In its first 100 years only four members were granted the highest honour - Duke Gillies, Jean Munro, Gordon David and Pat Ellison.
But last night, at the end of the first year of its second century, the life membership was doubled. Four new life members were added at a special dinner in Dunedin.
The latest recipients are Dunedin stalwarts John Constable, Jeff Munro and Judy Maguire, and Elaine Wells of Clyde.
They have all had a long and rewarding involvement in life-saving and their work has helped save thousands of lives.
The Otago branch was formed in 1910 and celebrated its 101st birthday last month.
The new life members have all helped spread the gospel of water safety on lakes, rivers and in the ocean.
Constable's interest in lifesaving began with the St Kilda club in 1954 and he has held major roles in the society.
Munro first became involved with life-saving when he was a pupil at King's High School in 1959. He has taught life-saving skills to pupils in Christchurch, Invercargill and Dunedin.
Wells's interest started when she was a pupil at King Edward Technical College and gained her bronze medallion. Since 1965 she has been an instructor and examiner and has done much work promoting water safety in Central Otago.
Maguire's interest began at Queen's High School where she gained her bronze medallion. She has been an instructor and examiner for the Otago branch since 1960.
The new life members were joined at a celebration dinner in Dunedin last night by Pat Ellison, the only surviving life member from the branch's first century.
• Otago branch - Life members
Duke Gillies, Jean Moore, Gordon David, Pat Ellison, John Constable, Jeff Munro, Elaine Wells, Judy Maguire.
