International Life Saving Federation

The Beginning

The ghastly steamer disaster of 1914 claiming more than a hundred young lives was the chief motivational factor behind an organised movement towards setting up a Life Saving Institution to impart training in the basic of swimming and in the scientific art of saving life in water. In 1920, one of the promoters of Indian Life Saving Society had an opportunity of rescuing a drowning man in the River Hooghly. Later again during a water polo competition at College Square swimming tank another drowning person was rescued. There were more on similar instances and reports of such incidents prompted a desire in a small body of young men to form a Society that would take upon itself the voluntary task of saving life from accidental and other causes of death.

A small team was formed. They commenced the practice of the art of lifesaving in different ways and under different circumstances. On 26th August, 1921 a demonstration of Life Saving work was held in College Square swimming tank, in presence of many distinguished persons including the then Governor of West Bengal, H.E. Lord Lytton. Guided by the examples of the Royal Life Saving Society, Royal Humane Society and other similar Institutions in Europe and America, the blue print of the activities of Indian Life Saving Society was formed and inaugural meeting of the Society was held on 1st August, 1922. The Society was registered under the Society\\\'s Registration Act of 1860 in the year 1925 with the main object: To evoke the latent faculties dormant in the human hearts through the public services and physical culture. As the objective of the Society was to stimulate humanitarian activities and life saving service and to promote systematic and scientific education in physical culture, on the model of the Royal Life Saving Society of London, it took its affiliation to the parent Society in the year 1926.

The famous newspaper of those days, The Servant, on 23rd March, 1926 reported the Indian Life Saving Society Affiliation with Royal Life Saving Society. Another leading local dailies of that time, Amrita Bazar Patrika on 24th October, 1926 stated: ith a view to form the Life Saving Brigade, the Management of the Indian Life Saving Society has decided to hold an examination on how to save life from the water graves, in the line suggested by the Royal Life Saving Society. A series of practical lectures not more than 20 on the Hooghly have been arranged for the swimmers to make them fit for the severe test. The Society will enlist the young swimmers in their new enterprises. However, after independence of India in 1947, the Society discontinued its affiliation with Royal Life Saving Society of London and continued to on its own as the pioneer institution in India.

Present Strength

At present, we have a roll of 8,500+ permanent Members consisting of the elite of Calcutta and India. Besides that, we also impart facilities to a large number of children (approx. 2,500) of our Members. Every year around 4,000 seasonal swimmers are being trained by us in the art of swimming and allied sports.

Present Activities

Impart basic swimming lessons. Impart advance swimming lessons. Impart Life Saving training to boys and girls from all over the country including paramilitary forces. Our Life Saving Certificate is recognised throughout India and it opens a job opportunity to young boys and girls.

During the last 82 years, we have produced thousands of life savers for the country. We have trained the following organisations in the art of Life Saving, Relief & Rescue & Flood Rescue & Relief Management:

1. ANDHRA PRADESH POLICE
2. INDIAN RAILWAYS
3. WEST BENGAL – RAPID ACTION FORCE
4. KOLKATA POLICE – RAPID ACTION FORCE
5. SPORTS AUTHORITY OF INDIA
6. COAST GUARD
7. CIVIL DEFENCE
8. BOARDER SECURITY FORCE

ILSS has established unquestionable credential in training and practicing this art all over India. We are also the best equipped organisation in the same field.

We have also produced thousands of champion swimmers for the nation who have brought laurels to the State as well as to the country which include noted personalities like Mrs Nafisa Ali.

Presently, ILSS gives six scholarships every year in different age groups to good performers.

We have also arrangements for in house, outdoor and indoor games activities which are enjoyed by the Members and their children throughout the year. Our highly equipped Multi-Gym is used by the boys and girls of our advance swimming section and water polo for development of physique.

We have two large swimming pools. It would not be out of way to mention that the visiting Japanese water treatment experts has declared our two swimming pools as the best maintained pool waters in Asia after a survey by them. We also have a large natural water body adjacent to the society.

Management of the Society

The Society is managed by an elected body consisting of 19 elected Members of which there must be a lady Member, three co-opted Members and one permanent representative of KIT.

As per the constitution, The Governor of West Bengal is always the Patron of the Society.

Lifesaving Sport

It has come to be accepted as a major event among the leading clubs of the metropolis being in its 10th year. The excitement of the events is kept alive by deviating from the normal stereotyped competitive events and introduction of various fun but competitive events, both in Aqua and on land medium where even skilled sportsmen of any event do not get any additional advantage over novice competitors.

Details

Contact Details

Life Saving House Rabindra Sarobar
Calcuta
India

Tel: (91.33) 24.63.20.09
Fax:
Web: www.indianlifesavingsociety.org