Simmy Akhtar: 100 Days in Office

23/04/2025

As I reflect on my first 100 days in the role of CEO of the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), I pause and question, has it really been 100 days? Yes, it has, and it is a privilege to play a part in the lifesaving cause of our society, which ultimately exists to save lives by helping people to enjoy water safely and reduce accidental drownings. 

This period has provided me with the opportunity to listen, to learn, to meet our trustees, staff, members, volunteers and external stakeholders, all of which has enabled me to further understand the invaluable work that we all contribute to and, importantly, are so passionate about. 

We are at an exciting stage of our journey as we look to launch our strategy for 2025 and beyond. I have found myself in the fortunate position where our Board of Trustees, led by the society’s first female President, Deborah Hunt, had the insight to await my arrival to develop our strategy which crucially needs to reflect the experiences and priorities of our diverse stakeholders, with the ultimate aim of saving more lives lost to accidental drownings.   

It was a pleasure to meet many colleagues at the launch of our new Swimming Pool Supervision Technology Industry Guidance which was developed in collaboration with key partners. Listening to leaders in this field; operators and lifeguards, the benefits of technology supporting lifeguards to save lives shone through. Being able to witness the performance of technology and the role of data to help us to continue to save lives was both exciting and impactful. 

A memorable highlight was attending our unique National Speed Lifesaving Championships, the largest competition of its kind in the UK where lifesaving athletes aged 12 and over compete for national titles. This is a truly humanitarian event, and it was fantastic to see our trustees and volunteers come together to deliver the two-days with the critical and committed support of our staff-team. It was amazing to see hundreds of young people from across the UK and Ireland demonstrate their lifesaving skills and to know that with the support of our clubs, local communities have individuals with the expertise to save people from drowning. 

RLSS UK is a proud member of the RLSS Commonwealth, and I am looking forward to meeting many global colleagues at the 2025 RLSS Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships, hosted by RLSS UK in Swansea, Wales. In the meantime, it has been an honour to work with RLSS Commonwealth colleagues, including attending the informative Integrating Drowning Prevention and Education event and sharing the RLSS UK Water Safety Code. It was great to meet the incoming Deputy Commonwealth President, Dr Stephen Beerman, in person, who will no doubt receive a brilliant handover from the outgoing Clive Holland later this year. 

Recently, I was lucky enough to attend the brilliant Aquatics Great Britain Swimming Championships where not only did I have the privilege of watching future champions showcase their talent but also connect with more sector colleagues to learn about the vital work they do in their communities, and how we can continue to work together whilst addressing challenges and identifying opportunities and solutions. 

There is lots of amazing work that our dedicated staff support and deliver and it is a privilege to have the exciting opportunity to lead our new strategy with the support of our trustees, volunteers and team. There are many more people and partners I am looking forward to meeting including visiting our clubs and branches to see first-hand the lifesaving skills they provide in their communities. 

We have lots more coming this year from the continuation of our RLSS UK on Tour events and Drowning Prevention Week, to our work with the Houses of Commons and Lords supported by the committed Lord Storey who it is a pleasure to work with on issues such as having class-based water safety lessons on the curricula.   

Later this year we will sadly bid farewell to our President Deborah Hunt as her term comes to an end.  I would like to thank Deborah for her support and dedication to the Society during her tenure.  I look forward to working with our incoming President, Bryan Finlay, more closely from October as he takes up the role after three years as Deputy President. It is great to continue to have diversity on our Board and have a member of our devolved nation’s leading our Board of Trustees. 

Once again, I must use the word ‘exciting’ because in reality there is lots more we want to do whilst working collaboratively with our stakeholders.  As a Society we are committed to helping people from all communities to enjoy water safely and reduce the tragic incidents of accidental drowning that happen far too often – communities free from drowning is our focus.