Summary
Bronze Cross cloth badge produced by the Royal Life Saving Society.
This badge belonged to a couple who were closely involved in sport during their lives, including life saving, swimming, diving, bicycle racing and golf. They were one-time neighbours of the donor.
The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) was established in England in 1891 to reduce the high level of drownings. Many countries adopted the Society's lifesaving strategies and training, and the RLSS now represents the 'largest single organisation dedicated to the teaching of lifesaving and the prevention of drowning.'
The first Australian Branch was formed in New South Wales in 1894 and the movement soon spread to all States. In December 1924, a dual system of lifesaving was established with Surf Life Saving Australia being responsible for ocean beaches and the Royal Life Saving Society - Australia responsible for all other waterways and stillwater environments. In the immediate pre and post World War II period many secondary school programs included lifesaving training, under the instructions of the RLSS.
Physical Description
Blue square cloth badge with white and orange stitching. Features logo with a life buoy (life ring) and crossed boat hook and oar.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Dave Baldry, Nov 2010
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Issued By
Royal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA), Australia, circa 1950-1970
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Inscriptions
Front, stitched: '[white thread in middle of lifesaving buoy] ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY / [in orange thread is a three bowed knot overlapped in white thread by a crossed boat hook and oar], [underneath lifebuoy in orange thread] BRONZE CROSS'.
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
80 mm (Width), 92 mm (Height)
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References
[Link 1] (accessed 12 Nov 2010)
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Keywords
Awards, Badges, Bathing, Examinations, Life Saving, Societies, Swimming, Training
