The International Life Saving Federation (ILS) is pleased to welcome Surf Life Saving Bangladesh (SLSB) as its newest Associate Member, recognizing the organization’s growing leadership in drowning prevention, lifesaving sport and beach safety across Bangladesh.

Founded by Mohammad Saifullah Sifat, SLSB is the first organization to introduce lifesaving sport to the country, integrating international standards with community‑based safety programs. Mr Sifat’s experience as a Technical Official at recent Lifesaving World Championships has helped shape SLSB’s commitment to global best practice.

“Achieving Associate Membership with ILS is a significant milestone for SLSB. It strengthens our credibility and empowers us to advance our mission of promoting surf lifesaving and lifesaving sport across Bangladesh,” Mr Sifat said.

“With this membership, SLSB aims to expand its capacity to establish a competitive Lifesaving Sports Training Academy, creating pathways for athletes and community members to embrace lifesaving as both a transformative skill and a sport. This opportunity allows us to align with ILS’s global standards and contribute meaningfully to the international lifesaving community,” he said.

Real‑Life Impact: How SLSB is making a difference

Building a new generation of lifesavers in Cox’s Bazar

On the beaches of Cox’s Bazar, SLSB is nurturing a growing community of young people who are learning to see the ocean not as a threat, but as a place where they can build confidence, skills, and purpose. Through structured training sessions, participants are developing essential surf‑rescue abilities, including board handling, surf entry techniques, patient carries, and CPR.

Many of these trainees come from coastal communities where drowning is a daily risk. For them, the program offers more than sport – it provides a pathway to protect their families, support their neighbours, and become leaders in their communities.

Transforming fear into capability

Several participants have shared that they once feared the ocean or had never learned to swim. Through SLSB’s guidance, they are now confidently navigating surf conditions, working as part of rescue teams, and gaining a sense of pride in their new abilities. The program has also created a strong sense of camaraderie, with trainees encouraging one another and celebrating each milestone together.

Momentum building toward Bangladesh’s first Lifesaving Championships

These efforts are laying the foundation for a historic moment: Bangladesh’s first‑ever Lifesaving Championships, taking place in July this year. The event will bring together trainees and emerging athletes from across the country to compete in surf races, rescue simulations, and beach sprint events — all designed to test real‑world lifesaving skills.

This championship marks a major step forward for the nation, signalling that lifesaving sport is becoming an established and homegrown movement in Bangladesh. It represents not only athletic achievement but also a powerful investment in community safety and youth empowerment.