Celebrating 110 Years of Drowning Prevention with Royal Life Saving Tasmania

May 7

2 min read

Updated: Sep 8

In April 2026, Royal Life Saving Tasmania proudly marked 110 years of drowning prevention. This celebration highlights over a century of equipping communities with lifesaving skills and knowledge. The milestone was commemorated at a special event at Parliament House. During this event, the organisation presented its first-ever Tasmanian Royal Life Saving Commendation.

Recognising Courage and Quick Thinking

The inaugural Tasmanian Commendation was awarded to Amelia Hodge, a Launceston student recognised for her calm and courageous actions in an emergency. At just 12 years old, Amelia noticed a young child in distress after being knocked into the water at Port Sorell. Acting quickly, she entered the water and safely brought the child back to shore.

Her actions are a powerful reminder that lifesaving skills can make all the difference — no matter your age.

Acknowledgement from the City of Launceston

The milestone and commendation have also been recognised by the City of Launceston. On behalf of Mayor Matthew Garwood, the Mayor’s Office shared congratulations on this significant achievement. They noted the organisation’s “extraordinary commitment, education and community service over 110 years.”

The Mayor also acknowledged Amelia’s actions. He described her “courage, compassion and calm leadership at such a young age” as truly inspiring. He commended Royal Life Saving Tasmania’s volunteers, staff, and supporters for their ongoing role in building safer, more resilient communities.

Building a Safer Community for 110 Years

For more than a century, Royal Life Saving Tasmania has worked to prevent drowning and build safer communities across the state. From backyard pools and rivers to lakes, dams, and coastal environments, the organisation has helped generations of Tasmanians learn how to:

Swim safely
Recognise risks
Perform rescues
Respond in emergencies

Lifesaving Skills for Everyone

Lifesaving skills are essential for everyone. They empower individuals to act quickly in emergencies. Knowing how to respond can save lives. I believe that everyone should have access to water safety education. This knowledge is vital for creating safer environments.

A Legacy That Continues

With strong community partnerships and government support, Royal Life Saving Tasmania continues to:

Train pool lifeguards and swimming instructors
Deliver water safety education to children and adults
Build community resilience through lifesaving skills

As we reflect on this milestone, the message remains clear: everyone has a role to play in preventing drowning — and anyone can be a lifesaver.

The Future of Water Safety

Looking ahead, the focus remains on expanding water safety education. This includes reaching more communities and individuals. We aim to ensure that everyone has the knowledge and skills to respond effectively in emergencies. By fostering a culture of safety, we can work towards a future with zero drownings.

Join the Movement

I encourage everyone to get involved. Whether through training, volunteering, or spreading awareness, every action counts. Together, we can create a safer environment for all.

For more information on how to get involved, visit Royal Life Saving Tasmania.