ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY
Malta Branch

The Branch

The Royal Life Saving Society, Malta Branch, founded in 1924 is an Associate Member within the Royal Life Saving Society – Commonwealth. The Branch has very strong ties with the St John Rescue Corps and undergoes joint ventures. In March of 2009 it was enrolled with the Commissioner of Voluntary Organizations with an ID number of 217. The Branch is run entirely by volunteers who dedicate many hours of their free time to the service of the community. Since its foundation its work has been recognized on several occasions. In 1966 the Commonwealth Council presented the King Edward V11 cup to St. Michael’s College of Education for their achievement. Further more the Commonwealth Council has on many occasions bestowed on its officers Honours in recognition of their dedication to the Society.

In 2006, both the President and Hon. Treasurer were presented with the Service Cross, whilst the Hon. Secretary was made Honorary Commonwealth Life Governor. Throughout the years thousands of people of both sexes and from a vast span of ages, have gained awards. The Branch most highly defended virtue is the high standard, which it proudly upholds during teaching and assessing. The awards and certificates gained are valid for 24 months and are worldwide recognized.

The Courses

The Branch holds courses throughout the year but mostly during the summer months. Most training is carried out in the open sea, mostly at St. Julian’s Bay. Still it does not hesitate to teach and assess at other venues such as in public and hotel pools.

With the worldwide increase in safety consciousness, which is also felt in Malta, the Branch, throughout its existence has been called to instruct personnel from various institutions. These include the Armed Forces of Malta, the Civil Protection Department, the Police, hotel staff, St. John Ambulance, St. John Rescue Corps, and many youth organizations including the scouts and girl guides. The Branch receives requests for training from other organizations especially those involved with caring. It welcomes individuals who are not affiliated to any particular group but are interesting to learn life saving. RLSS Malta is always pleased to give talks to interested groups and institutions.

Information about life saving courses organised during 2011 is available here.

The Awards

The awards of the Royal Life Saving Society are gained after an assessment by qualified assessors. The awards can be divided into two main categories, (a) the lower awards and (b) the higher awards.

The Lower Awards are intended to reach all, even the weak swimmer. There are awards, which are elementary, and also those, which will require a good degree of life saving techniques and swimming skills. These awards are suitable as a preparation for the high awards. The lower awards can easily be introduced in school programs or youth club activities. The Branch will be more than pleased to support such projects. The lower awards are not intended to be used as qualifications for life saving duties.

The lower awards are:
  • Junior Safety Award
  • Life saving 1
  • Life saving 2
  • Life saving 3
  • Basic Life saving certificate

The Higher Awards are also graded and most of them have prerequisite requirements. The common higher awards are:

  • Life Support
  • Life Support 3
  • Beach Life Saving certificate
  • Bronze Medallion
  • Award of Merit
  • Distinction Award
  • Bronze Cross
  • Silver Cross

A section of the high awards is specialized such as:

  • Pool Life Guard Certificate
  • Police Life Saving Certificate
  • Sub-Aqua Life Saving Certificate
  • Teacher's Certificate

Annually, a prestigious shield is presented to the organization, which gains the highest number of points during that particular year. A Trophy is also presented to the runners-up. Both the Shield and Trophy can be kept for a year by the winning Organization. There is great competition among the participating Organizations to gain either the Shield or the Trophy.

Presentation 2010

On the 3rd December 2010 an enthusiastic gathering of successful course participants, together with relatives and friends met at St.Patrick’s School, Sliema for the official Presentation of awards and certificates. Mr. Alfred Mallia, Director of Education – Human Resources Development, presided during the ceremony where 214 awards and certificates were distributed to 104 award holders. The RLSS Commonwealth Chief Executive Officer’s message for the RLSS Malta Presentation Evening was read by Mr. Paul Ellul Bonici. The Shield for the highest number of points was presented to 1st Regiment C ‘SD’ Company AFM whilst the Malta Police received the Trophy as runners up. The trophy for the Lower Awards was presented to the San Gwann Girl Guides.

Presentation 2009

Contact

President: Mr. Paul Ellul Bonici
Hon. Secretary: Mr. Alfred Cauchi
Assistant Hon. Secretary: Mr. James Cilia
Hon. Treasurer: Mr. Joseph Debono
Training Officer: Mrs. Agatha Zahra
Assistant Training Officer: Mr. Anthony Buhagiar

Address:
RLSS Malta Branch
Chatres
Triq Il-Qaliet
St. Julian's
MALTA - STJ 3256

E-mail

Phone: +356 99886801 or +356 9942 5224