The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS)'s vision is 'to safeguard lives in, on and near water'. It is best known for its training and award programmes in the areas of water safety, swimming, survival, lifesaving, lifeguarding, life support and aquatic first aid. Each year nearly 1 million children and adults attend their courses, many delivered by local clubs.

The RLSS also organises regular competitions in the sport of Lifesaving which is an internationally recognised competitive swimming discipline.

The Surf Life Saving Association of Wales is the Governing Body for all the voluntary beach lifeguard clubs. Its work includes organising surf life saving competitions at a national and international level in Wales and providing qualifications for Inflatable Rescue Boat Crews.