Dr Steve Beerman - GLSA Lifetime Achievements Award 2025
Athens, Greece 15.11.2025.
The Greek Lifesaving Sports Association presented the prestigious Lifetime
Achievements Award 2025 to the former President of the International Life
Saving Federation, Dr Steve Beerman for his outstanding contributions to the
advancement of drowning prevention and water safety worldwide. The presentation
was made in the presence of his family at the Athens Olympic
Museum.
Dr Steve Beerman is a Canadian
physician and global leader in drowning-prevention and lifesaving sport.
Beginning his aquatic involvement in his youth, he went on to serve as
President of the Lifesaving Society Canada and as President of the
International Life Saving Federation (ILS). During his ILS tenure (2008-2012) he
secured official relations with the World Health Organization, thereby
elevating drowning prevention as a public-health priority. Having chaired
medical advisory committees both nationally and internationally, he broadened
the focus of lifesaving sport to include drowning research and education. On
the global stage he led initiatives in low- and middle-income countries, such
as implementing survival-swim programs and day-care-based interventions in
Bangladesh. Recognised for over four decades of service, he received the
prestigious King Edward VII Cup from the Royal Life Saving Society
Commonwealth. Dr Beerman currently continues his involvement with the Royal
Life Saving Society Commonwealth as a trustee, and remains active in research,
advocacy and coalition-work to reduce drowning worldwide.
The award was presented to Dr Steve Beerman, who commented: “I am thankful for this honor. With Stathis, we have known and inspired each other for many years since he was a student. This award and recognition is a tremendous acknowledgment of how far the GLSA has come and how much wonderful work is doing for the citizens of Greece and the world to advance lifesaving and science.”
The GLSA President, Dr Stathis Avramidis, said: “Dr Beerman is one of these rare people that gains respect with his morality, work ethic, dedication, determination, selfless non-assuming attitude and his mindset to be useful to everyone. His wonderful family that was present during the award ceremony, is the live testament of his legacy and achievements as a person. He is a role model that combines science, volunteerism, family, and professionalism at a high level. He has achieved everything. The GLSA feels pride than he accepted to receive our highest individual award recognition, as our hamble way to thank him for his profound contributions to mankind. As a doctor and administrator to large lifesaving organizations, he has honored the Hippocratic Oath more than anyone else!” Photos: GLSA.
