Fruitful International
Lifesaving Symposium
by the GLSA at
Athens University
Dafne, Sunday 15/10/2023. The International Lifesaving Symposium was organized by the GLSA, endorsed by 7 prestigious organizations and was held fruitfully at the School of Sports Science and Physical Education of Athens University.
It connected experts, participants and representatives of national and international organizations in the fields of lifesaving and aquatics by 11 countries (Greece, Cyprus, Servia, Bulgaria, Germany, Belgium, Poland, Turkey, Monaco, Slovenia, USA).
It was endorsed by the following 7 prestigious organizations: International Life Saving Federation; International Life Saving Federation of Europe; International Swimming Hall of Fame; Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation; School of Sports Science and Physical Education of Athens University; Mediterranean Lifesaving Confederation; Lifesaving Network.
Salutations
Several authorities saluted the symposium with warm words:
The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, saluted the event: “Esteemed doctors, professors, presidents, vice presidents, representatives of NGO, managers, and participants, dear Stathis, as you all know drowning is a worldwide public health problem and to fight this global loss of preventable lives, H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco, herself an accomplished Olympic swimmer, dedicated Her Foundation to preventing this tragedy. So far, sinces Its creation in 2012, more than 1,286,000 people, mostly children, in 43 countries have benefited in water safety, swimming and sporting initiatives. However, this multisectoral issue needs alliances and your initiative to orchestrate a weekend that will host the Greek Lifesaving Cup and the International Lifesaving Symposium is welcome, it combines reflections and actions with great symbolism. We proudly endorse the International Lifesaving Symposium that is organized by the Greek Lifesaving Sports Association and hosted by the School of Sports Science and Physical Education at the University of Athens. We congratulate you and the GLSA for this and wish to competitors and all participants a great and successful weekend. Thank you again to all of you for your involvement.”.
Dr. Harald Vervaecke, the Secretary General of the International Life Saving Federation, saluted the event via video: “The ILS endorses this event that will take place to the wonderful country of Greece. I wish you a successful symposium”.
Dr. Detlev Mohr, President of the International Life Saving Federation of Europe, saluted the event via letter: “I congratulate the GLSA and its President Dr. Avramidis on the new format of this annual event. Lifesaving is a comprehensive topic and a humanitarian task. It means to awake a societal awareness for drowning. Our vision is a Europe free of drowning. Lifesaving sport is one element of drowning prevention. I welcome all the attendees of this remarkable event at the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The lifesaving family is grateful to the GLSA organizing committee and volunteers that make this event unforgettable. I hope you will enjoy acting together to make the Greek Lifesaving Cup a special event in the spirit of friendship through lifesaving.”
John Martin, Vice President of the International Life Saving Federation of Europe, said: “I wish to all the participants of the international symposium all the best and to be very successful. It is great that so many people are involved in lifesaving by so many countries.”
Dr. Bill Kent, Chairman of the Board at the International Swimming Hall of Fame and Every Child A Swimmer, said: “Our planet is surrounded by 75% of water. Water safety is of paramount importance for us. Initiatives such as your Cup and the Symposium correspond with our aims and objectives. They bring together experts, raise awareness and create momentum for drowning prevention through sport and education.”
Presentations
Several oral presentations took place:
Dr. Stathis Avramidis, GLSA President, ISHOF Board Member, ILS Business Commission Member, MLC Secretary General and Lifeguard-Lifesaving Sport Teacher of Athens University, spoke about “The evolution of lifesaving sport in Greece”.
Prof. Jan Holden, Professor Emerita of Counseling, University of North Texas and President of the International Association of Near-Death Studies, spoke about “Drowning Near-Death Experiences: What Lifesaving Professionals Need to Know”.
Milan Kreckovic, Coordinator of the Lifesaving Network and Head of Navissos, spoke about: “A Lifesaving Network for saving lives in Europe through lifesaving sport”.
Konstantinos Papaioakim, Founder of Rescue Training International, spoke about “Chocking baby and infant CPR”.
Vangelis Tsampazis, Founder of the Lifeguard Academy of Northern Greece and Deputy Treasurer of the Hellenic Association of Lifeguard Schools, spoke about “Psychophysiological differences of lifeguards performing a water surface rescue and a 5.5m deep underwater rescue”.
Nikos Giovanidis, Founder of the Greek Lifeguard Academy and Public Relations of the Hellenic Association of Lifeguard Schools, spoke about “Lifeguarding in Greece today: Achievements and Prospectives”.
Alexandros Karapatis, Director of GEP Lifeguard Academy, spoke about “The Professional Lifeguard: Who – Why – How”.
Vasilios Hantzopoulos, Instructor Trainer of the German Red Cross and European Resuscitation Council and former Co-opted Member of the Education Committee at the International Life Saving Federation Europe, spoke about “Risk Assessment on Beaches”.
GLSA AWARDS
The GLSA honored the coaches and athletes that excelled in Greek and overseas championships:
GLSA Coach of the Year Award:
2020: Stathis Avramidis (Coached winning athletes at BULSCA).
2021: Michalis Glynatsis (accomplished Coach of Greek Lifesaving Cup 13 golds, 14 silvers, 1 bronze, 6 Pan-Hellenic Records).
2022: Stathis Avramidis (Coached a Gold Medalist at World Masters Lifesaving Championships).
2023: Chris Petropoulos (Head National Australian Coach, RLSS Australia).
GLSA Male Athlete of the Year Award:
2020: Michalis Sousounis (2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, BULSCA).
2021: Michalis Glynatsis (4 golds, 1 silver Greek Cup).
2022: Pantelis Avramidis (Gold, World Masters Lifesaving Championships).
GLSA Female Athlete of the Year Award:
2020: Kalypso Economidou (2th, 5th, 6th, 8th, 9th, 9th BULSCA; 2 golds, 1 silver, Greek Cup).
GLSA Young Male Athlete of the Year Award:
2020: Alexis Kelempesis (2 golds, 1 silver ΚΑΝΕ).
GLSA Young Female Athlete of the Year Award:
2020: Eleni Pantziaridou (1 gold, 1 silver Greek Cup).
Award Ceremonies
Georgia - Fyrigou Consolo, was inducted as a GLSA Honorary Member. Fyrigou is an award-winning authority by the International Swimming Hall of Fame, Director of Aquatics at the Athens 2004 Olympics and an accomplished person with numerous awards, contributions and achievements in the fields of diving at national, european and world level.
Nikos Giovanidis, was presented with the GSLA Bronze Volunteer Award 2023, for his contributions to lifeguarding through the years. Giovanidis is the founder and general director of the Hellenic Lifeguard Academy (ENAK) and Board Member of the Hellenic Association of Greek Lifeguard Schools.
Impressions
The event was fruitful. All attendees and speakers expressed satisfaction for the learning outcome. The gathering enabled the networking between experts of various fields and the spreading of their knowledge to the public.
All presenters received a copy of the book "Near-Death Experiences while Drowning; Dying is not the end of consciousness" signed by the two co-authors, Prof. Jan Holden and Dr. Stathis Avramidis. Photos: GLSA.
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