We are the Experts!
The Lifesaving Society is a charitable organization dedicated to preventing drowning through swim lessons, training programs, WaterSmart® education, aquatic safety services, and Lifesaving Sport. The Lifesaving Society is recognized as Canada’s lifeguarding expert and one of the 5 leading agencies in providing first aid. Annually, over 1.2 million Canadians participate in our swimming, lifesaving, lifeguarding, first aid, and leadership programs.
Mission & Values
Mission
Our mission is to prevent drowning and reduce water-related injury.
Vision
Our vision is a Canada free from drowning and water-related injury.
Values
Guided by humanitarian principles, we are the Canadian leader in the prevention of drowning and water-related injury.
- We are collaborative, innovative, and ethical.
- We operate with fairness, respect, trust and integrity
- We value diversity, flexibility, and creativity
- We seek inclusiveness, driven by the needs of our community
- We are a dynamic organization that succeeds through volunteerism, pro-active leadership, and the pursuit of excellence.
History
The history timeline of the Lifesaving Society of British Columbia & Yukon can be traced back to the late 19th century in London, England, where it was established as The Swimmers’ Life Saving Society. In 1894, lifesaving skills learned in England were brought to Canada by Arthur Lewis Cochrane and were passed along to students at Upper Canada College in Toronto, Ontario. In June 1896, the distinguished Bronze Medallion award, the first award created by the Society, was received by eighteen of his students.
In 1904, the organization was granted patronage by King Edward VII and became known as the Royal Life Saving Society. In the 1950s, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation was adopted as the preferred method over manual artificial respiration by the Society, making it the first Canadian organization to do so.
Governance & annual reports
The Lifesaving Society of British Columbia & Yukon is a branch of Lifesaving Society Canada, a national volunteer-based organization and a federally registered charity operating under the British Columbia Societies Act. The elected volunteer Board of Directors practices the Policy Governance Model, overseeing policy setting, professional ethics, and direction for the Branch.
Read our Annual Report to learn more about our impact and operations.
Meet the Team
Meet the BC & Yukon Branch team! This group of experienced professionals are passionate about water safety and ensuring our Affiliates receive incredible service and support.
Careers & Volunteer opportunities
Working at the Lifesaving Society branch means being part of a team dedicated to drowning prevention and water safety. Whether managing programs, supporting affiliates, or developing lifesaving initiatives, every day brings opportunities to make a real impact.
Lifeliner Newsletter
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Lifeliner
Sign up for our Lifeliner newsletter and keep up to date with exciting events at the Lifesaving Society British Columbia & Yukon branch.