Published 17 February 2025

We are saddened to share that Life Member and former Royal Life Saving Society South Australia President Kevin Burrowes OAM has passed away. Our thoughts are with his wife Jenny and his children through this difficult time.

Kevin’s passion for aquatics started in 1965, where he became an Instructor and Examiner for the Royal Life Saving Society. Kevin also represented Australia at several Commonwealth events, including representation in Penang at the Asia-Pacific Life Saving Council in 1979, Indian Sub-Continent in 1994-95 and the Asia Pacific Competition in 1995.

Along with Kevin’s global accolades, he also spent a significant portion of his career in roles at a State and National level. Kevin spent 7 years as a National Director of Royal Life Saving Society - Australia, which included 6 years as the chair of the Finance and Audit Committee and 2 years as a member of the Australian Competition Management Committee.

In South Australia, Kevin was a Director of the Society for 51 years, spanning several roles which included the role of President and Chair until 2023. Kevin spent a significant amount of time in voluntary coaching and instructor roles and was integral to the formation and sustainability of holiday swimming programs that still run to this day. This was rewarded in 2006 by receiving the Order of Australia Medal for long and excellent service to the South Australian community through lifesaving.

Kevin leaves a legacy of generations of community and professional lifesavers who have all been positively influenced through his leadership and dedication to water safety.

Rest in Peace Kevin.