The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) was founded in England in 1891 to combat a high drowning toll. The techniques advocated by the Society were soon adopted by many countries and today the RLSS represents the largest single organisation dedicated to the teaching of lifesaving and the prevention of drowning.

In the late 19th century, drowning was a serious concern in Western Australia. In 1980, there was one drowning deaths for every 3,300 people. Just five years later, as the population had doubled, drowning deaths more than doubled, highlighting the growing need for water safety initiatives.

Recognizing the urgent need for water safety, a pivotal meeting was held on 13 May 1909 at the Amateur Sportsman’s Club in Perth. Sixteen key figures from organizations such as the WA Amateur Swimming Association, St John Ambulance, and the WA Football League came together to address the growing issue of drowning. Their collective commitment laid the foundation for lifesaving efforts in Western Australia.

At the meeting, Police Sergeant John Smith – a passionate advocate for swimming and lifesaving education – proposed establishing a Royal Life Saving Society centre in Perth. He believed the principles of lifesaving should be taught to everyone from children to adults and sporting groups.
The motion was unanimously passed marking the official formation of the Royal Life Saving Society WA. Today, while operating as an independently incorporated body, it remains a constitutional member of the Royal Life Saving Society Australia.

Today, Royal Life Saving WA stands as the largest provider of water safety education in the state, offering a diverse range of services in training, safety, health promotion, and community support. As a not-for-profit, member-based organisation, it continues to champion the cause of drowning prevention and promote safe aquatic practices throughout Western Australia.