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Report on Commonwealth National Presidents Conference held at Toronto 22 to 24 Jan 2010
( 5 Feb, 2010)

1. Royal Life Saving Society (Commonwealth) [RLSS (C)] National Presidents met from 22^nd to 24^th January 2010 at Toronto, Canada. Hosted by the Antario branch of the Life Saving Society, the conference focused on the way ahead for RLSS (C) and its relationship with the International Life Saving Federation as both organizations share the common goal of eliminating deaths by drowning worldwide. The conference was called by RLSS (C) Deputy President, Mr John Barwick from London and steered by Commonwealth Secretary Ms Francene Leaversuch, ably supported by her deputy, Emma Harrison. After some slick presentations and intense discussions many landmark decisions were taken as enumerated below.

Presidents all - Left to right standing: Richard MK Tan [Singapore]; John McFarlane [Jamaica]; Clive Holland [UK]; Davidson Bascombe [Barbados ]; Anthony Chan Wai Lun [Hong Kong]; George Clearwater [New Zealand]; Mike-Neru Vuvor [Ghana] Colin McDonald [Losotho]  & Carol Devaux [St. Lucia] – Not in picture

Left to right sitting: Rob Bradley [CEO RLSS (Aus)]; Purush Sharma [India]; John Barwick [Deputy President CW]; John  Bankes [Honorary Treasurer CW]; Alain Rabeau [Canada]; Norbert  Sene [Gibralter]; Chan Kwai Fong [Malaysia]

2. Commonwealth Management Committee [CMC]: The Commonwealth is made up of 54 countries and 23 Territories spread across the globe. Of these only 39 countries are members of the RLSS (C), where lifesaving activity is managed by the CMC. So far the Commonwealth Management Committee comprised the Deputy Commonwealth President, Honorary Commonwealth Treasurer and National Presidents from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom.  To achieve better representation from CW countries four more member were invited to the CMC as follows:

• Americas- Existing 1 [Canada] + additional 1; Total 2.

  • John McFarlane from Jamaica was elected as the additional member.

  • Euro-Africa-Existing 2 [UK & South Africa] + additional 1; Total 3.

  • One additional member is to be elected/nominated later.

  • Asia Pacific-Existing 1[Australia] + additional 1; Total 2.

  • Richard MK Tan from Singapore was elected as the additional member.

[An attempt is being made to get an additional position to represent India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, who together constitute over 80% of the Commonwealth population.]


3. Also under consideration was to invite two lady members to obtain gender representation.    [If decided in favour they would be invited/elected/nominated after the next CMC meeting]

John Barwick with the NEW CW Organisation

Francene, CW Secretary makes a point

4. Aims and Aspirations of the RLSS (C): These were redefined as:

Mission:                                                                                                                                                                         To eliminate drowning in the Commonwealth. 
 
Vision:      

• We empower people and communities to prevent drowning.
• We use lifesaving sports to engage the youth in drowning prevention missione.
• We are valued partners and significant contributors to drowning prevention, lifesaving and lifesaving sports.
• We contribute to achievements of Commonwealth priorities. 

 Values:  
Consistent with the Society’s Motto and Commonwealth Principles RLSS believes in:
Respect for human life.
Equity, diversity and inclusiveness.
Friendship.

At Niagra Falls

Goals

Member national participants were tasked to prioritise suggested “Goals”. The outcome was:     

(a) Financial resourcing of Commonwealth Lifesaving enables a sustainable HQ and achievement of the Societies’ Goals.                 

(b) Make community based drowning prevention a priority in every Commonwealth Country through their lifesaving organizations.                  

(c) Establish a mutually valued partnership and collaborative working relationship with ILSF.            

(d) Increase the number of Commonwealth Nations and individuals participating in Lifesaving Sports.

(e) Reduce the cost and administrative burden of participating in lifesaving sport.

(f) Create a Development Model to guide and build lifesaving capacity across RLSS.

(g) Develop an RLSS response to the Commonwealth, “Investing in the Youth” initiative.

(h) Re-establish the link between lifesaving and lifesaving sport.

(i) Establish criteria other than GDP for use as a basis for managing RLSS development activities.

(j) Develop Strategies that take an injury prevention approach ( In addition to our current training approach)

I find (b) above most relevant to us with (c), (d), (f), (g) & (j) to be pursued in support.

Commonwealth Life Saving and ILSF Relationship: As both organizations have similar goals, they have to function as partners for the cause.

Commonwealth Championship 2011:  Only the Seniors Competition will comprise the official event. Juniors’ competition could be held by RLSS (I) under its own arrangements.

Detailed Minutes of the conference when received will be circulated.

R Adm PD Sharma ®

Founder President RLSS (I)