Meet your RLSS UK Board of Trustee candidates for 2025 Applications for Trustees and Deputy President vacancies were open from 30 June – 21 July. RLSS UK promoted the roles with members through social media and emails to those eligible to stand. Members have a right to stand for these vacancies if they meet the eligibility criteria which include that they are a RLSS UK individual member at application close date of Monday 21 July 2025 to voting close date of Thursday 16 October 2025. The RLSS UK Articles of Association confirm that the Trustees determine the eligibility criteria for appointment of Trustees, and the procedures governing how elections for Board positions are run and they have been followed throughout these Elections. All applicants supplied their CV, photograph and a 500-word submission detailing their suitability for the role including the expertise they can provide. All details have been checked to confirm they meet the requirements. An Application Panel appointed by the Trustees interviewed all applicants with a set of formal questions. Our members were given the opportunity to apply for these vacancies however, for the Deputy President role we received only one applicant. The interview outcome for the Deputy President applicant was confirmed as suitable for the role. Trustee candidates Ben Barker Hi, I’m Ben and I’m standing to be an RLSS UK Trustee. Why I should be elected? My involvement with the RLSS extends back to 2014 when I first achieved my NPLQ. At the time, I was simply looking to develop my existing aquatic skills, however it resulted in a dedication to Water Safety and Drowning Prevention. I have since sought to embody the values of the RLSS and seek to display these through my involvement as a Trainer Assessor and an International Level Official. I am confident that my professional and voluntary experience, combined with my positive attitude, position me to add significant value to the charity as a Trustee. What do I hope to achieve? Beyond supporting the charity to achieve its strategic framework, my fundamental focus would be in raising the profile of the RLSS UK through promoting engagement in the sport of Lifesaving. An increased awareness will drive a greater involvement in aquatic activity, and in doing so, the charity accesses a wider community of volunteers to progress Water Safety and Drowning Prevention. Equally, I would like to focus on highlighting and rewarding the exceptional achievements of a diverse range of role models who display expertise, dedication, and passion. From delivering qualifications to fundraising at events, all achievements should be commended, further than just through the honours scheme. I believe appreciation is something that can never be shown enough to those who are vital to the society. Thank you for voting. Stephen Gould Why Vote For Me? With over 40 years’ experience across aquatic sport, water safety, governance, and commercial leadership, I bring a grounded, collaborative voice to the RLSS UK Trustee Board. My connection to water is lifelong — from competitive swimming and early open water adoption to marathon swims including the English Channel. I’m only the 434th person worldwide to complete an IISA-certified Ice Mile and currently swim for Team GB in international ice swimming. I work with organisations like SwimQuest, STA and NOWCA to widen safe, inclusive access to open water for all ages and abilities. As a qualified IASA Swimming Teacher, RLSS Beach Lifeguard, STA Open Water Coach, and First Responder, I bring frontline experience and lived insight. A near-drowning while white water rafting, marine life injuries, and helping recover a deceased swimmer have shaped a profound respect for water and a deep belief in RLSS UK’s lifesaving mission. Professionally, I’ve led major strategic programmes at the BBC, Disney, DreamWorks, and Paramount — including launching a national water safety campaign with the RNLI and PAW Patrol. I previously served as a Trustee for The Light Fund, raising over £2 million, and now advise the GB Board of the International Ice Swimming Association on corporate partnerships and sponsorship. If elected, I will champion volunteers, listen to members, and help grow RLSS UK’s reach, relevance, and resources. I understand the weight of Trusteeship — the importance of good governance, sustainable growth, and strong leadership — and will work tirelessly to help prevent drowning and save lives across the UK. Josh Wardrop I’m Josh Wardrop, and I’m standing for election as a Trustee of RLSS UK because I believe passionately in our mission and I want to help shape the future of an organisation that has supported and shaped me. I began my journey with RLSS UK as a teenager at my local lifesaving club, qualifying as a lifeguard (NPLQ, OWL & NBVLQ) #IStartedAsALifeguard and later as a Trainer Assessor. Teaching lifesaving skills remains one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done. It sparked a lifelong commitment to public safety, education, and volunteering. Today, I work as a lecturer in safety and environmental management, specialising in high hazard chemical and engineering challenges. Previously, I was a trustee of a similar sized educational charity. I bring experience in strategic leadership, education, and governance, with a focus on innovation, inclusion, and impact, in addition to a lifelong passion for aquatic safety. I want to use these skills to strengthen RLSS UK’s reach and resilience. As a Trustee, I will champion: Stronger engagement with young people and volunteers. Partnerships that extend our impact across education, sport, and community safety. Robust evidence-led decision making and clear strategic priorities to ensure sustainability for the long term. More than ever, our work matters. RLSS UK shaped who I am, and I want to help ensure RLSS UK remains the recognised gold standard for water safety for generations to come. I’d be honoured to have your support and your vote. Deputy President candidate Peter Moyes I am standing for the role of Deputy President and ask for your support. I bring a unique blend of experience, insight, and commitment—having served in this role from 2013 to 2016, I understand what’s required to make a real impact. Our strategic plan presents a timely opportunity: to position the Society as a leading provider of water safety education. I’ve long advocated early intervention—some may recall my speech highlighting the 3.5 million pupils aged 13–14 across the UK and Ireland. I'm delighted we’re now reaching into schools, but we must go further. WADE tells a stark truth: water-related fatalities remain stubbornly high. In 2024, 206 deaths had no recorded cause. That’s not good enough. We need better data, smarter interventions, and the courage to act where lives are most at risk. If elected, I’ll focus on making the Society even more effective in achieving its core purpose—saving lives. Despite recent challenges, we’ve weathered the storm better than many. With a refreshed leadership team, we have a real chance to build momentum and drive change. We must support you—our clubs, branches, volunteers, and trainers—by making it easier and more rewarding to engage and lead. I’ve been a senior Police leader, a Local Authority Director, CEO of an education charity, and now Director at Barnsley Premier Leisure. I care deeply about this Society and its people. If elected, I will bring energy, experience, and a clear voice to the role. Thank you. Manage Cookie Preferences