Remembering Queen Elizabeth II Beloved Monarch and Patron

Royal Life Saving WA is extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, beloved monarch and Patron of Royal Life Saving Society – Commonwealth.

Sending our condolences to the Royal Family, we reflect with great admiration and gratitude on Her Majesty’s Patronage, and her deep commitment to our lifesaving mission.

Royal Life Saving Australia President, Dr Mitch Hartman, says Her Majesty’s leadership was an inspiration to lifesavers all over Australia and the commonwealth.

“Her deep and personal commitment to swimming and lifesaving, and her interest in the Society’s work encouraged so many towards community service”.

In 1941, as Princess Elizabeth, The Queen became the first young person in the Commonwealth to achieve the Society’s Junior Respiration Award, providing an example to young people and helping to establish lifesaving and resuscitation qualifications across the network of nations.

The Queen recalled her memories of receiving the award in a video call with the Royal Life Saving Society last year.

“I didn’t realise I was the first one - I just did it, and had to work very hard for it,” she said.

“It was a great achievement and I was very proud to wear the badge on the front of my swimming suit. It was very grand, I thought.”

Ms Pene Snashall, Royal Life Saving Australia President (2015-2018) and RLS Commonwealth Trustee, traveled to Buckingham Palace and met Her Majesty for the Society’s 125-year anniversary in 2015.

“In our short conversation I recall Queen Elizabeth II speaking about the vast space that is Australia, and her understanding that being away from the coast didn’t eliminate the dangers of drowning or the importance of swimming and lifesaving skills. She was quietly spoken and incredibly welcoming”.