ANNUAL REPORT 2008 - Lifesaving Society

ANNUAL REPORT 2008 

Lifesaving Society / Alberta & Northwest Territories

ANNUAL REPORT 2007–2008 

Lifesaving Society Alberta & Northwest Territories 

11759 Groat Road 

Edmonton AB T5M 3K6 

Tel: 780 415 1755 

Fax: 780 427 9334 

Email: experts@lifesaving.org 

Web: www.lifesaving.org 

MISSION 

To prevent drowning and water-related incidents for all 

Canadians by providing: 

• lifesaving, lifeguarding & leadership education 

• public education 

VISION 

The Lifesaving Society saves lives, enhances quality of life, 

and empowers communities. 

STATEMENTS OF PURPOSE 

The Lifesaving Society is the: 

EXPERT in lifeguarding and water safety 

AUTHORITY in lifesaving standards, education, and 

rescue 

LEADER in research and prevention of drowning and 

injury 

ADVOCATE for active living and aquatic fitness 

CHAMPION for competitive lifesaving and sport 

STRATEGIC DIMENSION 

The Lifesaving Society: 

• Initiates lifelong opportunities for community 

vitality through safe, fun, active healthy living 

experiences 

• Develops, accredits, and implements professional 

and industry standards, programs, services, and 

products to fulfill community and public safety 

needs 

• Embraces responsible business practices for 

sustainable growth and organizational stability 

• Forges strategic partnerships and alliances for 

reciprocal benefit 

Additional copies of this Annual Report may be obtained from the 

Lifesaving Society office. 

© 2008 Royal Life Saving Society Canada 

President 

Chris Burrows, CA, CPA 

Past President 

Kevin Feehan, LLB, QC 

Chief Administrative Officer 

Barbara Kusyanto 

Directors 

Heather Barnhouse, BSc, LLB, MBA 

Rob Campbell, BSc, BEd, DipPsych, MEd 

BJ Kaleta 

John Mervyn 

Bo Wolski (Director of Finance) 

Governor 

Bruce Hogle, CM 

Legal Advisor 

Heather Barnhouse, BSc, LLB, MBA 

Medical Advisor 

Dr. William Patton 

Chaplain 

Rev. Peter Campbell 

Piper 

Pat Edgar Brown 

Photographer 

Ronald Kwan

Every action in support of increased 

safety education and drowning and 

injury prevention in our community 

makes a difference 

It is with great pleasure that I submit to you the 

Alberta and Northwest Territories Branch 2007-2008 

Annual Report. In keeping with the past 100 years, 2007 

has been marked with significant success. 

I am confident that we are positioned well for continued 

success for the next 100 years. 

We know that we have made a difference in the 

communities that we are a part of, and we know that we 

have addressed the needs of Albertans, of Northerners 

and of Canadians. We know that we have improved 

quality of life and now look to see how we will continue 

to make a difference into the next century. 

It is a challenging and exciting time for the Society 

and we have strategic plans to ensure that we recognize 

opportunities, deploy resources and focus on member 

communication, support and service. We will continue to 

align strategically with diverse community partners in 

order to maintain the pace and meet the challenges of the 

future demands of our communities. 

Development of organized lifesaving sport is critical to 

the continuing mission of the Society. Lifesaving Sport 

increases awareness, promotes healthy, active living and 

educates the masses. The families of the athletes, officials, 

media and casual observers of Lifesaving Sport all benefit, 

and therefore, our communities benefit. 

Core elements of the Society’s drowning prevention 

mission involve swimming survival skills and water rescue 

training. Research shows that our swim, lifesaving and 

first aid programs make people safer and give people the 

skills necessary to respond in emergency situations. 

The Lifesaving Society recognizes the benefits and 

is committed to continued research to ensure that our 

programs and services meet the needs of individuals and 

communities. Our affiliates, trainers, volunteers and 

staff strive for excellence, keeping our programs current, 

relevant and responsive to identified needs. 

We will continue to be leaders in good governance, fiscal 

conservatism and social responsibility. We will continue 

to work together as a network of federated branches 

of the Lifesaving Society, advancing the mission and 

vision of the Society on the national and international 

stage. We will remain global leaders in the area of 

Lifesaving, representing Canada on the world stage at the 

International Lifesaving Federation. 

Thank you to all of you who supported us this year 

through partnerships, funding and donations, and through 

being a part of the larger community through your interest 

and commitment. 


PRESIDENT REPORT 

PRESIDENT CHRIS BURROWS, CA, CPA 

Our attention is focused on a number of key initiatives 

that we feel will have maximum impact in 2008 and 

thereafter. We will build a vision for our primary 

drowning prevention and education programs. We will 

develop and refine our programs to deliver maximum 

benefit and target these programs at those demographic 

groups most at risk. And we will facilitate all this through 

our continuing research on drowning. 

Chris Burrows, CA, CPA 

President 

LIFESAVING SOCIETY ALBERTA & NORTHWEST TERRITORIES 1


CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT 

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER BARBARA KUSYANTO 

The past 100 years of lifesaving training and 

research has had a profound impact on the 

communities in which we live. 

A Legacy and a Future Vision for the Society 

continues in Alberta and the Northwest Territories 

with the start of celebrating 100 years of lifesaving in 

Canada across the country in 2008. 

Where it may be difficult to calculate just how 

many people have improved their physical fitness 

or how many lives have been saved thanks to the 

training and awareness of the Society over the past 

century. We know that over 628,269 people have 

participated in Society programs over the past forty 

years. 

In just looking at the past ten years, I have had the 

privilege of working with exceptional individuals 

and communities in respect to our public health and 

safety mandate of injury and drowning prevention. 

Together we have seen a significant growth in Society 

programs. In that time, we have added ten new leadership 

programs and sixteen skill development programs. This 

growth and change on all levels has added great value to 

the lives of many. Congratulations to everyone who played 

a role. 

Society leadership and partnerships continue to 

be key to community development and building 

relationships. Engaging the public and inviting members 

to plan together with the Society for today and for the 

future is essential to achieving our important public 

mandate. 

This year, Alberta Tourism, Parks, and Recreation 

was announced as our new provincial ministry 

and the Honourable Cindy Ady was appointed as 

Minister. The support of the Alberta Government 

and the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks, and 

Wildlife Foundation has greatly enhanced the 

Society’s efforts to provide valuable sport and 

recreation opportunities for our members and the 

public. 

Our focus on community and member capacity 

building and sustainability continues. With the 

Society entering a new era with a national strategic 

focus for alignment, I look forward to the challenges 

and opportunities. Ten years from now, we will again 

be able to celebrate our legacy and progress together—to 

re-affirm our collective future vision that ensures access for 

all as members of a healthy active community. 

Barbara Kusyanto 

Chief Administrative Officer 

Walk into or call the office and you will meet a 

dynamic team of talented and dedicated Society staff. 

Even though we have had considerable turnover of 

staff, the Society was able to achieve many positive 

accomplishments and continued to provide service 

excellence with a true client focus for members and 

communities in Alberta and the Northwest Territories. 

This past April saw Sean Nickerson join us as the 

Lifesaving Sport Director followed by Kari Dalke as 

the new Program Director in May. July saw Debbie 

Henshall move to Kelowna after working with the 

Society for 20 years. In October our Technical Director 

of 18 years Larry Patterson retired from the Society. 

December saw us saying good-bye to Ricky Lee, who 

moved on to Ontario to follow his dreams. In late 

January, Kelly Carter joined us as our new Standards 

and Safety Director and in February Annie Guo joined 

the team as our Finance and Administration Director. 

Our new staff and their talents give us great 

opportunity for growth. 

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LIFESAVING SOCIETY ALBERTA & NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

As the lifeguarding experts, we provide a 

comprehensive set of safety standards and 

services to maximize public safety. 


The Lifesaving Society is the expert in lifeguarding 

and water safety; the authority in lifesaving standards, 

education, and rescue; and the leader in research and 

prevention of drowning and injury. Aquatic Safety 

Management (ASM) services provide the risk and safety 

management expertise that complements our training 

programs and standards. Our Safety Management 

expertise provides communities with the knowledge and 

support required to build, renovate, and operate safe 

aquatic facilities. Our standards and expertise contribute 

to managing risks associated with other aquatic 

environments within communities such as rivers, lakes, 

storm water retention ponds, canals, and farm dugouts. 

Aquatic Safety Management includes the delivery of 

services in five areas: 

• Aquatic Safety Audits 

• Safety Standards 

• Critical Incident Response 

• Expert Witness Testimony 

• Facility Design and Operation Consultation 

This year we formalized and added a new ASM service 

Critical Incident Response. This service will assist 

members in dealing with the aftermath of a critical 

incident from Staff and Facility support to review of the 

incident and providing recommendations. 

As the lifeguarding experts, ASM services work with 

our National Lifeguard (NLS) training program to 

provide safe and enjoyable experiences for customers. 

Beyond the standards of the NLS training program, our 

Public Aquatic Facility Safety Standards provide public 

facility owners with the guidance required for safe facility 

operation. Other ASM resources educate lifeguards and 

facility owners with the latest research, training materials, 

and safety recommendations to support continuous 

evaluation and improvement of safety systems at public 

aquatic facilities. Through these member services, 

National Lifeguard is more than a certification - it is the 

embodiment of the Lifesaving Society’s whole system of 

public facility safety services and supports. 

Our ASM services are not restricted to just aquatic 

facility operation. They include standards for public 

safety education, aquatic sports, and outdoor pursuits. In 

addition, we set standards for first aid, CPR, and AED 

training for the public and workplaces. 

2007 / 2008 Highlights 

• Presented a paper on Lifeguard Positioning at 

World Water Safety Conference in Portugal. 

• Worked with Alberta Health and Wellness in 

developing an accreditation process for Pool 

Operator Training. Will continue into the future. 

• Presented at Recreation Facility Personnel 

Conference and for Alberta Injury Control. 

• Preformed Design Consultations with City of 

Edmonton, Town of Manning, and the Town of 

Whitecourt for their new Aquatic Facilities. 

• Called as an expert witness by Alberta Justice at 

two fatality inquiries. 

SAFETY MANAGEMENT 

STANDARDS AND SAFETY DIRECTOR KELLY CARTER 



Lifesaving Society training programs 

are about much more than aquatic 

skills training. They contribute to 

improving the safety, health, and 

fitness of our communities. 

TRAINING PROGRAMS 

PROGRAM DIRECTOR KARI DALKE 

The Lifesaving Society develops, accredits, and 

implements professional and industry standards, 

programs, services, and products to fulfill community 

and public safety needs. 

Traditionally our Affiliates have focused on aquatic 

recreation; today they reach further into the community 

with our extensive menu of Lifesaving Society training 

programs. These programs contribute to improving the 

safety, health, and fitness of our communities and develop 

community leaders. 

Canada. These NLS certified lifeguards are the foundation 

for providing the high level of public safety Canadians 

enjoy at Public Aquatic Facilities. 

Our Bronze Medal awards and strong Junior Lifeguard 

programs have proven to be a significant feeder system 

into preparing candidates to become certified NLS 

Lifeguards as well as swimming instructors. Having gone 

through these types of Lifesaving Society programs, 

young lifeguards and instructors quickly become 

contributing members of our Affiliate’s staff team. 

FIRST AID TRAINING 

First aid training reaches everyone in the community 

and research has shown that it contributes to injury 

prevention as well as providing the skills to respond to an 

injury. Our first aid training programs (including CPR, 

AED and Oxygen Administration) continue to be an 

area of growth over the last three years with a 16% in the 

2007/2008 period. This growth is a reflection of the value 

our members and delivery partners see in offering these 

programs. 

This is particularly evident in the growth of the 

CPR–Health Care Provider (HCP) program. With the 

training of 122 candidates in this new program shows 

that we are meeting public and the health care industry 

needs. 

LIFEGUARD TRAINING 

Over 2,800 lifeguards were trained and certified as 

NLS Lifeguards – the standard for lifeguard training in 

The Head Lifeguard and Shallow Water Pool Lifeguard 

NLS option programs have been offered as pilots. 

Feedback has been gathered and we look forward to the 

completion of all aspects of development for the final 

pilot of each course. The introduction of these programs 

adds another level of training and knowledge that 

enhances expertise and safety at our community facilities. 

SWIMMING & LIFESAVING TRAINING 

Continued growth in the Society’s swim and lifesaving 

programs has enhanced the ability of Albertans and 

Northerners to lead safe and active lives while taking 

full advantage of the fun, health, and fitness benefits of 

swimming and other aquatic activities. 

Our Swim for Life® and Canadian Swim Patrol 

programs train good swimmers with good strokes. A 

good stroke is one that allows the swimmer to safely 

enjoy and participate in a full range of aquatic activities 

and experiences while protecting themselves in, on, and 

4 


around water. Good swimmers can swim for health and 

fitness and are ready for more advanced training. Swim 

Patrol Lifesavers have developed the skills to respond in 

an emergency and contribute to community safety. 

The implementation of the next generation of Swim 

for Life occurred this year, with each of the forty 

facilities receiving a revised Swim for Life Toolkit. All 

of our indoor sites and one third of our outdoor sites 

have successfully made the transition using these new 

resources. 

Celebrating the 628,269* people 

who have taken Lifesaving Society 

training in Alberta and the 

Northwest Territories. 

*based on available information from our databases 


The Bronze Medal awards continue to be important 

Society programs for our affiliates as these awards prepare 

candidates for further vocational training programs. This 

year, we trained nearly 5,500 candidates at the Bronze 

Star, Bronze Medallion, and Bronze Cross levels, helping 

to make these candidates safer and more secure aquatic 

environment users. 

LEADERSHIP TRAINING 

Our leadership training system does more than deliver 

programs – it also develops community leaders who 

contribute to the health and safety of our citizens. 

Over 3,000 Albertans and Northerners were trained 

as Instructor/Examiners and Instructor Trainers in 

2007/2008. These numbers are a reflection of many 

Affiliates and the Society making the investment to 

develop local training capacity. Affiliates with this “inhouse” 

training capacity have enjoyed the economical 

benefits and flexibility to meet their staffing needs. 

With our Affiliate Member partners and leadership 

volunteers, we continue to expand access to Society 

training and expertise to meet the needs of our 

communities. This year saw the implementation of 

Provincial Training Centres, Zone Training Centres and 

Accredited Facilities as an enhanced delivery system. 

Each type of accreditation has distinct advantages and 

opportunity for the affiliate and the Lifesaving Society to 

better meet the needs of the community. 

Demonstrating significant growth over the last decade 

1997–98 2007–08 

Swim to Survive ® Program 0 8,365 

Swim for Life ® Program 0 80,000 

Lifesaving Programs 7,509 9,810 

Lifeguarding Programs 1,990 2,891 

First Aid Programs 4,311 16,894 

Lifesaving Sport Programs 0 1,042 

Leadership Training Programs 525 4,514 

Boat Operator Accredited 

0 530 

Training (BOAT ) 

OVERALL 14,335 124,046 

The Society placed 230 job postings on 

our website (an average of 19/month) 



Lifesaving Sport increases 

awareness, promotes healthy, active 

living and educates the masses 

LIFESAVING SPORT 

LIFESAVING SPORT DIRECTOR SEAN NICKERSON 

LIFESAVING SPORT 

The Lifesaving Society led the development of 

lifesaving sport at home and around the world. The AB/ 

NWT Branch is pleased to have 17 Lifesaving/Sauvétage 

Alberta Northwest Territories (LSABNT) lifesaving 

clubs and an additional 15 affiliates offering either 

recreational or competitive programs in all nine zones. 

Lifesaving Sport continues to be recognized by 

the International Olympic Committee and the 

Commonwealth Games Federation. This year saw 

the launch of the national Sport Commission as the 

national sport federation for Lifesaving Sport in Canada. 

LSABNT will play a key role in providing ongoing 

expertise and support as Canada continues to move 

forward in the pursuit for long-term athlete development 

and excellence. 

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT 

Our community lifesaving sport programs have been 

and continue to be the cornerstones of recreational 

participation. Access to these programs at the 

community level have allowed for the growth of the sport 

as well as provided the opportunity for all ages to lead 

healthy, active lives through aquatic fitness. 

Our Junior, Senior, and Masters Development 

programs are running successfully throughout the 

province. Each program has expanded to include 

recreational and competitive pathways to offer new 

fitness alternatives, staff training, and competition 

opportunities for the whole family. 

Leadership training and development for coaches 

increased considerably with the development and 

piloting of the first generation Recreational Coach 

program. Over 31 coaches where trained throughout 

the province to deliver recreational based sport 

programming. 

Officials programming saw 24 new officials and 

Official Instructors received training this past season. 

COMPETITIVE LIFESAVING ACTIVITIES 

LSABNT membership continues to grow within 

the province and Northwest Territories with over 

650 activated athletes in junior, senior, and masters 

programming. Our province’s Lifesaving League 

experienced continued growth, featuring seven 

sanctioned competitions in the 2007/2008 season. 

The League once again helped to increase the number 

of competitive athletes choosing to participate in 

sanctioned competition. This increase was also felt at the 

provincial championship level with an unprecedented 

crowd of 275 athletes and volunteers gathering for the 

2008 LSABNT Pool Lifesaving Championships. 

The 2007/08 season also saw the introduction of a 

new LSABNT Competition Manual and new events. 

This inclusion will allow athletes to participate in all 11 

International Lifesaving Federation events. 

The AB/NWT Branch supported the first provincial 

team to a national surf event this past summer at 

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the 2007 Canadian Surf Lifesaving Championships 

in Martinique Beach, Nova Scotia. Team Alberta 

dominated the junior competition, winning both the 

male and female pentathlons, solidifying its presence in 

the junior surf disciplines. The provincial senior team also 

made its debut finaling in five events. 

The provincial representative team was together again 

March 15-16, in Toronto, at the 2008 Canadian Pool 

Lifesaving Championships. Building on the success 

of surf the 14-15 and 16-19 categories dominated 

the Canadian competition by placing second in their 

standings. 

PROVINCIAL, NATIONAL & 

INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP 

The Society continues to participate at the national 

level with two members sitting on the Canadian 

Lifesaving Sport Commission. Jeff Arthurs will continue 

his position as the Canadian Athletes Representative, 

while the province’s Lifesaving Sport Director will 

oversee Athletes Services portfolio 

We are very proud to announce the on going assistance 

of both Barbara Kusyanto and Jeff Arthurs at the 

international lifesaving sport level. Barbara continued 

to sit as a long time member of the Royal Life Saving 

Society Commonwealth Sport Commission, while Jeff 

has extended his role as the Athletes Representative for 

the International Lifesaving Society. We look forward to 

their continued dedication to lifesaving sport in Canada. 

2007/2008 LSABNT SANCTIONED COMPETITIONS 

11.24.07 

Lifesaving League Round #1 

Host Club: Calgary Poseidon’s 

Killarney Aquatic and Recreation Centre 

11.31.07 


Host Club: Grant MacEwan Griffins 

MacEwan Center for Sport and Wellness 

12.08.07 


Host Club: Okotoks Great Whites 

Okotoks Recreation Centre 

01.26.08 


Host Club: Hinton Stingrays 

Dr.Duncan Murray Recreation Centre 

02.02.08 


Host Club: Wetaskiwin Orcas 

Abussafy Aquatics Centre 

02.23.08 

Winter White Out Invitational 

Host Club: Jasper River Dragons 

Jasper Aquatic Centre 

03.15–16.08 

2008 LSABNT Pool Lifesaving Championships 

Host: University of Alberta 

University of Alberta Van Vliet Center 

Overall Team Title: Wetaskiwin Orcas 

Junior Champions: Hinton Stingrays 

Senior Champions: Jasper River Dragons 

Master Champions: Wetaskiwin Orcas 


LSABNT Training Camps 

December 28-30 

January 18-20 

February 15-17 

University of Alberta 

Grant MacEwan College 

Kinsmen Aquatics Centre 

Countdown to 2009 

The Lifesaving Society Alberta & Northwest Territories 

will be the Canadian host for the 2009 Commonwealth 

Conference & Lifesaving Championships. 

TEAM ALBERTA 

Canadian Surf Lifesaving Championships 

Martinique Beach, NS August 22-24, 2007 

Canadian Pool Lifesaving Championships 

Toronto, ON March 6-9, 2008 



Our Water Smart® Toolkit, Swim to Survive® Toolkit, and 

Public Education section of the website gives Canadians the 

ability to be water safety experts in their own communities. 

WATER SMART ® PUBLIC EDUCATION 

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR SUE SHERMAN 

World Water Safety Conference 

September 27-29, 2007 - Portugal 

Saving Lives Worldwide: Prevention, 

Resucue & Treatment 

Lifesaving Society Branch 

Representatives—Connecting you to the 

World—Listening, learning and leading 

• Presented Canadian initiatives and resources that 

are recognized as leading edge by other countries 

around the world 

• Aquired new and vital research to influence 

program design and safety management standards 

Read the papers, PowerPoint presentations and 

abstracts for yourself – online at www.lifesaving.org 

THE LIFESAVING SOCIETY IN THE NEWS 

SWIM TO SURVIVE ® IN YOUR COMMUNITY 

Swim to Survive has given our partner pools the capacity 

to respond to requests by their local schools and other 

community groups for swimming lessons. Swim to Survive 

has been a simple way for schools to give their students 

a meaningful swimming experience where no child was 

left out. For some children participating in Swim to 

Survive has been their first chance to learn to be safe 

around water. For others they have developed a desire 

to participate, which has started these children into a 

lifetime of fitness and good health. To assist rural schools 

in giving their students a Swim to Survive experience, 

the Society has secured funding from the Alberta Sport, 

Recreation, Parks, and Wildlife Foundation for a Swim to 

Survive School Grant. 

The Society, along with its affiliates, was able to grab 

significant coverage by the media this year. These media 

reports featured our injury prevention information and 

Commonwealth Rescue Awards and highlighted the 

great work that affiliates where doing with Lifesaving 

Society programs or services. 

A New Definition for Drowning 

“Drowning is the process of experiencing respiratory 

impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid.” 

In Essence - Drowning victims die or they survive 

with or without morbidity. (International Life Saving 

Federation & World Health Organization) 

8 


The Lifesaving Society embraces responsible 

business practices for sustainable growth and 

organizational stability. 


The summarized financial information presented here 

is derived from the Society’s audited financial statements 

for the year ending March 31, 2008. The Society’s 2008 

financial statements have been audited by Yaremchuk and 

Annicchiarico LLP, Chartered Accountants. 

The Society continues to make investments in new 

programs, program development and customer service. 

To ensure service excellence and success in supporting 

our programs and services we continue to invest in the 

future while managing our costs. As a result, the Society 

continues to be well positioned to continue its mission 

of drowning prevention in Alberta and the Northwest 

Territories. 

Complete audited financial statements are available 

for viewing in their entirety by request to the Lifesaving 

Society Alberta and Northwest Territories 

The Society acknowledges and greatly appreciates 

the support of our initiatives provided to us each 

year through Alberta Tourism, Parks & Recreation, 

and the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks & Wildlife 

Foundation. 

Summarized Balance Sheet as at March 31 

2008 2007 

Net Assets 

Net Working Capital 236,897 243,288 

Investments 715,654 688,764 

Capital Assets 39,039 49,118 

991,590 981,170 

Fund Balances 

Investment Capital Assets 39,039 49,118 

Internally - Restricted 610,000 610,000 

General - Unrestricted 342,551 322,052 

991,590 981,170 

Summarized Statement of Operations as at March 31 

2008 2007 

Revenue 

Unrestricted 764,258 803,195 

Restricted 177,453 147,390 

941,711 950,585 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE BO WOLSKI / FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION DIRECTOR ANNIE GUO 

Expenses 931,291 877,480 

Net Contribution for the Year 10,420 73,105 



It is through the involvement of 

our dedicated affiliate members 

and leadership volunteers that 

the Society is able to achieve our 

drowning prevention mission. 

AFFILIATE AWARDS 

MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTOR JANICE VIK 

Annually, the Lifesaving Society recognizes affiliate 

members who deliver the Society’s training programs 

and promote public education. Points reflect the relative 

degree of difficulty or amount of training and effort 

required to achieve each level including the programming 

time and commitment. There are 19 classes awarded 

on the basis of accumulating the highest point total 

in conducting Lifesaving Society programs during a 

calendar year. 

CLASS 1 

Presented to the affiliate member for overall achievement 

City of Calgary 24,935 

City of Edmonton 15,230 

County of Strathcona 10,990 

CLASS 2 

Presented to the affiliate member, serving a community of less 

than 100,000 population, for overall achievement 


City of St. Albert 9,480 

City of Red Deer 4,510 

CLASS 3 



Town of Edson 2,255 

Town of Whitecourt 1,395 

Town of Cochrane 1,195 

CLASS 4 

Presented to the affiliate member, serving a community less 


The Municipality of Jasper 2,485 

High Prairie & District Regional Recr. Board 1,645 

Town of Drayton Valley 1,435 

CLASS 5 

Presented to the YMCA affiliate member for overall 

achievement 

William Lutsky YMCA 4,160 

Castledowns YMCA 1,840 

Crowfoot YMCA 1,590 

CLASS 6 

Presented to the affiliate member, operating only one outdoor 

(seasonal) facility, for overall achievement 

Royal Glenora Club 815 

Town of Magrath 630 

Village of Forestburg 540 

CLASS 7 

Presented to the university affiliate member for overall 

achievement 

University of Alberta 8,980 

University of Lethbridge 5,350 

University of Calgary 880 

10 


CLASS 8 

Presented to the private affiliate member, operating one indoor 

facility, for overall achievement 

Talisman Centre 3,315 

Calgary Winter Club 2,175 

West Edmonton Mall - World Waterpark 1,908 

CLASS 9 

Presented to the camp affiliate member for overall 

achievement 

Kiwanis Kamp 60 

Camp BB Riback 20 

CLASS 10 

Presented to the associate affiliate member for overall 

achievement 

Evan Poisson 1,225 

Peak Experience Training Services 1,205 

Centre High Campus Wellness Centre 1,175 

CLASS 11 Terry Cavanagh Junior Lifeguard Award 

Presented to the affiliate member accumulating the highest 

point total of Junior Lifeguard members. 

Town of Hinton 1,220 


City of Wetaskiwin 890 

CLASS 12 


point total of Canadian Swim Patrol candidates 

Town of Stony Plain 425 

Town of Hinton 320 

County of Strathcona 220 

CLASS 14 

Presented to the associate affiliate member accumulating the 

highest point total in conducting the BOAT program 

Fern Reinke 325 

Reg Kozoway 85 

St. John Ambulance 85 

Haakeye Consulting 85 

Wizard Lake Marine Ltd. 55 

CLASS 15 

Presented to the college or technical institute affiliate member 

for overall achievement 

Canadian University College 2,265 

SAIT 1,560 

MacEwan Centre 1,260 

CLASS 16 Anne Resek Swim for Life Award 


point total in conducting Swim for Life programs. 



Westside Regional Recreation Society 5,438 

CLASS 16A Anne Resek Swim for Life Award 


than 100,000 population, accumulating the highest point total 

in conducting Swim for Life programs 


City of Camrose 2,284 

University of Lethbridge 1,572 


CLASS 13 


point total in conducting the BOAT program 

City of St. Albert 310 

City of Calgary 145 

Glencoe Club 110 

Member Services Benefit 

The Society published the report “Hiring Qualified 

and Dedicated Aquatic Recreation Staff” to support 

our Affiliates through the current staffing challenge 

experienced by many. This report will allow people 

to re-think the situation, re-strategize and perhaps 

re-fuel their resolve to hire and maintain a dynamic 

staff team. 

Now available on-line or from THE SHOP 



CLASS 16B Anne Resek Swim for Life Award 



in conducting Swim for Life programs 

Town of Hinton 584 

CLASS 16C Anne Resek Swim for Life Award 


than 7,500 population, accumulating the highest point total in 

conducting Swim for Life programs 

Town of Jasper 1,158 

Town of Claresholm 637 

Town of Killam 604 

CLASS 17 


point total in conducting Lifesaving First Aid programs. 




CLASS 19B Marlin Moore National Lifeguard Award 



in conducting National Lifeguard programs 

Town of Edson 650 

Sally Borden Banff Centre 610 

Town of Canmore 520 

CLASS 19C Marlin Moore National Lifeguard Award 


than 7,500 population, accumulating the highest point total in 

conducting National Lifeguard programs 

Town of Pincher Creek 725 

High Prairie & District Regional Recr. Board 715 

Town of Barrhead 580 

CLASS 18 

Presented to the associate affiliate member accumulating the 

highest point total in conducting Lifesaving First Aid programs. 

Evan Poisson 1,225 

Peak Experience Training Service 735 

H20 Pro 530 

CLASS 19 Marlin Moore National Lifeguard Award 


point total in conducting National Lifeguard programs. 



University of Alberta 2,730 

CLASS 19A Marlin Moore National Lifeguard Award 



in conducting National Lifeguard programs 


City of Medicine Hat 1,915 

City of Red Deer 1,795 

You need information… 

the Society’s has it! 

The Lifesaving Society is your ultimate source for 

everything you need to know about drowning and 

injury prevention. 

Visit www.lifesaving.org for: 

• Safety standards 

• Safety management resources & links 

• International perspectives 

• Water Smart Fact Sheets 

• Drowning statistics 

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12 


Branch Patrons 

1959–1966 Hon. J. Percy Page 

1966–1974 Hon. Dr. J.W. Grant MacEwan 

1974–1979 Hon. Ralph G. Steinhaur 

1979–1985 Hon. Frank Lynch–Staunton 

1985–1991 Hon. Helen Hunley 

1991–1996 Hon. Gordon Towers 

1996–2000 Hon. Bud Olsen 

2000–2005 Hon. Lois E. Hole 

2005– Hon. Norman L. Kwong 

The Society’s Supporters 

The Lifesaving Society works closely with many government departments and established 

safety and sport organizations and agencies at both the national and provincial/territorial 

levels. Together we pursue mutually beneficial goals in the prevention of drowning, injury, 

and water-related incidents. Some of our partnerships in 2007/2008 included: 

Branch Vice Patrons 

1996–1999 Hon. Helen Maksagak 

1999–2000 Hon. Daniel Joseph Marion 

2000–2005 Hon. Glenna Hansen 

2005– Hon. Anthony W.J. Whitford 

Branch Governors 

1965–1966 Brigadier J.C. Jefferson 

1966–1970 Maj. Gen. J.M. Rockingham 

1971–1975 Kenneth A. McKenzie, QC 

1976–1978 Jack Boddington 

1979–1980 Dr. E.S.O. Smith 

1980–1996 Terry Cavanagh 

1997– Bruce Hogle, CM 

Branch Presidents 

1958–1959 Manny E. Power 

1960–1962 R.A. (Paddy) Johnson 

1963–1969 Jack Boddington 

1970 Harry Boddington 

1971–1972 Tell R.B. Stephen 

1973 Hobart J. Clark 

1974 Carman Byler 

1975 Rudy Berghuys 

1976–1977 Walter A. West 

1978 Bryce Gibson 

1979 Brian Sullivan 

1980–1982 Gordon Wick 

1983–1984 Dave Linman 

1985–1986 Neil Riley 

1987–1988 Dale Drummond 

1989–1990 Tim Moorhouse 

1991–1994 Doug Mylie 

1995–1996 Barbara Kusyanto 

1997–1998 Jeanie Hutton 

1999–2000 Lisa Wolff 

2001–2002 Alice Park 

2003–2004 Colin Reichle 

2005–2006 Kevin Feehan 

2007– Chris Burrows 

Alberta Centre for Injury Control & 

Research (ACICR) 

The ACICR supports initiatives that 

empower communities to create a caring 

and safe Alberta, one that works together 

to reduce the toll that injuries take. Thanks 

to our partnership with the ACICR, our 

affiliates and other community leaders 

have the Water Smart ® Toolkit and Swim 

to Survive ® Toolkit to conduct an allinclusive 

water safety education program 

for their community. With everything from 

activity ideas to programming suggestions, 

promotional and recognition materials 

to inservice guides, these toolkits have 

everything needed to teach people about 

making safe choices while they live, work, 

or play in, on, and around water and ice! 

City of Edmonton 

The Society gratefully acknowledges 

the support received from the City of 

Edmonton Hosting Grant Program to 

assist in the hosting of the 2008 LSABNT 

Pool Lifesaving Games & Championships 

at the University of Alberta. 

Government of Alberta 

The Lifesaving Society receives funding 

each year from the Government of Alberta. 

These funds are awarded through the 

Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks & Wildlife 

Foundation (ASRPWF) and are supported 

from the Alberta Lottery Fund. 

The ASRPWF is committed to facilitate 

opportunities that work towards achieving 

the government’s priority of improving 

Albertans’ quality of life. Lifesaving Society 

programs and services align directly with 

the ASRPWF’s core business streams to 

promote active living and to support 

programs that enhance the quality of life, 

encourage self-sufficiency and promote 

volunteer participation. 

Special ASRPWF Development Initiatives 

Program funding was received this 

year to support the development of the 

Recreational Coach Manual and Recreation 

Coach Course. Additional funds were 

received to support the development of the 

Swim to Survive School Grant that will be 

implemented in 2008-09. 

The Alberta Lottery Fund helps to enhance 

and improve Alberta’s communities by 

supporting many volunteer and sport 

initiatives across the province. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2008

Celebrating more than a century of saving lives 

Quemcunque Miserum Videris Hominen Scias 

Whomsoever you see in distress, recognize in him a fellow man. 

This 100th Anniversary celebrates over 100 years of lifesaving achievement and service to Canadians and the formal 

establishment of the first Canadian Royal Life Saving Society Branch. Our vision for drowning prevention is still at work 

today. The Lifesaving Society works to prevent drowning and water related injury through our training programs, Water 

Smart ® public education, aquatic safety management and lifesaving sport. 

The Society has a long and proud history of drowning prevention leadership in Canada. The Society traces its roots to 

the late 19th Century in London, England with the beginning of The Swimmers’ Life Saving Society. As early as 1896, 18 

young Canadians earned the first recorded Bronze Medallion in Canada at Upper Canada College. In 1904, we become 

The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) under the patronage of King Edward VII. The first RLSS Branch was started in Ontario, 

soon followed by the Quebec Branch in 1909. The Alberta Branch was formed in 1926. 

While we have expanded our programs over the past century, we’ve also been on the for-front of research and embraced 

innovative thinking. This has involved the Lifesaving Society in: 

• First Canadian organization to adopt mouth-to-mouth as the method of choice for artificial respiration in the 1950’s. 

• Started our first CPR training program in the 1960’s. 

• 1964 brings the National Lifeguard Service across Canada. 

• 1965, the first Canadian Lifesaving Manual is published, initiating 30 years of scientific contributions to lifesaving. 

Publications included textbooks, drowning reports and 21 symposium reports. 

• Canadians hosted the first biennial rescue conference, known as Rescue 86 in Vancouver. 

• The Ontario Branch initiated research to design an economical CPR training manikin, now known to the world as the 

ACTAR 911 training system. 

• Safety Standards for aquatic facilities are set and published in the 1990’s. 

• In the last decade, programs and services have been added as the Society’s capacity to meet community needs 

expands. This has included BOAT , Lifesaving Sport, Swim for Life, First Aid and specialized CPR. 

• Into a new century, the Canadian Swim to Survive Standard has already had far reaching affects around the world. 

Today we are known to Canadians as the Lifesaving Society, Canada’s lifeguarding expert. As a national volunteer 

organization and registered charity we stand committed to the ideals that first formed the Society back in 1800’s. 

Alberta Registered Charity Number 11912 9021 RR

ANNUAL REPORT 2008 - Lifesaving Society

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