As we cross the half way mark in 2007 I reflect upon the last six months. As per our calendar of events we started the year with “First Aid and Lifesaving Exhibition” at Sambhaji park, Pune along with the annual flower show that is held there in February every year.

This was followed by the normal rush at our swimming pools where we were busy training swimmers, first aiders, lifesavers and lifeguards. There is now a decent demand from people from all over the country for trained lifeguards. This is a good development even if it has taken seven long years to achieve. We continue to be one the very few organisations in the country that trains first aiders, lifesavers and lifeguards, who being located in different Districts and States, contribute to safety in the community on land and in water bodies. But we are the only organisation that is a branch of the Royal Life Saving Society (Commonwealth) and a full member of the International life Saving Federation.

The Eastern India branch of RLSS (I) co-located with Indian Life Saving Society in Kolkata is in the process of establishing its base at a swimming pool complex. Although the rental is high, with hard work Kolkata should be able to generate enough funds to pursue RLSS (I) aims and aspirations in the eastern part of the country.

The annual Gala at the pool in Wanowori, Pune was held in end May and received good response with parents, friends and guests attending the event in large numbers. The event was organised by Mrs Kavita Sharma, Director Swimming Lifesaving Training Centres and conducted by Mrs Sandhya Kotbagi, President District Branch of RLSS (I), Pune. The award ceremony was chaired by Mrs. Megha Patil, a known Social Worker from Maharashtra and our own elected member of the Pune Municipal Corporation from Wanaori, Shri Abhijit Shivarkar. They gave away prizes at the end of competitions in different categories and levels. The season saw over a 1000 non swimmers learning to swim at our pool alone. Many upon becoming swimmers took to life saving training.

Our first aiders and lifesavers continued to do good work in the field helping people on land and in water, following accidents or sudden illnesses. Unfortunately ‘Life Saved’ rarely makes head lines. Only deaths do. Not withstanding, the Society continues to acknowledge the effort and good work done in this area.

I am happy to say that during the past six months two new State Branches have been commissioned. Andhra Pradesh State Branch with Rear Admiral Keki Pestoji as the President, and Mr Jaiprakash J.Singh, as the Secretary, RLSS (I) Board of Directors - Address:The Sujatha Public School, Hyderabad was established in April and Tamil Nadu State Branch on 24th June 07 with Major General C Govindswami as the President and Secretary, Ms Vasavi Sundaramof the Board of Directors - Address. It is hoped that these Braches will take the movement forward in South India.

We were offered an advance training programme in life guarding on the beaches with bronze medallion award for four volunteers for the Society by Surf Life Saving Australia. The notice was short but we were able to move and be on time to receive the training at the hands of SLSA. The programme was sponsored by DHL promoting lifesaving awareness in developing countries. It was an excellent programme and four volunteers namely Tushar Shinde (Pune, Maharashtra), Shrihari Parle (Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh), Sumedh Joshi (Pune) and Gopal Naskar (Kolkata, West Bengal) happily attended the training programme and came back with certificates, raring to help the Society in accomplishing its aims and aspirations.

Earlier in November 2006 to January 2007 Mr. Andrew Thomas, immediate past President of Fairbank Surf Life Saving Club helped two members from the Society namely Bhushan Deshpande and Zuber Ghachi to received advanced lifesaving training at Lorne, Australia. This was a long spell and the training tour included paid lifeguard duties on beaches.

The highlight of 2006 Society activities was the first ever lifesaving sports championship ocean events held at Digha beach near Kolkatta. The pool events were held it town. Both events of the championship were over seen by RLSS (Aus) Life Saving Sports Officials Roselyn Gray and Rebecca Crack, who had earlier trained 20 RLSS (I) volunteers for duties as life saving sports officials.

The society has been invited to participate in Asia Pacific Regional Conference, Lifesaving Sports Championship Pool Events and 40th Anniversary celebration of Singapore Life Saving Society in Singapore in early August. The RLSS (I) takes great pleasure in felicitating the SLSS on their ‘Ruby’ anniversary and wishes the Society a great future. RLSS (I) has also been invited by ILS for conference and exhibition in Portugal in late September. We also have an invitation from Life Saving Society, Russia. Our own Rescue INDIA 2007, the annual life saving sports championship is to be held in Mumbai in October/November. This will be followed by a seminar in Delhi on Life Saving in early December.

The Monsoons have hit our country causing grief and destruction in many places. In preparation, for eight weeks in the months of May and June the Society was involved in training Government officials and personnel from different Talukas and Districts in first aid and water-man-ship as part of their training in disaster management. The training was conducted at the National Disaster Response Force Base at Central Reserve Police Force Headquarters, Talegaon and on the banks of Indrayani River near by. They came in batches of 50-60 and we took them on every Thursday with a lot of practical first aid and familiarisation with water related rescue work.

• DIARY OF EVENTS
• LIFESAVING FAIR 2006