Who We Are
History of Thanet Lifeguard Cub
The tradition of lifesaving on the Isle of Thanet dates back to the early 1900s. By the 1960s, a small group of dedicated volunteers began providing lifeguard services on Ramsgate Main Sands during the summer months. Ramsgate District Council supported these early efforts by offering a modest beach hut for equipment storage and shelter.
The early 1970s saw the construction of swimming pools in both Ramsgate and Margate, providing a vital resource for training and development. In 1974, Thanet Lifeguard Club was officially established and granted training time at Ramsgate pool on Sunday evenings. The club quickly grew, playing a key role in training and assessing the local council’s pool and beach lifeguard teams.
Thanet Lifeguard Club has always been committed to promoting water safety, lifesaving skills, and first aid education. In the 1980s, the club expanded into the competitive arena of sport lifesaving, proudly representing Thanet at national and international events. During this period, the club achieved multiple national
titles in both open water and pool competitions.
In 2006, leadership of the club passed from John Bower to Martin Fossey and Neil Morgan. Under their guidance and with the support of a passionate and dedicated committee Thanet Lifeguard Club has continued to thrive.
About Thanet Lifeguard Cub
Thanet Lifeguard Club is a proud affiliate of The Royal Life Saving Society UK & Ireland (RLSS) a respected charity dedicated to reducing drowning and promoting water safety across communities. We share a common belief: every life is worth saving, and everyone should be able to enjoy water safely whether in, on, or around it.
Founded in 1974, Thanet Lifeguard Club is a non-profit, 100% volunteer-run organisation committed to being a leading force in:
- Water safety education
- Lifesaving and lifeguard training
- Youth development
- Inclusion and equality
We run regular training sessions at Ramsgate Leisure Centre and on various beaches along the beautiful Thanet coastline. These sessions are designed to build essential lifesaving and lifeguarding skills, while also promoting fitness, confidence, and teamwork in a fun and inclusive environment.
Our mission is to empower individuals aged 7 and up with the knowledge and skills to save lives and enjoy water safely. Through our partnership with RLSS UK & Ireland, we offer high-quality training that leads to nationally recognised awards and qualifications, opening doors to careers in lifeguarding and beyond.
We also proudly run a community outreach programme, offering basic first aid, and CPR training to the wider local community.
Cub Objectives
Thanet Lifeguard Club is committed to delivering high-quality water safety education, lifesaving, resuscitation and first aid in an inclusive and enjoyable environment through education, community engagement and personal development and participation in the Award schemes and competitions of the Royal Life Saving Society United Kingdom (hereinafter referred to as RLSS UK or the Society). We aim to equip every member with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to help prevent drowning and preserve life.
Our Aims
To achieve our objectives of the Club, Thanet Lifeguard Club will:
Water Safety & Lifesaving
- Promote water safety awareness throughout the local community.
- Deliver high-quality lifesaving, first aid, CPR and rescue training in accordance with RLSS UK standards.
- Encourage safe participation in all aquatic environments, including swimming pools, beaches and open water.
Training & Qualifications
- Provide structured training programmes for members from the age of seven through to adulthood.
- Deliver nationally recognised RLSS UK awards and qualifications.
- Support members wishing to progress into volunteer, instructor, trainer, assessor and professional lifeguarding roles.
Youth Development
- Develop confidence, leadership, resilience, teamwork and personal responsibility in young people.
- Provide a clear pathway through the Rookie Lifeguard Programme, National Lifesaving Academy and advanced lifesaving awards.
- Encourage members to become positive role models within both the Club and wider community.
Community Engagement
- Work in partnership with schools, community groups, local authorities and other organisations to promote water safety education.
- Support community events, demonstrations, beach cleans and public engagement activities.
- Increase awareness of drowning prevention and emergency life support throughout Thanet and surrounding areas.
Sport & Physical Activity
- Encourage participation in sport lifesaving competitions at local, regional and national level.
- Promote physical fitness, healthy lifestyles and personal wellbeing through regular training.
- Provide opportunities for members to challenge themselves and achieve their individual potential.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
- Maintain a welcoming, inclusive and respectful environment where everyone has the opportunity to participate regardless of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or background.
- Ensure that all members are treated fairly and with dignity.
- Remove barriers that may prevent participation wherever reasonably practicable.
Safeguarding & Welfare
- Place the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults at the centre of everything we do.
- Maintain robust safeguarding practices in accordance with RLSS UK policies and national legislation.
- Promote a culture of respect, integrity, kindness and accountability.
Volunteers & Sustainability
- Recognise, recruit, train and support volunteers who are essential to the success of the Club.
- Operate as a financially responsible, transparent and sustainable not-for-profit organisation.
- Invest in facilities, equipment and training opportunities to ensure the long-term future of the Club.
Governance & Excellence
- Maintain the highest standards of governance, safety and operational excellence.
- Continually review and improve our training, administration and member experience.
- Uphold the values and standards of the Royal Life Saving Society UK whilst representing Thanet Lifeguard Club with professionalism and pride.