International Life Saving Federation

The Finnish Association for Swimming Instruction and Life Saving (SUH) was established in 1956. The leading principle of the association is to develop swimming instruction and life saving activities in Finland on all possible levels.
The organisation is unique in Finland. It has no persons as members, but its membership consists of 12 member organisations that are either expert organisations such as the Finnish Red Cross, or sports organisations. The top decision making body is the Assembly comprising delegates of the SUH member organisations and convening twice a year.
Some 200 persons drown every year in Finland. Of these incidents more than half happen in the summer months (June-August) when the water is relatively warm. Over 50 percent of these accidents occur in inland waters and a majority of these closer than 200 meters from the shore. Very often the victims are under the influence of alcohol (40%). SUH registers all drowning reports.
Finland counts almost 200.000 lakes and has warm and light summer nights. It has a summer-cottage-culture with sauna baths. In wintertime Finland is faced with severe cold and hypothermia. Complementary to all these aspects, there is a decline of swimming instruction at school.
Finland is divided into six provinces. About 70 instructors belong to the nation-wide network of instructors and about 700 swimming instructors and 30 lifesavers are trained each year.
In addition to the training, SUH is putting much emphasis on communication and information. Every year, SUH organises nation-wide campaigns in favour of safety in and on water.
The secretariat of SUH is located in Helsinki, the capital of Finland and comprises 5 full-time persons. SUH became full member of FIS in 1991.

Details

Finnish Association for Swimming Instruction and Life Saving - SUH
ILS Regional Branch: Europe
Member Status: Full Member

Contact Details

Kirvesmiehenkatu 4 A 6
Helsinki
Finland

Tel: (358.9) 343.65.60
Fax: (358.9) 323.75.53
Web: www.suh.fi