It's quite simple really. We put up 10 kiosks at the Sambhaji Park in the middle of town in Pune, each displaying one or two protocols of first aid and get lifesaver volunteers to man them. While one volunteer explains the first aid procedure others show practically what needs to be done while tending to an accident victim. Over two days, the event is run in tandem with the Annual Flower Show at the Park. People come to see flowers and get to learn about first aid and lifesaving as well. Many opt to do the full First Aid or Lifesaving Course, which keeps us busy for the rest of the year.

For the Fourth year running the 'Fair' was held on 17th and 18th February.

The next event on the Society's Calendar is "Splash Dash" Championship, scheduled in May 2007 . Simulating a rescue attempt, swimmers will be required to swim flat out for 25 mtrs swimming a lifesaving stroke like free style, side stroke and manikin carry. The Society is inviting all comers to participate in the events. In pursuance of the dictum that, "THERE IS NO POINT BEING A GREAT SWIMMER IF YOU CANNOT SAVE A LIFE", it is intended to invite all comers to participate in the event and thereby increase the number of LIFESAVERS in the country.

As activities of the Rashtriya Life Saving Society (India) are on the increase, there is a need to spread information regarding its work among as many people as possible. Some of our units are far flung from the headquarters in Pune and we require a forum to bring everyone under the same mode of operation. A "News Letter" should fulfil this much needed communication platform. I would therefore welcome contribution from our existing branches in the country to be carried in the News letter. Although our aims are clearly spelt out in our Articles of Association, their discussion informally in the newsletter would be desirable & indeed welcomed. Events like Endurance Swimming Championship on Khadakvasla Lake or Asia Pacific Conference hosted at Goa clearly indicate that RLSS (I) is capable of organising events with class and distinction. I would therefore urge State, District or Regional RLSS (I) Centres to conceptualise and execute events for public education & information. Unless this is done, desirable growth of the society will never be achieved.

May I therefore invite all district head quarters to send their proposals along with calendar of events for the next half year. We plan to publish the newsletter half yearly to start with. As experience is gained we will make it a quarterly & thereafter perhaps a monthly issue.

The articles to be carried in the newsletter should relate to community safety issues. We must remember that our ultimate aim is to put as many first aid savvy bystanders as possible in public places to respond with first aid and lifesaving effort following an accident whether on land or in water.

It hurts when people say that 'Life is cheap in India'. The only way to alter this general opinion is to show our care and concern for an accident victim with alacrity and expertise.

With this allow me to wish you good tidings as we launch the first Rashtriya Life Saving Society (India) "Newsletter".

Compiled at Head Quarters,
RLSS (I), PUNE