The Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service (NSLS) has been keeping Nova Scotia's provincial beaches safe since 1973. The Beach Supervision Program was the result of a 1972 study which pointed out the need to reduce the high number of drownings and related incidents at beaches in Nova Scotia. A full-time coordinator was hired in 1975, and the Beach Supervision Program changed its name to the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service. The Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service and the Lifesaving Society, Nova Scotia Branch have been contracted by the Department of Health and Wellness (DHW) to provide beach supervision. Paul D'Eon is the the current NSLS Director.