press release: GLL
International Lifeguard Appreciation Day - 31 July
31 Jul 2024
![](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/HIGH353681_417979_615317.png)
International Lifeguard Appreciation Day is observed every 31 July to highlight the contribution of lifeguards / GLL
GLL - the charitable social enteprise behind the Better brand - operates 140 pools, lidos and open water swimming venues.
3,000 of our people have lifeguard qualifications. Many work early mornings, late evening and bank holidays, day in, day out – keeping our swimmers safe and helping more people to get active and have fun in the water.
Chris Hebblewhite, GLL's Director of Standards and Compliance said: “Lifeguards are the unsung heroes of our organisation and the quality and professionalism of our teams is something our lifeguards can take pride in and customers can be reassured by.
“Having a day dedicated to these water safety experts is great but at GLL we really do appreciate them every day - especially in the summer when our pools are so busy.
“It is a challenging and essential job and we know that the hard work and dedication of our people really shines through.”
International Lifeguard Appreciation Day is observed every July 31 to highlight the contribution of lifeguards and express gratitude for their hard work in ensuring the safety of swimmers at pool facilities and beaches.
These dedicated professionals watch over swimmers, prevent injuries, and provide aid to customers often saving lives through early intervention.
For more information: internationallifeguardappreciationday.com/
![](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/2024/353681_58227_975127.png)
31st July is International Lifeguard Appreciation Day / National Lifeguard Appreciation Day
More press releases and updates from GLL:
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Charitable leisure social enterprise GLL – which operate facilities in partnership with 50
local authorities under the ‘Better’ brand – has announced a sizzling summer of kids and
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As the world gears up for the much-anticipated Paris 2024 Summer Olympic (26 July – 11
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celebrates an impressive milestone.
After an incredibly competitive season, the London Youth Games Finals Festival took place at
the end of last month at GLL's Copper Box Arena in London.
New research highlights the importance of children’s swimming lessons as more primary schools
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GLL
Address:
Middlegate House,
The Royal Arsenal,
London,
SE18 6SX,
UK
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Peter Bundey, chief executive
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GLL video gallery:
Key personnel
Peter Bundey, chief executive
Key customers
Companies we work with include Annodata, Physical Company, Technogym, Change Please and Divine Chocolate.
Local Authorities and Agencies we work with include Greenwich Council, Belfast City Council, Cardiff City Council, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, LLDC, ukactive, SportsAid, SportsAid Wales, Mary Peters Trust, Swim England and Sport England.
Local Authorities and Agencies we work with include Greenwich Council, Belfast City Council, Cardiff City Council, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, LLDC, ukactive, SportsAid, SportsAid Wales, Mary Peters Trust, Swim England and Sport England.
Plans for the next 12 months
Our 2025 strategies and roadmap are already well-shaped and are based on our Five-Year Plan, which was launched last year.
With our positive performance and improved social outcomes during 2024, GLL is well placed to be at the forefront of societal, economic and environmental change.
The future will see us focusing on excellent customer service alongside our social enterprise values and growing our social impact, while effective partnerships with national health and wellbeing agencies will support individual lifestyle and wellness outcomes.
We’re delighted to see strong data indicators that show engagement with a diversity of age, demography and levels of activity across our facilities.
To foster community strength, health and mental wellbeing, we’ll balance the provision of health, fitness, team sport and social activities across a 50/50 split of male/female users, backed by an enhanced digital customer focus.
With our positive performance and improved social outcomes during 2024, GLL is well placed to be at the forefront of societal, economic and environmental change.
The future will see us focusing on excellent customer service alongside our social enterprise values and growing our social impact, while effective partnerships with national health and wellbeing agencies will support individual lifestyle and wellness outcomes.
We’re delighted to see strong data indicators that show engagement with a diversity of age, demography and levels of activity across our facilities.
To foster community strength, health and mental wellbeing, we’ll balance the provision of health, fitness, team sport and social activities across a 50/50 split of male/female users, backed by an enhanced digital customer focus.
Testimonial
“We made the decision to begin supporting the GLL Sport Foundation in 2015, and it is a pleasure to announce the renewal of our sponsorship with this incredible institution.
"Many bright and talented athletes throughout the United Kingdom are unable to chase their dreams of sporting glory due to lack of funding. We are passionate about helping GSF give equal opportunities to all young people and achieving their dreams of competing on the international stage.
"Our partnership enables both our brands to share the success of the UK’s most aspiring athletes who we are proud to have heard speak in such an inspirational way at our internal Sales Conferences and who have supported our marketing and brand development goals through representation and storytelling both in person and via social media”.
– Rod Tonna-Barthet, chief executive, Annodata
"Many bright and talented athletes throughout the United Kingdom are unable to chase their dreams of sporting glory due to lack of funding. We are passionate about helping GSF give equal opportunities to all young people and achieving their dreams of competing on the international stage.
"Our partnership enables both our brands to share the success of the UK’s most aspiring athletes who we are proud to have heard speak in such an inspirational way at our internal Sales Conferences and who have supported our marketing and brand development goals through representation and storytelling both in person and via social media”.
– Rod Tonna-Barthet, chief executive, Annodata
Testimonial
"I am so thankful for the support I have received from GLL Sport Foundation. My first individual medal ever is extremely special, and I would not be here if it wasn’t for the support, I have received from the GLL ‘family’.”
– Daryll Neita, Birmingham Commonwealth Games bronze and silver medalist, GLL Athlete
– Daryll Neita, Birmingham Commonwealth Games bronze and silver medalist, GLL Athlete
Testimonial
"This exciting new chapter cements the future of our six key sports venues and is part of our commitment to the many communities we serve far and wide. We have carefully structured this partnership with GLL to ensure that visitors will continue to enjoy the very best in these stellar, highly popular venues. We look forward to together creating exciting new programmes and activities that draw on the strengths of both organisations.
“These venues are part of the Lee Valley visitor experience and will continue to be so with some of the best facilities and most inspiring settings to be found anywhere. As part of the partnership Lee Valley Regional Park Authority will continue to invest to ensure that they go from strength to strength, delivering real impact for communities.”
– Shaun Dawson chief executive, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority
“These venues are part of the Lee Valley visitor experience and will continue to be so with some of the best facilities and most inspiring settings to be found anywhere. As part of the partnership Lee Valley Regional Park Authority will continue to invest to ensure that they go from strength to strength, delivering real impact for communities.”
– Shaun Dawson chief executive, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority
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