Royal Life Saving Society UK and British Triathlon announce joint strategy to set standards and grow safe open water swimming.

British Triathlon and the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), are launching a new partnership and strategy today (25 January) to help support and drive the development of open water swimming in the UK. The two organisations say they recognise the need to develop safe swim sites to ensure delivery of a positive open water swimming experience. The partnership has been created under the brand of SH₂OUT and has five key aims as follows:

•             Safe Venues – delivering a publicly recognised quality standard for open water swimming venues

•             Quality Event – ensuring open water swimming events are delivered to approved standards

•             Vibrant Community – providing a compelling offer to all open water swimming participants

•             Inspiring Participation – developing a clear and supportive participation pathway, enabling more people to take part in open water swimming

•             Industry Guidance – proving market leading education, support and advice to the triathlon and lifesaving communities

RLSS UK’s Chief Executive, Di Steer, says: “In recent years, open water swimming has been subject to rapid growth and RLSS UK and British Triathlon recognise the need for improved advice and guidance coupled with dedicated services to support the continued success and safe growth of the sport. SH₂OUT will ensure that open water swimming events and venues meet approved standards but will also help increase participation in the sport.”

Meanwhile, Jack Buckner, Chief Executive of British Triathlon, says: “British Triathlon is really excited to be working with RLSS UK to develop open water swimming. This is a great opportunity to work across the sector to ensure safe access and venues for open water swimming as well as increasing participation opportunities.”

While the Amateur Swimming Association are not directly involved in the project, it has their support. Jane Nickerson, Chief Executive of the ASA says: “We welcome the launch of this new strategy and look forward to working with RLSS UK and British Triathlon to promote safe open water swimming in our beautiful countryside. This will not only benefit the thousands of ASA Members who regularly swim outdoors during the year, but also the young people who learn about safe open water swimming through our annual Swim Safe programme.”

More information about the initiative will be available shortly through a new website at http://www.sh2out.org/

Further details can be found at:

http://www.rlss.org.uk/water-safety/sh2out/ or https://www.britishtriathlon.org/sh2out