The Qatar Swimming Association Lifesaving Section became full member of ILS in 2004. Besides launching lifesaving – lifeguarding courses, the aim of the QSA is also to set up a Water Safety Campaign as well as a Risk Assessment Campaign for the beaches and swimming pools in the country.

The QSA launched this year the First International Life Saving Course under the Patronage of the Qatar National Olympic Committee and Aspire, the Academy of Sports Excellence. The course is organised in full compliance with the International Standards set up by the ILS.

The Qatar Swimming Association Lifesaving Section became full member of ILS in 2004. Besides launching lifesaving – lifeguarding courses, the aim of the QSA is also to set up a Water Safety Campaign as well as a Risk Assessment Campaign for the beaches and swimming pools in the country.

The QSA launched this year the First International Life Saving Course under the Patronage of the Qatar National Olympic Committee and Aspire, the Academy of Sports Excellence. The course is organised in full compliance with the International Standards set up by the ILS.

The course is designed for a limited number of male and female participants who had to pass an entry test. 25 candidates were selected from over 50 applicants. The purpose of the course is that the participants will obtain the International Lifesaving Certification. Some of the best students will also go forward with the International Pool-Lifeguard Certification and the best will be retained to be trained as International Instructors. The course started in March and will end in June 2006.

Accoding to the QSA President, Mr. Yousuf Ahmed Al-Saai, the educational aims of the course are to start a water safety campaign for the water sports managing authorities like swimming, sailing, rowing, water sports schools and sports clubs which work under the patronage of the Qatar National Olympic Committee (QNOC) and to keep the youth informed of the high priority given by the State of Qatar and the QNOC to their safety.

H.E. Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Secretary General of the QNOC received in 2004 the Citation of Merit from the ILS President for his dedication to the promotion of lifesaving in Qatar and for his esteemed help in setting up a lifesaving section within the QSA. The Qatar National Olympic Committee sponsored the publication of the course handouts in both Arabic and English. These handouts can be used for similar courses in the Arabian Gulf and Arabic speaking countries.

The course director is Mr. Yousry Shohdi and the instructors are Dr. Harald Vervaecke, Dr. Tibor Kozsla and Mrs. Ann De Krock, all three internationally qualified instructors.