injury participate in our swimming, lifesaving, , through our training programs, Water Smart® public and leadership programs. As Canada’s lifeguarding experts, education, drowning research, aquatic safety management we set the standard for lifeguard training and certify and lifesaving sport. Canada’s National .

We are a national volunteer organization and registered Making Canadians Water Smart: The Society charity composed of ten provincial/territorial branches, focuses its public education efforts on people most at risk tens of thousands of individual members, and over 4,000 or on those who can make a significant difference. Our affiliated swimming pools, waterfronts, schools and clubs. Swim to Survive® program provides the skills to survive an unexpected fall into deep water. The Lifesaving Society is a leader and partner in the delivery of water safety education throughout Canada and Drowning research: The Society conducts research around the world. (The Society operates globally in over into drowning, aquatic injury and rescue interventions to 25 countries.) We represent Canada in the Commonwealth support the Society’s training programs and drowning Royal Life Saving Society and we are Canada’s Full prevention education. Member in the International Life Saving Federation. The World Health Organization recognizes ILS as the world Setting the standard: The Society establishes aquatic authority in the global effort to prevent drowning. The safety standards and consults on aquatic safety issues for Lifesaving Society takes lead responsibility for drowning the aquatic industry, governments and the judiciary. prevention in Canada. Lifesaving sport: The Society is the Canadian governing We have been teaching swimming, water safety and water body for lifesaving sport – a sport recognized by the rescue in Canada since 1896. International Olympic Committee and the Commonwealth Games Federation. Our Lifesaving Sport Fundamentals program offers a recreational introduction to lifesaving sport skills. Age-group, senior and masters athletes compete provincially, nationally and internationally.

Lifesaving Society New Brunswick • 70 Melissa Street • Fredericton, New Brunswick E3A 6W1 Tel: 506-455-5762 • Fax: 506-450-7946 • Email: [email protected] • www.lifesavingnb.ca • www.lifeguarddepot.com

Registered Charity No. 13237 8134 RR0001 All donations gratefully received. Tax receipts issued for donations of $25 or more.

® Lifesaving Society, Water Smart, Swim to Survive, Swim for Life and Service are registered trademarks of the Royal Life Saving Society Canada. President’s Report I am pleased to report that 2016 was a great year The Society’s Public Pool Safety Standards of new program and service offerings, infrastructure Committee – Justine Blizzard, Pam Bursey, development, and continued stability for Lifesaving Len McCormick, Angela Johnson and Michael Society New Brunswick. Shane – completed development of Lifesaving Society safety standards for New Brunswick’s In 2016, we reached more New Brunswickers with aquatic facilities. The Society will publish these increased participation in the Society’s Swim for Life, industry-established standards in 2017. Canadian Swim Patrol, , and National Lifeguard training programs. It is heartening to Following their participation in the Society’s Staff see such strong growth in both our swimming and Shortage Symposium in Toronto (October 2015), lifesaving programs, up 17% and 39% respectively Lifesaving Society New Brunswick volunteers over the previous year. Samantha Kuhn and Luc Sonier led similar sessions in Riverview and Bathurst in January and Canada Games Aquatic Centre in Saint John hosted February respectively to address employer concerns the Society’s Governor’s Investiture honouring the and issues related to aquatic staff availability, continued, dedicated service of our volunteers recruitment and retention. with Commonwealth Honour Awards. At our AGM that followed, it was my privilege to announce The Potash Corp Civic Centre and Parlee that the Society would be relocating. We officially Provincial Park hosted successful New Brunswick relocated to our newly purchased headquarters at pool and waterfront lifeguard championships. Parlee 70 Melissa Street in Fredericton in August 2016. I’d Beach also welcomed Canada’s lifesaving athletes like to express my gratitude to the members of the to the 2016 Canadian Surf Lifesaving Championships Relocation Committee for their diligent work on this held August 28–30. project. I thank my fellow Board members and staff for In the spring, the Board convened a successful their commitment to the continuing growth of the strategic planning workshop the results of which will Society in New Brunswick. I thank the Society’s guide our drowning prevention priorities and plans affiliate members for their continued support in for New Brunswick over the next few years. delivering community-based programs throughout the province. In May, Lifesaving Society New Brunswick was well represented at the Society’s national annual I also wish to thank the Government of New meeting in Edmonton. The meetings culminated Brunswick for its ongoing support of our drowning with a celebration of the RLSS Commonwealth 125th prevention mission. Anniversary of drowning prevention hosted by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Lois Mitchell. Stephen Hanlon

At a royal reception in London in November, our very own Doug Trentowsky was among the recipients of the HRH Prince Michael of Kent 125th Anniversary Certificate of Merit. This special edition of the Certificate of Merit, commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the formation of the Society, was awarded to individuals whose voluntary contribution and achievements have had significant impact on the Society’s work.

The 2016 edition of the Lifesaving Society Maritimes Drowning Report, released in advance of National Drowning Prevention Week, was a sobering reminder of the importance of our work despite the encouraging news of a decrease in the average overall water-related fatality rate in the Maritimes. New Brunswick Report 1 Financial Report

The summary financial information presented Expenditures increased 1% from $212,000 here is derived from the Royal Life Saving in the prior year to $214,000 in 2016. Society Canada – New Brunswick Branch Expenditures remained in line with prior year, Inc. audited financial statements for the year with some notable variances. Depreciation ended December 31, 2016. expenses increased to $19,000 compared to $2,000 in 2015. The increase was due to The Lifesaving Society New Brunswick is new depreciation charges of $16,000 on the a provincially incorporated legal entity, new office building purchased in the current with revenues generated from training year. Training program expenses declined by and leadership programs, donations, and $14,000 due to Society no longer providing a provincial government grants. Detailed audited translation service for national literature. financial statements are available upon request. The Society is grateful to our friends who donated to support drowning prevention During the 2016 fiscal year, the Society during 2016 and we encourage all members reported a deficiency of revenues over to become “Friends of the Society.” For expenses from operations of $51,000 in donations of $25 or more, the Society issues comparison to a deficiency of revenues over tax receipts and acknowledges donors in our expenses of $79,000 in 2015. Overall net annual report. revenue increased by 22% this year over the prior year, while expenditures increased We still face a significant financial challenge 1%. Performance was better than expected in New Brunswick. By controlling costs, using with the 2016 budget predicting a deficit of technology to maximize efficiencies, and $61,000. developing new products and programs to support long-term growth, the Society is well Net revenues increased 22% from $134,000 in positioned to manage the challenge. We the prior year to $164,000 in the current year. appreciate the continued support of the loyal The improvement was a result of increased affiliate members and the dedicated efforts of sales of Training programs and Literature. the volunteers and staff that allow the Society Net revenue from Training programs grew to continue its work of drowning prevention in by $7,000 over 2015 and net revenue from New Brunswick. Literature increased $7,000 over the prior year. Service contract revenue increased Wendy Smith, CPA, CA $10,000, due to a LifeguardDepot.com inventory management contract signed in 2016. Fundraising revenue increased $4,000, but is an inconsistent funding source in the absence of a sustainable fundraising program. The Society needs to invite more members to add drowning prevention to their list of worthy causes and annual donations.

2 Lifesaving Society Financial OPERATIONS Net Revenue 2016 2015 $ $ Highlights Training programs 41,417 25% 34,835 26% Literature 30,209 18% 23,699 18% Service contract 27,083 17% 17,000 13% Government grants 26,982 17% 26,884 20% Leadership 14,538 9% 11,693 9% Fundraising 12,119 7% 8,328 6% Merchandise 5,223 3% 4,617 3% Member fees 4,406 3% 4,351 3% Lifesaving sport 1,750 1% 2,530 2% 163,727 100% 133,937 100%

Expenditures Admin, salaries & occupancy 179,386 83% 156,510 74% Member services 13,169 6% 11,007 5% National levy 10,185 5% 10,108 5% Meetings & travel 8,940 4% 13,175 6% Lifesaving sport 1,391 1% 6,261 3% Training program 1,376 1% 15,398 7% 214,447 100% 212,459 100%

Net Surplus/loss for the year (50,720) (78,522) Contributions 50,720 78,522 - -

BALANCE SHEET Net Assets Net working capital (391,276) 5,531 Capital assets 403,324 6,517 12,048 12,048

Fund Balances General fund 12,048 12,048 12,048 12,048

New Brunswick Report 3 Top Line Summary 2016 2015 2014 Awards Swimming 11,374 9,751 8,981 Lifesaving 1,187 853 844 First Aid 1,363 1,227 1,149 Report Lifeguarding 1,011 876 930 Safety Management 12 10 57 Lifesaving Sport 27 57 16 Leadership 442 466 415 Total 15,416 13,240 12,392

Swimming Swim to Survive 938 2,133 1,133 Swim for Life 10,436 7,618 7,848 11,374 9,751 8,981

Lifesaving Junior Lifeguard Club 0 0 30 Canadian Swim Patrol 597 260 321 Bronze Star 104 100 100 Bronze Medallion 471 481 363 Distinction 7 9 0 Boat 8 3 30 1,187 853 844

First Aid First Aid 1,148 1,129 711 CPR 215 98 438 1,363 1,227 1,149

Lifeguarding Bronze Cross 457 414 354 National Lifeguard 554 462 576 1,011 876 930

Safety Management Aquatic Supervisor 12 8 35 Pool Operator 0 1 0 Safety Inspector & Auditor 0 1 22 12 10 57

Lifesaving Sport Athletes 27 34 16 Officials 0 23 0 27 57 16

Leadership Instructor 316 326 290 Examiner 82 90 90 Trainer 44 50 35 442 466 415

4 Lifesaving Society Affiliate Point system Affiliate recognition awards encourage and recognize the use of the Society’s training programs. Point values reward affiliates Recognition who offer a full menu of Lifesaving Society programs and reflect the relative degree of difficulty or amount of training and effort Awards required to achieve each level including the programming time commitment. The Lifesaving Society New Brunswick Recertifications are assigned half the recognizes affiliate members who deliver point value of original certifications. the Society’s training programs. Awards are presented on the basis of points earned in the calendar year. Award Points

OPEN CATEGORY: Awarded to the affiliate UNDER 20,000 POPULATION: Awarded to the Water Rescue Awards member with the largest lifesaving program. municipal affiliate with the largest lifesaving Canadian Swim Patrol 7 program in a community with a population Junior Lifeguard Club 10 1 City of Saint John 8,145 under 20,000. Bronze Star 10 2 City of Fredericton 7,963 Bronze Medallion 15 3 YMCA of Fredericton 6,305 1 Town of Riverview 5,707 Bronze Cross 20 4 Town of Riverview 5,707 2 City of Miramichi 5,146 Distinction 30 5 City of Miramichi 5,146 3 Town of Woodstock 3,088 National Lifeguard 40 6 YMCA of Greater Moncton 5,059 4 Complexe Sportif 7 Town of Woodstock 3,088 Regional Edmunston 1,521 First Aid Awards 8 Ville de Dieppe 1,537 5 PotashCorp. Civic Centre 1,157 Anaphylaxis Rescuer 2 9 Complexe Sportif 6 Town of St. Stephen 1,119 Basic First Aid 4 Regional Edmunston 1,521 7 Piscine regionale à Shippagan 912 CPR-A /-B /-C 4 / 6 / 8 10 5CDSG Gagetown Aquatics 1,475 8 Town of Quispamsis 734 CPR-HCP 8 11 PotashCorp Civic Centre 1,157 9 City of Bathurst 476 AED 10 12 Town of St. Stephen 1,089 10 Florenceville-Bristol 382 Emergency First Aid 12 13 Magic Mountain 1,000 Workplace Standard First Aid 25 14 YMCA of Saint John 990 15 Recreaplex 916 SEASONAL AFFILIATES: Awarded to the Specialized Training seasonal affiliate with the largest lifesaving Lifesaving Fitness: program. Bronze / Silver / Gold 5 / 7 / 9 Boat Rescue 10 1 Magic Mountain 1,000 Lifesaving Sport Officials 15 2 Town of Quispamsis 734 3 Village of Bath 510 Leadership Training 4 Florenceville-Bristol 382 Core Instructor 15 5 Village d’Atholville 295 Assistant Instructor 20 6 Parlee Beach Provincial Park 280 Swim Instructor 40 7 Salisbury Lions Pool 210 Lifesaving Instructor 40 8 Grand Manan 176 Advanced Instructor 20 9 Mactaquac Provincial Park 120 Exam Standards Clinic 15 Update Clinics 15 Lifesaving Sport Coach 30 Specialized Instructors 30 Trainer clinics 30

New Brunswick Report 5 Training Programs Training Programs contributes to the mission CPR/First Aid Update Drowning Report of the Society by teaching Canadians the skills and the knowledge they need to enjoy The Society transitioned to the new CPR water safely and to save themselves and and first aid guidelines in 2016. There were rescue others in an emergency. The Society’s no major changes and nothing that affected National Lifeguard certification is the standard the Society’s test items or “Must Sees.” for professional lifeguards in Canada. Importantly, there were no changes to the resuscitation standards for drowning victims. The growth trajectory of Lifesaving Society The Society’s updated literature can be training programs continued in 2016 with a identified at a glance: the front covers carry 16% increase in year-over-year participation. this wording: “With the 2015 CPR guidelines.” Bronze Medallion held steady, while Bronze Cross and National Lifeguard grew 10% and 20% respectively. Assistant Instructor Workbook

The Society’s First Aid awards, which affiliates The Assistant Instructor Workbook was are increasingly programming with the Bronze available in English and in French in 2016. awards, grew by 2%, while CPR grew by 119%. The workbook is designed for candidates on The Society launched a comprehensive First the Lifesaving Society’s Assistant Instructor Aid program in 2014, which includes Basic course. It contains content and learning and Emergency First Aid as well as Workplace activities that guide candidates through course content while drawing on candidates’ Standard First Aid and CPR-A,-B,-C, and HCP. Nine out of 10 drowning victims in the personal experiences. Maritimes are men and those 20–24 years Participation in the Society’s Swim for Life of age have the highest drowning rate of all program increased 37% in 2016 over the age groups according to 2016 edition of the previous year. We welcomed Woodstock, Maritimes Drowning Report released by the Riverview and the Canada Games Aquatic Lifesaving Society in June. The encouraging Centre as new Swim for Life affiliates. news is a decrease in the average overall water-related fatality rate in the Maritimes from and remain Adam Munn Angela Johnson In 2016, the Society launched its new 1.8 to 1.5 per 100,000. The report is available active on the team developing the next Safeguard program, which provides safety at www.lifesavingnb.ca. generation of literature to support the supervision training for guardians (e.g., day Society’s revised leadership program, which is camp counsellors, counsellors-in-training designed to develop progressively skilled and and others) who accompany groups of young knowledgeable Lifesaving Society Instructors people to pools or waterfronts. The course and Trainers. stresses the responsibility undertaken by these group leaders for safeguarding the The Society initiated revisions to its Bronze young people in their care even when under medals awards in 2016. and Ryan Ferguson lifeguard supervision. Current Lifesaving represented New Brunswick Adam Munn Instructors who hold National Lifeguard at the national meeting in Toronto in August, certification teach and certify Safeguard which addressed the overall parameters for candidates. the revisions. In November, Joey Doucet and Angela Johnson joined the content team developing test items and performance requirements.

6 Lifesaving Society Lifesaving Sport Lifesaving Sport contributes to the mission of the Society by engaging and inspiring youth in our humanitarian mission; by providing an incentive for training; by encouraging innovation in techniques, and; by providing opportunities for volunteer recruitment, retention and leadership development.

The Lifesaving Sport Council’s work capacity grew again in 2016 with the continued volunteer support of Lisa Hanson Ouellette, Past president Doug Trentowsky (front centre) with New Brunswick athletes, coaches, VP Sport, Roger Graham, Officials and officials and volunteers at the 2016 Canadian Surf Lifesaving Championships at Parlee Beach. Coaches Chair, and Maureen MacNeil, Athlete Representative. Maureen continues to represent New Brunswick on the Canadian Maritime: Four New Brunswick athletes Training and certification Athletes Council. A big thank you to – Maureen MacNeil, Azura Saunders, Alexandra Ferguson and Alyce Sutcliffe for Brandon Saunders and Max Saunders – Nine junior athletes, ages 7 to 14 years, their contributions to the 2016 NB Competition competed in the first Maritime Pool Lifesaving enhanced their skills for the first time in a full Manual and their mentorship of New Championships in Truro, NS on April 16. NB day of training. An additional nine NB Youth Brunswick athletes. officials were represented byBeth Ferguson, & Open athletes simultaneously participated Lisa Hanson Ouellette, Roger Graham, in the annual surf craft clinic hosted by Ryan Ferguson and Ryan Johnson. Simon LeBlanc at Parlee Beach on 2016 Championships July 24. Former and current National Team Canadian: Maureen MacNeil from the members Alexandra Ferguson (Whitby), New Brunswick: Two clubs, three teams Fredericton Lifesaving Club was the sole James Verreault (Ottawa), Emily Verreault and 12 athletes competed in the Pool New Brunswick athlete at the Canadian Pool (Ottawa) and Ryan Ferguson (Fredericton) Lifeguard Championships hosted by the Lifesaving Championships in Edmonton, delivered the clinic. Alexandra and James Potash Civic Center in Sussex on March AB in May. stayed for the New Brunswick Waterfront 20. Fredericton Lifesaving Club competitors Championships competing with and mentoring Maureen MacNeil, Zach Dilworth, Emma New Brunswick co-hosted the Canadian Surf New Brunswick athletes Nikita Spencer and St-Onge and Nikita Spencer took home the Lifesaving Championships at Parlee Beach, Jon Fullarton throughout the competition. championship Tobias Cup. August 26–28 with 27 athletes from four New Brunswick clubs competing. New Brunswick The New Brunswick Waterfront Lifesaving athletes earned four silver and four bronze Championships saw nine Clubs, 26 teams medals. Parlee Beach Lifesaving Club and 51 athletes from NB, NS, PEI and ON was the top performing New Brunswick team competing at Parlee Beach Provincial Park (5th overall) winning two silver and four bronze on July 25. Congratulations to champions: medals. Congratulations to Gabriel Selway Fredericton Lifesaving Club’s Rachel (Saint John) on his silver medal performance Hausman and Bea Lougheed (Under in the Men’s Open Surf Swim earning him 19 Women); YMCA of Fredericton athletes New Brunswick’s only invitation to the 2017 William Lutton and Landen McGrath (Under Canadian Lifeguard Challenge on August 6, 19 Men); Gabrielle Leger and Jocelyn 2017. Special thanks to the 16 NB officials and Melanson from Parlee Beach (Open Women), volunteers who worked this championship. and; Simon LeBlanc and Louis Savoie Together, we made history with NB seeing its from Parlee Beach (Open Men). Parlee largest athlete and officials delegation to date Beach earned the overall championships at a national championship. title. A sincere thank you to the 28 officials and volunteers who helped host a successful championships.

New Brunswick Report 7 Member Services Member Services develops and maintains Annual Meeting and Investiture Our office continues to upgrade its IT capacity the corporate functions, systems and and infrastructure to provide efficient and infrastructure required to support and service The City of Saint John hosted the Society’s timely service. In August we added a second the membership of the Society. Annual General Meeting and Governor’s phone line to handle increased call volume Investiture on April 30. Society Governor, from members and increased the number of Governance Frederick C. McElman, presided at the work stations in the office. presentation of Commonwealth Honour Awards, which recognize volunteer leadership The National Society (Lifesaving Society Headquarters and office staff and service to the Society. Canada) is governed by a Board of Directors nominated by Branches and elected With its lease expiring the Society The Service Commendation honours by the members at the Society’s AGM. purchased and renovated a new Fredericton volunteers for significant contributions to National commissions are led by volunteer headquarters at 70 Melissa Street, and moved the aims of the Society. In 2016, Service commissioners who report to the Board of in on August 3. The new location provides Commendations were awarded to Stefanie Directors. These commissions are: Public generous space for offices, meetings and Adkins (Saint John) and Jaqueline Education, Training Programs, Lifesaving warehousing with ample free parking. The McDermott (Saint John). Sport, Aquatic Safety Standards and new permanent headquarters provides more International Relations. A management team is efficient space to better serve our members The Service Medal acknowledges a minimum comprised of senior staff of the 10 provincial/ and the people of New Brunswick. of five years of noteworthy service as a territorial Branches. volunteer officer or committee member. The Society employs managers for Training Recipients are eligible for a Bar to Service Program and Member Services. Angela New Brunswick Board of Directors Medal at intervals of four years. In 2016, Johnson continued as Training Program Maureen Hanlon (Saint John) and Stephen Manager and Ryan Ferguson continued as An elected volunteer Board of Directors Hanlon (Saint John) received the Bar to Member Services Manager. Doug Ferguson governs the Lifesaving Society New Brunswick Service Medal. continued as Chief Executive Officer. in accordance with its mission and bylaws. Directors are elected for a two-year term The Service Cross honours meritorious service The Society employed summer students Alex by the Society’s membership at the annual of at least 15 years. Recipients are eligible Mullin and Carter Small to assist with the general meeting. No person or body external for a Bar to Service Cross at intervals of five increased support required from the office to the Society is entitled to appoint any years. In 2016, the Service Cross was awarded during the summer months. directors. to Marcel McLaughlin (Shippagan). In November 2016, Wendy Smith was Information and appointed to the Board as VP Finance replacing Kate Gagnon who had resigned communication services April. There were no other changes to the Board. The Society continued to provide services to Affiliate and Individual Members in both Activity centre councils official languages. All public member services, training program and lifesaving sport publications are released in English Activity centre councils are composed of and French, including the five 2016 issues of chairs, appointed by the Board of Directors Society’s Splash newsletter. for a two year term, who oversee specific portfolios necessary to manage the work of Adam Munn and Angela Johnson the activity centres. Chairs recruit and develop remain active on the Leadership Task committee members. A vice president, or Force responsible for revision the Society’s another individual appointed by the Board of leadership training literature. In November, Directors, chairs each activity centre council. Angela Johnson and Joey Doucet represented New Brunswick at the Bronze Medal Awards Revision meeting in Toronto.

8 Lifesaving Society Governor Frederick C. McElman, CM, QC

Lifesaving Society New Brunswick Board of Directors

Stephen Hanlon, President David Dumont, President Elect Doug Trentowsky, Past President Wendy Smith, Vice President – Finance Sarah Price, Corporate Secretary Mikaël Doucet, Vice President – Member Services Adam Munn, Vice President – Training Programs Lisa Hanson Ouellette, Vice President – Lifesaving Sport Marcel McLaughlin, Vice President without portfolio Leah Nixon, Vice President without portfolio

Council Chairs

Lifesaving Sport Council (Front, from left) Governor Frederick C. McElman, President Stephen Hanlon (Back, from left) Jacqueline McDermott, Stefanie Adkins, Marcel McLaughlin, Maureen Hanlon Roger Graham, Coaches and Officials Maureen McNeil, Athlete Rep

Training Programs Council

Joey Doucet, Bronze Revisions Carlie Dunbar, Swim for Life Sarah Hebb, Leadership Tim Williamson, First Aid and National Lifeguard Programs

Member Services Council

Samantha Kuhn, Volunteer Recognition Luc Sonier, Annual Conference

Her Majesty The Queen greets Doug Trentowsky at her Buckingham Palace reception marking the 125th Anniversary of the Royal Life Saving Society. The event was co-hosted by Commonwealth President HRH Prince Michael of Kent and attended by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, HRH Princess Michael of Kent, and TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester

New Brunswick Report 9 Fundraising Fundraising activities contribute to the mission Partners and supporters of the Society by raising money to support our drowning prevention priorities. The work of the Lifesaving Society is made possible in part due to the generous support Donor Clubs of our partners and supporters.

The Society’s donor clubs acknowledge We thank the Government of New individuals who donate funds towards the Brunswick for its continued generous Donate to the Society’s work. In 2016, the Society received support of the Lifesaving Society. Lifesaving Society online. donations from the following; We thank Parlee Beach Provincial Visit www.lifesavingnb.ca and Distinction Club ($500 or more): Park, which again provided one of the click the Donate Now button. David Dumont, Doug Ferguson, Arthur best waterfront venues in the country for Irving and Sandra Irving, Fred C. McElman our New Brunswick Waterfront Lifeguard A new window will open Championships and the Canadian Surf where you have options to Merit Club ($300 to $499): No donations Lifesaving Championships. We are grateful to PotashCorp Civic Centre in the Town of direct your donation to specific Bronze Club ($100 to $299): Alexandra Sussex, our host for the 2016 New Brunswick funds or causes. Ferguson, Beth and Ryan Ferguson, Pool Lifeguard Championships. Wendy Mahony, Doug Trentowsky We thank the City of Saint John, which Friends of the Society ($25 to $99): hosted the Society’s 2016 Annual General Robbie Giles Meeting and Investiture of Commonwealth Honours. In Memoriam and Tribute Donations

The Society is honoured to receive donations in memory or in honour of individuals. We received no donations in this category in 2016.

We celebrated 125 years of Royal Life Saving The year ended in royal style at a Buckingham Society drowning prevention throughout the Palace reception hosted by the Society’s Commonwealth in 2016. Commonwealth Patron, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II – herself a Lifesaving Society award Lifesaving Society Canada International holder. Relations Commissioner, Bob Clark, chaired the Commonwealth 125th Anniversary Steering From small beginnings in London in 1891, the Royal Committee. Among the many celebratory events Life Saving Society today encompasses thousands and projects, the Society set an ambitious of volunteers and millions of lifesavers in 27 drowning prevention goal – the introduction of Member Branches working to eliminate drowning survival swimming in every Commonwealth nation. among the Commonwealth’s 2.2 billion people. A significant step was the publication in February of the RLSS Survival Swimming Guide developed As a member of Lifesaving Society Canada, you under the leadership of Lifesaving Society Ontario’s share the outstanding heritage of our worldwide public education director, Barbara Byers. humanitarian charity and its lifesaving ideals. Thank you for being part of the global effort to eliminate drowning.

10 Lifesaving Society