The Society helps prevent drowning and aquatic injury through its training programs, public education, drowning-prevention research, safety management and overseeing the sport of lifesaving.

[2] They are one of five nationally recognized first aid training organizations in Canada, alongside the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Red Cross, St. John Ambulance, and the Canadian Ski Patrol.

[3] The Ontario branch of the RLSS was founded on December 10, 1908, with J. Howard Crocker as a charter member.

[5] Annually, over one million Canadians take part in the Society's swimming, lifesaving, lifeguard and leadership training programs.

The Society is the Canadian governing body for the sport of lifesaving, which is recognized by the International Olympic Committee and the Commonwealth Games Federation.