Owing to the large number of drowning in Karachi every year, Pakistan Aquatic Life Saving | PALS, (a division of Critical Mass Social Welfare Organization – a non-profit-public-service NGO) was formed and started working towards establishing a comprehensive life saving infrastructure along the popular beaches of Karachi.

With the help, support and training provided by Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s Northern Region (SLSNR), PALS started operations from Sunday, July 18, 2004 and is working with the blessings of the City District Government Karachi, Karachi Port Trust, Pakistan Navy and the entire coastal communities who are benefiting through employment opportunities as lifeguards.

PALS is now an internationally accredited lifeguarding establishment, representing Pakistan in the International Life Saving Federation (ILS). PALS is also closely associated with Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ), who have an on-going ‘train and assist’ program.

Over the years, PALS has trained over 300 professional lifeguards – 150 of which patrol Karachi’s beaches on Sundays and Public holidays.

There are currently no provisions for beach cleaning activities by the government. Therefore, PALS is developing a dedicated Beach Cleaning Team that will provide the corporate community an opportunity to sponsor them for cleaning of specific beaches.

Vision | The vision of Pakistan Aquatic Life Saving | PALS, is to be recognized as the leading aquatic safety service in Pakistan.

Mission | PALS is committed to the prevention of drowning and injury in the aquatic environment through the provision of life guarding, water safety and education services.

Values | Since its inception, PALS has set a high standard of values of deliverance

• High standard of governance.
• Responsiveness to the needs of the key stakeholders being sponsors and the community.
• Operating with integrity, equality and accountability.
• Innovative and constantly improving our services.
• Operating as a team.
• Accepting our role as the leader in aquatic safety services in Pakistan.

Since July 18, 2004, the day PALS started operations in Karachi, PALS has been successful in minimizing the drowning rates to near ZERO.