John Long inducted as a GLSA Honorary Member
The
Greek Lifesaving Sports Association inducted John Long as an Honorary
Member for outstanding contributions to water safety and lifesaving within
the Commonwealth. Mr. Long has helped many nations to enhance their drowning
prevention for half a century. The presentation will be made by the President of the Haitian Lifesaving Federation, Dr. Evenel Mervilus.
The awarding ceremony took place during the International Experts Symposium on Lifesaving as Olympic Sport. The symposium was organized by the Greek Lifesaving Sports Associatation and held at the Hellenic Olympic Committee in Halandri, Greece 20-21/-5/2023. The event was endorsed by 30 prestigious (inter)national organizations and 39 authorities by 17 nations.
John has served the field of lifesaving for over 60 years from various posts within the Royal Life Saving Society UK, the RLSS Commonwealth and the International Life Saving Federation. He was a retired Senior Police Officer before being appointed RLSS Commonwealth Secretary. He became a member, Trainer/Assessor, Treasurer, Secretary and Chairman of various RLSS UK Branches. During 34 years of police service he was responsible for the police lifesaving teams in Suffolk and Warwickshire. Other posts include Warwick Life Saving Club President since its formation in 1982; RLSS UK West Midlands Region Chairman (2001-2011); RLSS UK Warwickshire Branch President (2013); RLSS Commonwealth Secretary (1993-2010); RLSS Observer of the ILS (1994-2005); ILS Development Commission Secretary (1992-2005); He re-started lifesaving activities and reformed the RLSS Uganda Branch following its disbandment during the 10 years of the Idi Amin regime (1983-84); Patron responsible for the formation of the Rashtryia Lifesaving Society of India along with Rear Admiral Purushottam Sharma of (2008-); International Director of the Lifesaving Foundation of Ireland. He holds numerous awards and recognitions including the following: Albert Schweitzer Silver Medal of Merit; RLSS UK Service Cross; RLSS British Columbia & Yukon Branch Gold Benefactors Medal; RLSS Alberta & North West Territories Silver Benefactor Medal; RLSS UK Honorary Life Governor; RLSS Canada Centenary Medal; RLSS UK Medal of Distinction; HRH Prince Michael of Kent’s Certificate of Merit; ILS Knight in the Order of Lifesaving, RLSS UK Long Service Medal; RLSS Commonwealth Vice-President (2000); Hong Kong Life Saving Society Order of the Dolphin; King Edward VII Cup from HM Queen Elizabeth II; Ireland Medal by The Lifesaving Foundation.
