THE HONG KONG LIFE SAVING SOCIETY (II) Introduction　　 The Hong Kong Life Saving Society is a voluntary organization aimed at combating water-related accidents. We were established in 1956 by a group of lifesaving enthusiasts. We are now a full member of the International Life Saving (ILS) Federation. Since the inception, we have been active in promoting lifesaving movement in Hong Kong. We arrange lifesaving training and examinations of all levels, and disseminate water safety education to people. As at 2002, we have over 100 affiliated club members and over 7,000 individual members. Lifesaving Training Every year, we organize different types and levels of training courses including still water and open water courses as well as aquatic first aid, etc.. We introduce high-ended lifesaving equipment to Hong Kong like Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB), Jet Ski and Rescue Board. We organize coaching courses and are committed to nurturing a lifesaving force of high potential and commitment to meet the needs ahead. Examinations We are the sole organization in conducting lifesaving examinations and awarding credentials in Hong Kong. Our awards are widely recognized by government and the private sector. Through an accreditation programme, a number of our awards are recognized by ILS as having met the international standard. We arrange examinations of all levels annually to ensure that we have adequate number of lifesaving personnel to serve the community. The qualified lifeguards are employed to serve in gazetted beaches, public swimming pools or the private ones. We appoint examiners directly and they have to undergo continuous professional enrichment programme to maintain fairness and consistency in examinations. We will also appoint persons of high caliber from affiliated clubs or professionals to assist in conducting examinations. Sports We host lifesaving competitions locally and actively participate in international events. From 2001onwards, we are a member of Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, SAR and on regular subvention from the Hong Kong Sports Development Board that have provided us with an impetus for strategic development. To accommodate this, we organize training courses to ensure that adequate number of registered officials and coaches are in place. We also identify and enlist athletes of high potential from local competitions for long-term training. We send them to compete in international events. In recent years, our results have been promising and some national squads have won medals or broken Hong Kong records. These achievements have indeed enlivened Hong Kong’s image in international sports arena! Serving the Community People who finish the lifesaving training and pass the examination may take part in voluntary lifesaving service in public swimming pools or beaches through us. Interested parties please contact us or relevant district lifesaving clubs for details. Contact Us If you are interested in joining us, please call us by： Address ： 21/F, Caltex House, 258 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, HONG KONG Telephone： 2511 8363 e-mail ： info@hklss.org.hk Website ： www.hklss.org.hk * Information & photos provided by the National Sports Association

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