The President of the Government has assigned the Public Utility Status to the Azores Life Saving Society (ANSA). This institution has cooperated with public authorities in a valuable way, namely with the Regional Public Administration in beach safety and assistance to swimmers.
 
The order signed by Vasco Cordeiro, published today in the Official Journal, points out that this association has contributed to the "well-being of the community and to the recognition of work of lifeguards in the Azores."
 
Created on December 23, 2009, ANSA is primarily engaged in providing assistance to swimmers, especially in rescue and assistance. It also intends to represent Azorean lifeguards under its jurisdiction as well as to defend the interests of its members.
 
Moreover, this association promotes and organises events under the activities carried out by lifeguards with young people and children in social disadvantage or at risk of social exclusion.
 
Raising the awareness of the Azorean population for beach safety with the organisation of campaigns, namely in schools, is another goal of this association.