Two RLSS UK Members awarded MBEs in 2026 King’s New Year Honours

Congratulations to RLSS UK Honorary Members Janet Dell of Broadstairs, Kent, and to Chris Deering, of Gillingham, Kent, for their recent MBE awards.

30/01/2026

Janet Dell was awarded an MBE for services to Lifeguarding. Janet started her involvement in Lifeguarding at 14 by raising funds for Ramsgate Lifeguard Club. For over 64 years, she has been a member of the Ramsgate and later Thanet Lifeguard Club and RLSS UK, working to promote water safety and lifesaving through training, assessment, successfully competing in lifesaving sport at an international level, and volunteering. Janet became Membership Secretary for the Kent RLSS UK branch in 2006. In 2007, she was elected Branch Secretary, a position which she held until 2014. Janet competed in the World Lifesaving Championships, winning bronze, silver, and gold and setting a world record. In addition, Janet has twice swum the English Channel, first in a relay and two years later, solo, and was an Olympic Torch Bearer for the London 2012 games. 

On news of Janet’s award, RLSS UK Kent Branch President Andy Fooks said: 
“Janet’s long service, dedication, and enthusiasm have been an example to all who share the belief that drowning is preventable.” 

Chris Deering was awarded an MBE for services to People with Disabilities in the London Borough of Bexley. Chris has worked for many years as a trustee, lifeguard, and safeguarding officer at Bexley Beavers, a charity offering accessible and empowering SEN swimming sessions. He has been a member of Bexley Life Saving Club and West Kent Lifeguards since 1982, and in 1998, he became one of the first Save a Baby’s Life (SABL) trainers, offering lifesaving training across Kent and south-east London. In 2015, Chris became an Honorary Kent Branch Life President. 

Cavell Burchell, Secretary of RLSS UK Kent Branch, said: 
“Chris epitomises the unstinting commitment of the volunteer to the furthering of lifesaving within the Branch. The outreach Save A Baby’s Life programme that he supports so strongly, and Bexley Beavers were at the forefront of his taking lifesaving skills out into the local community.” 

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