Just because lifesaving is a valuable community skill that could save lives is no reason for it to be dull and academic. Our aim is to bring the fun back into a great sport, whilst turning bystanders into lifesavers. We want to share with you ideas to enjoy this sport more.

Many lifesaving classes focus on passing exams rather than training for real life situations. The water is warm and clear, no wind, no waves, no sunburn, everyone just in swimwear. Life is easy!

The real world is different. It can be cold or hot, with murky water, currents, waves and obstacles. About 70-80% of casualties forget to change into swimwear before they get into trouble. Pat Kelly, a senior lifeguard on the North Shore of Ohau, Hawaii, said that every year lifeguards have to rescue fully clothed victims who have been captured by the ocean as they were picking up shells or simply looking the other way at the wrong moment.