Queen Elizabeth’s Groundbreaking Achievement as a Lifesaver Revealed

Queen Elizabeth II, known for her many historic firsts during her long reign, has recently discovered that she broke the mold 80 years ago by earning a life-saving qualification.

At just 14 years old, she accompanied her sister, Princess Margaret, to swimming lessons at the Bath Club in Mayfair's Dover Street.

It was there, in 1941, that she became the first young person in the Commonwealth to receive a Junior Respiration Award from the Royal Life-Saving Society.

Surprisingly, until recently, she was unaware of her trailblazing accomplishment.

During a video call with the society, the Queen expressed her surprise, saying, “I didn't realize I was the first one.

I just did it and had to work very hard for it.

It's a very long time ago, I'm afraid.

I think it's changed a lot.”

Despite the passage of time, she fondly recalled those days while conversing with lifeguards from the Royal Life-Saving Society, an organization dedicated to preventing drowning across 30 Commonwealth nations.

Clive Holland, Deputy Commonwealth President of the Society, reminded her that her achievement took place 80 years ago this year.

The Queen's memory of achieving her award was triggered by Sarah Downs, a student who saved a young boy's life while working as a lifeguard at a swimming pool in Exeter in 2018.

Downs asked the Queen about her own memories of earning the life-saving award.

The Queen responded, “Well, it's a very long time ago.

I do remember it was, of course, all done in the bath club, in the swimming pool.

And I suppose I didn't really actually realize quite what I was doing, you know, because I was, I think I must have been 12 or something, or 14, something like that.

But it was a great achievement, and I was very proud to wear the badge on the front of my swimming suit, which is very, very grand, I thought.”

During the conversation, the monarch also commended the bravery of Tana Gurel, a young lifesaver from Cape Town, South Africa, and congratulated Dr. Stephen Biermann from Canada for his exceptional contributions to drowning prevention.

Dr. Biermann, who received the King Edward VII Cup virtually from the Queen, has dedicated over 40 years of his life to raising awareness about drowning.

The Royal Lifesaving Society, founded in London in 1891 to address the alarming number of preventable drownings, holds a special place in the Queen's heart as she serves as its patron.

Drowning remains a significant cause of preventable death worldwide, with an estimated 235,000 fatalities occurring each year.

Tragically, around 90% of these deaths happen in poor or middle-income countries.

In recognition of his outstanding efforts in preventing drowning, the Queen presented Dr. Stephen Biermann with the prestigious King Edward VII Cup.

Delighted by the opportunity to honor him, she remarked, “I am very delighted to be able to present you with this cup, a very large cup, which one day you might see if you come to London.”

The Queen's unexpected revelation of her life-saving qualification showcases her commitment to public service and highlights the importance of water safety.

As her reign continues, her dedication to various causes remains unwavering, making her an inspiration to many around the world.

For more information about the Royal Lifesaving Society and their mission, visit their website at www.royallifesavingsociety.org.