Dr. SHAYNE BAKER INDUCTED AS A GLSA HONORARY MEMBER

 

Dr. SHAYNE BAKER INDUCTED AS A 

GLSA HONORARY MEMBER

Greece 23.03.2021. The Greek Lifesaving Sports Association proudly announces the induction of Dr. Shayne Baker from Australia as a Honorary Member.

Dr Shayne Baker, OAM said about his induction: "The opportunity to contribute and support the efforts of the GLSA is one that captures and embraces important aspects of drowning prevention. The first point is that the work of the association recognises and brings to the fore that drowning prevention is a global issue, as water is not controlled by boundaries or government. Yet by the very nature of water it unites us all. Secondly, there is no greater sport than lifesaving sports and the fact that it is premised on pitting some of the best athletes in the world against one another in competition developed on the ability for one human to save the life of another. A truly unique sporting competition, like no other in this world. Lastly, encouraging our communities to learn from one another and practice lifesaving skills provides our families and communities with a safeguard against the potential trauma of losing someone from drowning. Whosoever you see in distress recognise them as a fellow human being."

 Drowning Prevention has been the primary motivation for Dr Shayne Baker’s involvement in lifesaving. Since gaining his first lifesaving award at school and then as a surf lifesaver his involvement increased on achieving his instructor/examiner qualification with the Royal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA). He then worked as a volunteer instructor/examiner, assessing hundreds of students as they undertook RLSSA courses including Swim and Survive, Lifesaving Awards, Resuscitation and Emergency Care qualifications. Since the initial years spent teaching and assessing water safety and lifesaving his contribution grew to becoming a member of the state board, the national sports committee and then national President of RLSSA for six years. His contribution, combined with his enthusiasm and passion for the trans-disciplinary opportunities in lifesaving has been recognised with life membership of RLSSA, an Australian Sports Medal, an Order of Australia medal and the Ireland Medal. Today he works with RLSS at a national and international level, is often seen on the pool deck as the announcer at Life Saving World Championships, is a selector of the Australian Lifesaving team, holds membership of The Lifesaving Foundation in Ireland, the International Drowning Researchers' Alliance, Philippines Lifesaving Association, Surf Life Saving Australia and the International Life Saving Federation. The fundamental principles of water safety are still reinforced through his leadership of a water safety program in regional Queensland known as the Downs Little Lifeguards (more). Today he is still proud to patrol beaches, compete in masters’ lifesaving competition, research and contribute to lifesaving and drowning prevention worldwide and facilitating workshops in the Philippines, South Africa and Malaysia. 

GLSA President, Dr. Stathis Avramidis said: "GLSA was founded on 4-2-2020. Since then it became the home of lifesaving sport in Greece and a respected organization with national origin and international impact. We are truly honored to be associated with such an outstanding individual as Dr. Baker. He is one of the most peaceful and effective forces of change in the lifeguard field. He has a rich long career that is appreciated and respected widely way beyond the borders of his country, at international level. Shayne is one of our greats that make our planet safer, one step at the time, each year, each month, each day!"

The Greek Lifesaving Sports Association is a non-profit organization registered at the First Court of Athens and the only licensed organization by the Ministry of Sports - General Secretariat of Sports to operate lifesaving sport in Greece. It has Supporters, Honorary, Individual and Clubs Members in 27 countries. To celebrate the 200 years of Greek Independence (1821-2021), GLSA offers free membership opportunities. If you are an Individual, Club or Organization, click here to become part of our growing family. We will review your application and send you a Membership Certificate.