05/12/2025

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Don-Bramah to the role of Director of Membership and Education.  

Sarah will lead a team in the Society’s newly created Membership and Education Directorate, focusing on membership, branches, volunteers, education, and events. She will work to strengthen and grow the RLSS UK membership support and offering. Sarah will also deepen engagement with our current and prospective members and volunteers. Sarah will report to CEO Simmy Akhtar and inform the board on the directorate strategy.

Sarah brings an abundance of experience from working as a senior strategic professional across the higher education, charity, healthcare, and financial sectors. In previous roles, Sarah led teams with optimism and creativity to achieve results for membership development and engagement, marketing strategy, and fundraising. 

On the appointment, Simmy said: “I am delighted to welcome Sarah to the RLSS UK Senior Leadership Team to support the delivery of our Strategic Framework 2025-2030. Sarah will lead the development and implementation of the directorates’ operational plan in collaboration with members and branches, all of whom are critical to the success of achieving our mission, and to ultimately create communities free from drowning.” 

Speaking on her new role, Sarah said: “I am excited to be joining RLSS UK at this time, working with our members and communities to strengthen our position as the experts in water safety and together prevent drowning. As someone who grew up by the Cornish coast and witnessed the importance of water safety education, lifesaving and lifeguards, I am proud to now be part of such an important organisation. I look forward to meeting many of you at events and in your regions over the next year.” 

Sarah’s skills and background will help to foster a culture of engagement and innovation at a pivotal time for RLSS UK as we move forward with our Strategic Framework. Sarah and her team will endeavour to ensure the effective delivery of member initiatives and lead our lifesaving communities and water safety education so that everyone can enjoy water safely and be free from drowning.