Επίτιμα Μέλη - Honorary Members
The below individuals have served in one or more fields of water safety, lifesaving sport, applied lifeguarding, injury prevention for numerous years and in various capacities. The Greek Lifesaving Sport Union is truly honored to be associated with and to announce them Honorary Members. Their work, ethic and passion acts as beacon for all of us.
Brent Rutemiller (USA)
Brent Rutemiller is the Publisher of Swimming World Magazine, Swimming World Biweekly, and Swimming Technique Magazine. He is also the President and CEO of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, in Florida. The museum is home to the most sought after Olympic memorabilia, valued at over $12 million. Brent has the rare combination of talents that allows him to formulate unique and innovative ideas to promote and market the sport of swimming. He has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to take an idea, turn it into a project, build a team around it, and then bring it to fruition. His knowledge and use of technology and social media have been modeled throughout the aquatic industry. Brent has developed strategic relationships with numerous governing bodies worldwide. Wherever Brent has been, he has created a culture of teamwork, high standards and ethics.
Dr. Stephen Langendorfer (USA)
Dr.
Steve Langendorfer, Professor Emeritus, developmental aquatic kinesiologist,
taught at Lansing (NY) Central Schools, Kent State, Bowling Green State
University, University of Wisconsin, and SUNY-Cortland. He has expertise in
aquatics, motor development, and measurement, resulting in the authorship of
over 500 articles, chapters, presentations, and texts, including Aquatic
Readiness: Developing Water Competence in Young Children (1995). Dr.
Langendorfer is founding editor for the International Journal of Aquatic
Research and Education (IJARE) and sits on the American Red Cross'
Scientific Advisory Council as well as chairs the Research Committee for the Ireland-based
Lifesaving Foundation. He has been recognized by both the Lifesaving Hall of
Fame and by his alma mater SUNY-Cortland's Academic Hall of Fame. In 2013
the Lifesaving Foundation presented him the prestigious Ireland Medal. He
continues to coach, instruct, and swim competitively with US Masters Swimming. Steve
lives in Bowling Green, Ohio with his wife of 42 years, Jeanne.
Steven Munatones (USA)
57-year-old American Steven Munatones is from Huntington Beach, California. He founded the World Open Water Swimming Association and the WOWSA Awards. He created numerous terms used in the open water swimming community from Oceans Seven and Openwaterpedia to bioprene and Ice Sevens. He was a 1982 world marathon swimming champion, winning the 25 km race in Windermere, England. He wrote the text book Open Water Swimming and has written nearly 19,000 articles for Open Water Swimming. He was a collegiate water polo player at Harvard University and writes about water polo and open water swimming for Swimming World Magazine. He co-founded KAATSU Global and created KAATSU Aqua. He received the Poseidon Award and the Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award from the International Swimming Hall of Fame. He was inducted in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame as an Honor Swimmer (2001) and in the Ice Swimming Hall of Fame as an Honor Contributor (2019). He has served as event director for USA Swimming National Open Water Swimming Championships, Pan Pacific Swimming Championships, National High School Triathlon Championships, and Global Open Water Swimming Championships.
Hristo Genadiev Grigorov (Bulgaria)
He was born on the 14/10/1944 in Gorna Dzhumaya (current day Blagoevgrad). He studied at the Polytechnic High School and subsequently at the Higher Medical Institute — School of Pharmacy, in Sofia. He began his career as a Master Pharmacist. He was initially a pharmacy manager and subsequently worked in the Pharmacy Directorate of the Ministry of People's Health, where he was in charge of local pharmaceutical production. In 1973 he became representative of "Bristol Meyers", the American pharmaceutical company. Since 1987 he has managed "Medabik", the first Bulgarian-German Association. He has a postgraduate qualification in "International Economic Relations". Hristo Grigorov is also Chairman of the Supervisory and Management Council of Commercial Bank - Sredets, member of the Board of Directors of the Bulgarian-American Bank for Investments and Development, member of the Board of Directors of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce, President of the Metropolitan Committee of the Bulgarian Red Cross. In 2017 he was reelected for a fifth term as the President of the Bulgarian Red Cross. Hristo Grigorov has been awarded the titles Doctor Honoris Causa and Academic of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and Arts. He has received numerous awards from many state institutions and non-governmental organizations and bears the title “Honorary Citizen of Simitli”.
John R. Spannuth (USA)
John became interested in aquatics more than 70 years ago when he nearly drowned and subsequently learned to swim, joined a swim team, and enjoyed teaching swimming. He has worked as a lifeguard, camp waterfront director, and pool manager before becoming an aquatics director, a collegiate swim coach, and a swimming coach. John has made presentations for over 50 years on physical education, recreation, aquatics, and as President of the American Swimming Coaches Association, he formed the committee for “Swimming for Older Ages”. In 1970, he organized and directed The First Annual National Masters Swimming Meet which included less than 55 men and women, and he was instrumental in getting the National AAU to officially accept Masters swimming as a recognized and official national program in 1971. Since 1971, John has held important positions including AAU National Aquatics Administrator and International Executive Director for the Special Olympics and has organized and directed various aquatics events including: The National Aquatics Summit, The National Aquatics Directors Conferences, The National Adapted Aquatics Summit, the 1969 World Swimming Coaches Clinic, the First National YMCA Masters Aquatic Championships, the First National Masters Synchronized Swimming Championship, and Who’s Who in Aquatics. He has been honored 3 times by the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Terje Stakset (Norway)
Terje is married, has 2 sons and 3 grandchildren. He is Manager of the Oslo Branch of the Norwegian Lifesaving Society. He was Vice-President of the Norwegian Lifesaving Society (1991-1998). Terje has participated in the World Lifesaving Championship 1991. In 2006, he was honored with the International Virginia Hunt Newman Award by the International Swimming Hall of Fame. He published the "Swim with Love" book (2014). The last 10 year, he has traveled all over the world giving presentations on conferences and workshops, to educate baby/toddler swimming instructors.
John Connolly (Ireland)
Connolly, MA Hons in Learning and Assessment, Advanced Swimming Teacher (ASA), and ellow (ISTC) has been an exceptional aquatic safety leader for 40+ years. He enhanced water safety in Ireland and 10+ developing
countries. He is the ‘father’ of school swimming
in Ireland. He organizes an elite international
conference where many of the world's leading experts meet and share their water
safety knowledge. Lifeguard, Lifesaving and Lifeguard Trainer/Assesor, Branch Executive and Branch Water Safety Officer, Branch Technical Officer, Chief Examiner, Branch Secretary and Branch President (RLSS Ireland). Retired Primary School Head Teacher. Teacher and specialist learning support teacher. He represented teachers in his school district as their trade union
branch secretary and was a primary school representative on the Management Board
of the Irish Government’s Waterford Education Centre, serving two terms as
Chairperson of the Board. Director of Ireland’s Lifeguard School. Founder of Bonmahon Lifeguard Club. Scout leader and Water Safety Advisor (Scouting Ireland). Pool and as surf lifeguard for 30 years. He made 100+ drowning rescues and taught 3000+ persons to swim. Founder and served chairperson for 15 years of Waterford Schools Swimming Association. Founder and Secretary of The Lifesaving Foundation. He was presented with the Honorary Life Member (RLSS UK), Honorary Life
Member (RLSS Commonwealth), Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Award (2003),
Australian Surgeon General’s Medal (2007), Ireland Medal (2012), Medal of
Honour 2017 (Maatschappij tot Redding van
Drenkelingen).
Luis-Miguel Pascual-Gomez (Spain)
Luis-Miguel Pascual-Gomez (Segovia, Sapin, 1960) is Technical Director of Escuela Segoviana de Socorrismo (Segovia Lifesaving School) and a member of the Βoard of Directors of AETSAS (Spanish Association of Professional Lifesavers). Graduated as a Primary School Teacher and Art&Crafts Design Specialist, he has always had a strong vocation for lifeguarding. An early swimmer he became a sport lifesaver at age 10, profesional Lifeguard at 17 and Lifeguard Τeacher at 20. In 1991 he participated in the first Spanish Professional Aquatic Lifesaving text book with an essay about profesional Lifeguard surveillance. He has produced several works on improving professional lifeguard techniques and its teaching methods, the process of drowning and early drowning detection, always characterized by its innovative nature and orientation to practical application. He is a regular lecturer at lifeguard and drowning prevention conferences and contributed to the first 2006 edition of the “Handbook on Drowning” and the “Drowning” 2014 edition with a section on the recognition of persons in distress. Since 2008 he started a long-term research project to study and understand the drowning process and since 2011 the “Drowning in Spain” research Project have collected over 6000 records of drowning incidents and release yearly and specific reports about the facts and figures of the drowning in his country.
Rebecca Wear Robinson (USA)
Rebecca Wear Robinson learned about the global epidemic of drowning in 2007 and accepted the challenge of ending the epidemic from the unique perspective of a strategic business consultant - determined to make an impact in the sustainable, measurable manner. She developed the concept and strategy for Make the Minute Matter and has created the structure to support the organization. An acknowledged activist and expert in the field, she works with drowning prevention organizations around the world to identify and encourage innovation, connect resources, and help organizations integrate principles of Social Marketing into their approach. Rebecca is responsible for recruiting over 25 major organizations globally to adopt consistent messaging into their water safety communications, including Water Safety USA and the U.S. National Park Service. A talented public speaker and columnist with a strong, knowledgeable presence on social media, Rebecca is also the author of “Ignite Changes With Social Marketing”. Rebecca brings a strong background in both business and social psychology to the field. Her first Master’s degree is in International Management, Marketing, and Economics from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Her second Master’s degree is in Organizational and Social Psychology from the London School of Economics. She also has a B.A. in Finance from the University of Illinois and studied German at Salzburg College in Austria (more).
Gerry Dworkin (USA)
Gerry Dworkin is a professional Aquatics Safety & Water Rescue Consultant for Lifesaving Resources, located in Kennebunkport, Maine (USA). Gerry is a graduate from the University of Bridgeport with a degree in Health and Physical Education. He has worked as a volunteer, paid-on-call, and career Firefighter and EMT and currently works with the Kennebunkport Fire Department and EMS agencies in Maine. Gerry founded Lifesaving Resources in 1985. The company is dedicated to drowning and aquatic injury prevention and emergency management. The company develops educational curriculums in Water Rescue, Ocean and Swiftwater Rescue, Ice Rescue, Lifeguarding Operations and Management, and Aquatics Safety and Drowning Prevention. These programs are conducted throughout the United States, as well as Internationally. Gerry also regularly consults as a Forensics Expert in drowning and aquatic injury litigation, with over 400 cases to date. And, he has consulted as a subject matter expert for numerous news programs throughout the U.S. in matters pertaining to Water Rescue, Ice Rescue, Submerged Vehicles Rescue, and Lifeguarding.
Kim Burgess (USA)
Kim Burgess is a driving
force in the field of water safety for many years. She is a graduate of Indiana
University. In 1990, she became the Membership Director of the Fort Lauderdale
YMCA and subsequently was promoted to Director. Five years later she worked for
the International Swimming Hall of Fame. She founded the International Swim
Instructors Association. Drowning Prevention Health Coordinator for the Broward
County Health Department. She has also held the following positions: Founder
and Executive Director of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance; NDPA 2009
Symposium Chair, Board of Directors NDPA, Broward County Death Review Team,
SWIM Foundation Board, Chair Broward County Drowning Prevention Task Force,
Palm Beach County Adapted Aquatics Council, Board County Safe Kids Coalition,
Advisory Council International Swimming Hall of Fame, Healthy Start Coalition,
ISHOF Adapted Aquatics Committee, and Aquatic/Safety Reviewer for the American
Red Cross National Headquarters. She is the recipient of the G. Harold Martin
Award 2013 by the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Dave Candler (UK)
Since becoming STA’s CEO in March 2016, Dave has used his extensive leisure management experience to transform STA and its positioning in the industry. Dave has used his vision and insight to not only build STA, but to forge partnerships that are helping to transform the future of the leisure industry. Being a swimming teacher and a parent of two boys, he also understands the importance of teaching children to swim and water safety education. As STA’s CEO he is using this experience to positively benefit the wider leisure industry and in turn give as many people, of all ages and abilities, the opportunity to learn how to swim, as part of STA’s charitable objectives. Dave is also the CEO of the International Swimming Teachers' Associations (IFSTA), the only international swimming and lifesaving body that represents the global interests of learn to swim associations. With 23 member countries, IFSTA provides a platform for likeminded swimming organisations to share international best practices and promote excellence in aquatic education and water safety. Dave is passionate about swimming, and is not afraid of change if it is for the greater good of the industry. His game-changing attitude is to unite the industry with the aim of raising standards and nurturing talent in the UK and internationally. In his spare time, Dave is also a keen open water swimmer and cites successfully completing a Channel Swim Relay has one of his greatest personal achievements.
Dr. Tom Griffiths (USA)
Dr. Griffiths
has spent 38 continual years teaching and coaching aquatics at three major
University in the United States. The last 25 years of his teaching career
was spent serving as the Director of Aquatics for Penn State University
Athletics. During his more than 40 years in water safety he has produced
numerous books, articles, videos, presentations, and lifeguard equipment. Often
referred to as Dr. Tom, Dr. Griffiths continues to be an entertaining and
informative speaker with a global audience. Many of his strategies, books, and
videos have become foundations for best lifeguarding practices including The
Complete Swimming Pool Reference, The Five Minutes Scanning Strategy,
Disappearing Dummies, and Shallow Water Blackout. Teaming his daughter Rachel,
he continues to be involved with water safety internationally. The National Note and Float campaign
saves lives and reduces water rescues by requiring non-swimmers to wear life
jackets who are unable to pass the facility swim test. When facilities utilize
the Note and Float program, not only do water rescues decrease but swim lesson
enrollments and attendance also significantly increase. For his contributions, he has received numerous awards numerous times,
including honors by the International Swimming Hall of Fame and the Pen State
Diving Hall of Fame (more).
Geoff Wood (UK)
As a young man he played professional Rugby. Then through his children he got involved in their local South Leeds Lifesaving Club. He also coached the City of Leeds Swimming Club. On the lifesaving front, Wood competed in many national lifesaving championships. He was fortunate enough to win many gold medals in the finals. He also became overall National Masters Champion on one occasion. Wood took part in many triathlons over the years and completed the Ironman at Roth in Germany. On hanging up his Speedos, he served as one of the coaches for the UK Lifesaving Squad for the Lifesaving European Championships in Germany.
Dr. Ron V. Trubuhovich (New Zealand)
Ron, born in New Zealand (NZ) of Dalmatian parents, qualified in dentistry, 1953, at NZ’s University of Otago to practise that a few years, then qualify as a medical doctor in 1961. He was a Nuffield Dominion Scholar to Oxford’s University (earning its MSc in 1968) and its Nuffield Dept of Anaesthetics, qualifying FFARCS 1966. Returning to NZ, he spent his medical career in full-time patient care at Auckland (Public) Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, now Department of Critical Care Medicine (until age-obligatory retirement in 1994). During that time he contributed to the foundation of Australasian intensive care organisations (ANZICS; FICANZCA, of which he was inaugural Vice-Dean 1993-96, and received the Intensive Care Medal, 2007; and ANZCICM). He wrote occasional papers, especially on the medical history of his specialty. That culminated with his gaining a NZ doctorate from University of Auckland in 2019, MD by thesis (on ‘Resuscitation and the origins of Intensive Care/Critical Care Medicine’).
Garry Seghers DSTA (UK)
Garry Seghers is the Technical Director for the Vietnam Swimming & Lifesaving Company (VSLC). Previously employed by the Swimming Teachers’ Association UK, a STA National Tutor and UK Principal Expert for the European Standards Committee on ‘Buoyant aids for swimming instruction’ for which he is still a corresponding member. From an extensive career in Lifeguard Training, Swimming Teaching and Swimming Pool Management, working for authorities in London and the South East of England, he accepted the post of Development Officer for the Swimming Teachers’ Association in 1995. His career blossomed with the Association, developing qualifications in lifeguarding skills and progressing the programme into the area of First Aid delivery. In 2015 he was honoured with the role of and Chief Executive for the International Federation of Swimming Teachers’ Associations (IFSTA) and has visited India, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea and China promoting the association. In December 2016 he was invited to join VSLC as the Technical Director after working with Hue Help on 4 occasions from 2011 to 2016, training over 100 school teachers to become swimming teachers and developing and running a programme for tutor training.
Audrey C. Dalton (USA)
Ms. Dalton has enjoyed a lengthy career as an artist and writer. Her commissioned artwork includes portraiture, landscapes and murals. Audrey’s graphic art and written work has been published in books, magazines, news articles, websites and online blogs. Owning her own art and marketing company, Artisan Impressionz LLC, for over 25 years, Audrey enjoys the flexibility of writing, creating graphics for publications, and painting. When she was five years old, Audrey drowned and was pronounced dead on arrival to the hospital. Surviving against all odds, Doctors cautioned her parents that Audrey might never awaken from her coma. It took her seven years to make a physical recovery and Audrey’s story has since been profiled in a book. Conquering her fear of water at the age of 27, she learned to swim and has since traveled over 13,000 miles in the water by swimming at least a mile a day. Audrey is an ardent water safety advocate, and has volunteered her time giving many presentations about drowning prevention. Ms. Dalton graduated summa cum laude from Palm Beach State College. Happily married for 25 years, Audrey lives in Boca Raton, Florida with her husband, John Pennington, an administrator for the School District of Palm Beach.
| Dr. Shaun M. Anderson (USA) |
Dr. Shaun M.
Anderson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health, Physical
Education and Exercise Science at Norfolk State University located in Norfolk,
Virginia USA. In addition to his work at Norfolk State University, Dr.
Anderson has also served as a consultant for USA Swimming to help develop
programs for under-served communities throughout the United States. Prior to joining USA Swimming Dr. Anderson also
championed numerous aquatic programs, swim lessons, water safety seminars,
research projects, camps and clinics throughout the country as well as abroad
including co-founding International Water Safety Day. In recognition of
his efforts Dr. Anderson became part of the United States permanent
congressional record when he was recognized in congress for these
accomplishments. He received a B.S. in Kinesiology from Penn State
University during which time he was a 4-year member of the swim team.
Anderson continued his education at California State University, Long Beach
where he received his MBA in Finance and Doctoral Degree in Educational
Leadership from The University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Mike Shucksmith (UK)
Mike Shucksmith DMS, MCIMPSA (Chartered) has served the public, private, voluntary, sport and educational sectors for many years. He has been a member of the Royal Lifesaving Society UK for 30 years and a National Trainer Assessor for 25 years. He has experience in pool, inland water and Coastal lifeguard training and assessment. He has managed leisure centres and written integrated management systems for large leisure authorities. He was one of the first 8 members of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity to gain chartered membership. Mike has had works published in the UK and in Greece. His voluntary pursuits have gained him the Lord Lieutenants Certificate of North Yorkshire for service to the Army Cadet Force. He is the Director of Training for West Yorkshire Medical Services, whilst also being a Business Development Manager for a Community Trust on the Isle of Skye. His hobbies include open water swimming, SCUBA diving and taking out his rigid inflatable boat.
Dr.
Ronald Butterly (UK)
Dr. Butterly trained as a Physical Education (PE) Teacher at Chester College.
That’s where he learned to teach swimming. After teaching PE, including swimming
in a Further Education College in his home town of Liverpool, he spent nearly
two years in the Sultanate of Oman coaching soccer and swimming to Omani
youths. He returned to the UK where he obtained a Masters Degree and a
Doctorate at the University of Leeds. From 1983 until he retired in 2012, he
taught mainly exercise physiology but some games and swimming, including
lifesaving at Leeds Beckett University. His research interests and publications included sports physiology
and the effects of exercise upon aspects of physical and clinical health. There
he taught Stathis Avramidis and Eleftheria Avramidou, amongst quite a few Greek
and other international students.
Evelyn Keyes (The Netherlands)
Evelyn
Keyes, BSc, was born into an Elite
Swim Teaching family in Netherlands. Her Uncle was Coach of the Netherlands
Olympic Team in the 1960’s. She was taught swimming as a teenager and
played tennis, volleyball and handball at a State Level. Then she became a Trainer in Aquatics for
ENVOZ/STA (UK), nationally in Netherlands, and then internationally from 1990’s
to this current time. She is now an internationally recognized presenter in aquatics,
swimming and exercise science of all levels for 4 decades. In her homeland she
is a Master Trainer for decades in swimming and aquatic exercise for leading organizations.
Evelyn co-founded the Global Aquatic Instructors Network – Global Lifestyle
Organization Web with her husband Greg. They are well known globally for
their solo and dual presentations due to their entertaining teaching approach. Evelyn
has presented at most of the World’s leading Aquatic Conventions. She has
written 3 books on Swimming and Aquatics for Children and currently writing her
4th. RSPCA Humane Award (Australia,
2008).
Gregory James Keyes (Australia)
Gregory
James Keyes, JP, PhD, MSc, Dip V.E.T is an
internationally recognized presenter from Australia in aquatics and leadership
development for over 3 decades, founding 4 successful businesses. His PhD
thesis is on business and leadership studies. In 2019 he released a major
Book ‘Aqua-I-Cue’. He specializes in interpersonal communication dynamics. Greg
and his wife Evelyn own Global Aquatic Instructors Network – Global Lifestyle
Organization Web. They are well known globally for their entertaining and
humorous approach to teaching. His global
aquatic recognitions include: Global Award for Outstanding Performance in
Presentations (Aquatic Exercise Association – International Aquatic Fitness
Convention, Las Vegas, 2002), Aqua Emma Award (European Aquatic Fitness
Convention, Germany 2003), Australian Continent Plaque for Distinguished Intellectual
contributions to the World Forum (Cambridge University 2010), RSPCA Humane
Award (Australia, 2008).
Prof. Atsunori Matsui (Japan)
Atsunori Matsui
is a professor at Naruto University of Education, in Tokushima, Japan,
specializes in sports biomechanics and swimming, teaching in swimming, water
polo, and various aquatic activities. Matsui is in charge of swimming education
at the teacher training university for 35 years. He used to be a goalkeeper at
Tsukuba University Water Polo Team, one of the Japanese top teams. Matsui is an
expert of swimming technique, instruction method, curriculum and administration
as well as the representative of the Research Group for School Swimming in
Japan, engaged in research on water competency assessment and water
safety education.
Prof. Janice M. Holden (USA)
After 31 years on the University of North (UNT) Texas Counseling Program faculty, Professor Janice Miner Holden, EdD, LPC-S, NCC, ACMHP, retired from UNT in August, 2019. During her time on faculty she published and presented widely on the topic of near-death experiences (NDEs) and related transpersonal phenomena—those transcending the usual personal limits of space, time, and/or identity. Among her works are peer reviewed journal articles and a book co-authored with Stathis Avramidis on the topic of drowning NDEs and recommendation for water safety professionals who work with drowning survivors. She served as President of the International Association for Near-Death Studies, and for her many scholarly contributions she has received several professional awards. Dr. Holden remains professionally active, servng as Journal of Near-Death Studies Editor and consulting with academic, public, and private health programs and organizations to educate health professionals to work ethically and effectively with clientele with transpersonal experiences.
James D. Howe, Jr. (USA)
Director, Honolulu Emergency Services Department (HESD), City and County
of Honolulu. The HESD is the life safety component
of the public safety team in the City and County of Honolulu. The Department
consists of the Emergency Medical Services Division (EMS), the Ocean Safety and
Lifeguard Services Division (OSD), and the Health Services Branch (occupational
medicine services for all City employees). Mr. Howe is a highly skilled
management professional with experience in international, national, and municipal
public safety programs. His primary management objective is to utilize new and
developing technology, including data collection, to evaluate and manage injury
prevention and public safety programs. Mr. Howe also has extensive
experience in the identification of public policy issues related to the
provision of public safety programs and the development and passage of
legislation at the state and municipal levels to allow for implementation of
the public policy initiatives. Prior to his responsibilities as the Director of
Emergency Services, he was the Ocean Safety Chief for the City and County of
Honolulu. Integrated emergency first responder agency with Honolulu Police,
Fire, and Emergency Management Departments. He is an expert in the Ocean Safety Risk and
Hazard Analysis Studies, safety management system evaluations and improvement
recommendations, legal expert services, safety and efficacy evaluations of
ocean sports equipment, education and injury prevention program development and
delivery in ocean safety management. He is a member of the State of Hawaii
Injury Prevention Steering Committee. Participation on the EMS Advisory
Committee, the Drowning and Aquatic Injury Prevention Advisory Committee; Member
of the EMS providers Cabinet. He has published in the Handbook on Drowning, USLA
Open Water Lifeguard Training Manual, Personal Rescue Craft Instructors Manual,
and numerous magazines and newspapers and co-authored the “Bonus Time, Extreme
Lives and Second Chances”.
Robert K. Stallman, PhD (Norway)
Robert Keig Stallman has been active in
aquatics for over 60 years. He has participated in, taught and/or coached most of
the aquatic disciplines. He has specialized the past three decades in drowning prevention.
He has coordinated aquatic instruction at 4 universities and 3 municipalities.
He has coached athletes at the national and international level in swimming,
springboard diving and paddling. Robert has trained swimming, lifesaving and
water safety instructors in 6 nations on 3 continents, since 1961. He has
trained coaches in swimming, diving and paddling since the 1970’s and trained
lifeguards for many years. Robert is retired from the Norwegian School of Sport
Science. Still active, he is an active member (past steering committee member)
of the Norwegian Lifesaving Society, a member of the Lifesaving Foundation (member
of their Research Committee), a member and consultant to the Tanzanian
Lifesaving Society. A frequent presenter at national and
international conferences, he continues to do research and writing in aquatics.
He is a member of the editorial board of the International Journal of Aquatic
Research and Education, an Honorary Member of the International Drowning
Research Alliance, and a frequent member of scientific committees of
conferences and reviewer of scholarly papers.
Dr. Vicky Bafataki (Greece)
Dr. Bafataki holds degrees and masters in Βizantine
Archeology, Cultural Communication and Media, Administration of Cultural Units,
Bioethics, a PhD in Social Sciences and Culture Finances whereas she is
currently doing another PD on Medicine. In 2005, she participated in the International
Giuseppe Sciacca Awards competition for new researchers in the
"communications" category. She won among 362 young scientists. She
has volunteered in large scale projects for social solidarity and civil
heritage. In 2006 she became Member of the Presidential Committee and Secretary
General of the International Giuseppe Sciacca Awards in 2012 (www.premiosciacca.it). She is General Director of the International
Institute of Law, Finances and Social Studies (Rome) and Member of the
Scientific Committee. She taught literature in Liceums, in Police Academy, public and private vocational institutions. She has worked as Journalist and TV presenter in big companies. She is Vice President of the Scientific Union of Panteion University "Aristotle". Dr. Bafataki has supported or (co)organized numerous lifesaving sport and drowning prevention activities in Greece as Giuseppe Sciacca Secretary General and Ambassador of lifesaving sport (EOYDA). Her accolades include Dama de Merito de Honor (Knights
Order of Emperor Konstantin, Spain 2010); Social and Voluntary Humanity
Services Award (Abidjan, 2010). World Giuseppe Sciacca Award for New
Scientists in Media and Journalism (Vatican 2005); Honorary Plaque for Education and Culture (Camerino
University, Italy 2005); Global Italian Culture Ambassador (Università per
Stranieri di Perugia, Italy 2006). She is the Vice President of Friendship
among Nations (more).
+Bob Burnside (USA)
Bob is perhaps the best known and most iconic
lifeguard in the United States. His contributions to water safety are
extraordinary. He was selected 22 times to the “All American Swim
Team”, and 3 times to the “All American Water Polo Team”. In high school, he
was the national record holder in the 100 yard backstroke and the 120 yard IM.
He was the first high school swimmer in the US to break the one minute barrier
in the 100 yard backstroke! Bob
was hired as an ocean lifeguard by Los Angeles County in 1951. He became the
president of the Surf Life Saving Association of America. He created the U.S.
team that competed in an international lifesaving competition in Australia
during the 1956 Olympics. Bob was a member of that team, which had never
competed in an international lifesaving competition, and was placed 3rd. In
1964, the Surf Life Saving Association of America (aka United States Lifesaving
Association) was created as a nonprofit organization with him serving for 4
years as president. In 1967, Bob he was a manager of a new team which competed
in Australia and in New Zealand. He produced the Burnside Rescue Can (patrol
can), the iconic symbol for beach lifeguards and for the TV Series “Baywatch”. Bob
mandated women’s rights to take the beach lifeguard test that led to the hiring
of the first female ocean lifeguards. Chief lifeguard of L.A. County and
founder of “Club Tortuga”. (USLA approved Mexican water safety project).
He is a Grand champion in World Body Surfing (1989) and 13 years winner
in his age. 12 times Masters division national champion at the USLA National
Lifeguard Championships. National master’s swim champion. National Dorymen’s
Association Champion. Winner of the Masters Inter-Mountain Downhill Ski Championship. Bob passed away on Wednesday 11 December 2019. He had accepted the title of Honorary Member 6 days earlier.
Dr. David Szpilman (Brazil)
Dr. David Szpilman is widely acknowledged as one of the most dedicated and modest driving forces of world lifesaving. His work as doctor, scholar, athlete, and event facilitator has impacted water safety in most continents of Earth for 26 years. He holds a Medical Degree, studied Internal Medicine and Critical Careand got a Diploma of Management Military Officers. He holds over 400 certificates on lifesaving, lifeguarding, first aid, resuscitation, defibrillation, spinal injury, lifeguarding and rescue in all aquatic environments, with rescue equipment including surf, jet ski and helicopter at the founding and instructor level from 135 organizations in 22 countries, including the International Lifesaving Federation (ILS). He is the author of 4 books, 68 book chapters and 156 research papers on national/international medical literature, whereas he has given over 500 lectures on national/ international conferences in drowning related subjects and run 178 workshops on drowning and CPR. He is a reviewer in 7 medical, lifeguard related scientific journals. As teacher, instructor and conference speaker he has reached an audience of over 10.000 people in 22 out of 27 Brazilian states and in 32 countries. Szpilman is the Founder, the Former President and currently the Medical Director of the Brazilian Life Saving Society (SOBRASA). Member of the Brazilian National Resuscitation Council. Member of the ILS Medical Commission. Founding Member of the International Drowning Researcher Alliance. 2 times National Lifesaving Sport Champion in Brazil and currently is the lead organizer of the National Championships. He has participated in the World Lifesaving Sport Championship 3 times. His contributions in water safety have been acknowledged and honored 22 times by national and world organizations.
Solon Tanos (Cyprus)
Solon has a Master in Business
Administration (MBA), a Post Graduate Diploma (PgD) in Business
Administration and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Business Administration
(Management). He is a certified Trainer / Assessor of the Cyprus Life Saving
Federation and The Royal Life Saving Society U.K. He is also a St John’s First
Aid Teacher, as well as a Martial Arts Instructor in Shotokan Karate and a
founding member of the Cyprus Karate Referees Association. Solon, served for
many years as a Secretary General of the Cyprus Life Saving Federation, a Board
Member of the Limassol Nautical Club and Limassol
Shooting Club and as a President in the Limassol Divisional Life Saving
Club. He has been a speaker in international lifesaving conferences and issued
articles and notes in water safety related area. For his contribution to water
safety, Solon has been honoured several times.
Dr. Iwona
Michniewicz (Poland)
Iwona Michniewicz, PhD in physical culture, PgD in
management, PgD in psychology, PgD in the prevention of domestic violence,
senior lecturer at The President Stanislaw Wojciechowski State University of
Applied Sciences in Kalisz. Currently a mayor of Kozminek, in office from 2018.
Author of 7 books and over 100 scientific
articles on water rescue. Registered
expert witness in the Regional Court in Kalisz. Founder and first president of
Water Rescue of Republic of Poland Association. Founder and president of the
National Council of Sport and Water Rescue Foundation. Founder and president of
Central Research Center for Water Rescue. Supervisor of numerous Bachelor,
Master and PhD theses. Water rescue mentor who educated over 1000 lifeguards
and instructors. Coach of multiple sport
disciplines (e.g. athletics, swimming, fitness). Author of tens of expertise and safety audits
on recreational water facilities.
Dr. Romuald Michniewicz
(Poland)
Romuald Michniewicz, PhD in physical culture, senior
lecturer at The President Stanislaw Wojciechowski State University of Applied
Sciences in Kalisz. Author of 8 books and over 100 scientific articles on water
rescue. Registered expert witness in the Regional Court in Kalisz. Co-founder and first vice-president of Water
Rescue of the Republic of Poland Association. Co-founder and vice-president of
the National Council of Sport and Water Rescue Foundation. Co-founder and
vice-president of Central Research Center for Water Rescue. Water rescue mentor
who educated over 1000 lifeguards and instructors. Coach of multiple sport disciplines (e.g.
athletics, swimming, canoeing, shooting sports). Author of tens of expertise
and safety audits on recreational water facilities. Author of one of the first
PhD dissertation in Poland regarding water rescue: "Lifeguards knowledge
and skills versus rescue operations structure".
Christina
Fonfe´ BEM (UK)
On
December 26, 2004, Christina Fonfe´saw the Indian Ocean Tsunami on TV. She
left her swim school in UK to give free swimming lessons to children in the
tsunami refugee camps of Sri Lanka. There, she discovered that few adults in
country could swim, so she switched to teaching mothers and teenage girls so they
would make sure their children learned also. She founded The Sri Lanka Women’s
Swimming Project. Chris is a drowning prevention pioneer who requires students
to totally master how to Float-and-Breathe on the surface before learning to
swim. Her standard for a ‘safe swimmer’ is one who can float for 10' and cover
100m without touching any outside support. She also trains teenagers as Student
Swimming Teachers and adults as internationally recognized, Full Swimming Teachers.
In 2015 she was awarded the British Empire Medal for Meritorious Service to
women. Since 2019, the Project is run by Sri Lankans under her guidance and nearly 7,000 women have learned to swim in this way.
Robert Dillon (USA)
Bob
Dillon was active with the local chapter of the American Red Cross
including being on the Board of the Water Safety Committee for 9 years. He taught
high school science for 35 years. Bob started a swim team in 1995 at his high
school and coached the team. He started the Monmouth County Chapter of the United
States Lifesaving Association (USLA) in 1979 which has now won the Nationals 4
times. He has officiated at the local lifeguard competitions for over 20
years as Head Official and has officiated at the Mid Atlantic Regional's
of the USLA for 6 years. For his contributions, he was honored by the
International Swimming Hall of Fame with the 2013 Service Award.
Sonny Tanabe (Hawaii)
Tanabe holds a BSc on Physical Education and a MSc on
Health and Safety (Indiana University). He worked as Assistant Aquatic Director,
Teacher in Kamehameha Schools in Honolulu, Swimming and Water Polo Coach, Water
Safety, Skin and SCUBA Diving Instructor in various places. Sonny served many
organizations in leading capacities; Corporate Board (Island of Hawaii YMCA);
Chairman Emeritus (Island of Hawaii YMCA); Chairman (Blue Water Spearfishing
Symposium), Co-Chairman (Hawaii Freedive Spearfishing EXPO 2000); Vice
President of the US Olympians Hawaii Chapter and President (Hawaii Freediving
and Spearfishing Wall of Fame). He is a Life Member of the US Olympian Alumni
Association and the Indiana University "I" Men's Association. He is
the Founder, President and currently Emeritus President of the Hawaii Swimming
Hall of Fame. He serves as swimming historian (Friends of the Natatorium) and
the Board of Directors (Pat Mc Cormick Educational Foundation in California). He
holds the following awards; Athletes of the Week (Softball, Swimming), Hawaiian
AAU Indoor Swimming Championships - Outstanding Men's Junior; Key to the City
from the Mayor of Newark, NJ; National Interscholastic All-American Swim Team
(3 years); US Swim Team - Mid Atlantic Swim Championship (Bermuda).
Deborah
J. McDonald (USA)
Deborah J. McDonald BA, CPA, CA, BFA (cum laude). Deborah’s documentary about an ISHOF Champion, "50 year old
FRESHMAN Suzanne Heim-Bowen", has won numerous festival awards including the
International Aquatic History Symposium & Film Festival Best New Film
Award. She's a member of Canada's Creative Industry
Advisory Council, Los Angeles, a CJOH Screenwriting Grant recipient,
been profiled on Fox Prime Time Special, Executive Produced and hosted her own
cable access show, produced hip-hop music videos, worked on American Idol,
the 2nd UNIT VFX crew on Dawn of the Planet of the
Apes, the Godzilla VFX crew and part of the NFL Films Super Bowl
50 Wires crew. She’s a CPA, CA (Ernst & Young), an award-winning filmmaker
(BFA University of Art SF) and part of the spatial computing new wave. She also
holds a BA from University of Toronto (Political Science) and is a Producer
(ASG) for Google Developer Studios.
Peter Heimlich (USA)
Peter’s
life took an unexpected turn in 2002, when he and his wife Karen began
researching the career of his father, Henry J. Heimlich MD, best known for the
Heimlich maneuver, the famed abdominal thrust which creates an artificial cough
to help chokers expel a foreign body obstruction in the airway. To their
astonishment, they uncovered what they call “a 50-year unseen history of fraud”
surrounding Dr. Heimlich’s career. According to Robert S. Baratz MD
PhD, “I've been investigating medical fraud and quackery for 25
years. Peter and Karen uncovered the biggest case I've ever seen.” They learned
that for decades Dr. Heimlich used his access to the media to promote a string
of dangerous, unfounded medical claims that resulted in the significant loss of
life, including children. “In order to bring the facts to public attention and
perhaps prevent further harm, we decided to bring our research to journalists.”
Their efforts resulted in scores of media reports in the U.S. and elsewhere
which put an end to Dr. Heimlich’s reckless misconduct and resulted in a
significant re-evaluation of his reputation. The project turned out to be a
compelling personal and journalistic odyssey for Peter who says, “I discovered
that I enjoyed exposing misconduct via investigative reporting which I do on my
blog, The Sidebar.” Now retired, Peter and Karen
owned and operated a wholesale fine textile import business. A former
professional musician and recorded songwriter, Peter also leads a weekend rock
& roll band in the Atlanta, Georgia area.
Karen M. Shulman (USA)
Karen’s
life took an unexpected turn in 2002, when she and her husband Peter began
researching the career of Peter’s father, Henry J. Heimlich MD, best known for
the Heimlich maneuver, the famous abdominal thrust which creates an artificial
cough to help chokers expel a foreign body obstruction in the airway. To their
astonishment, they uncovered what they call “a 50-year unseen history of fraud”
surrounding the elder Heimlich’s career. According to Robert S. Baratz MD
PhD, “I've been investigating medical fraud and quackery for 25
years. Peter and Karen uncovered the biggest case I've ever seen.” They learned
that for decades Dr. Heimlich used his access to the media to promote a string
of dangerous, unfounded medical claims that resulted in the significant loss of
life, including children. “In order to bring the facts to public attention and
perhaps prevent further harm, we decided to bring our research to journalists.”
Their efforts resulted in scores of media reports in the U.S. and elsewhere
which put an end to Dr. Heimlich’s reckless misconduct and resulted in a
significant re-evaluation of his reputation. Now retired, Karen and Peter owned
and operated a wholesale import business in which she designed fine fabrics.
Before they married in 1988, Karen designed her own line of fine art-to-wear
jewelry.
Shawn DeRosa, J.D. (USA)
Shawn DeRosa (@DeRosaAquatics) is a leading
expert in the field of aquatic risk management. He has been twice profiled as
one of the Top 100 Leaders in Aquatics in addition to having been twice
selected by Aquatics International Magazine as one of the "Power 25."
The owner of DeRosa
Aquatic Consulting, Shawn helps agencies minimize risks and improve safety through consulting
services and high-quality education and training programs. Shawn combines his
training as a lawyer with his years of experience as an Aquatic Director to
provide litigation support services as an expert witness in a variety of pool
and beach cases. His knowledge of the aquatics industry combined with his
experience as a consultant, attorney and expert witness help bring practical
experience to all of his training programs. Over the years, Shawn has
worked closely with the American Red Cross in the development of the
lifeguarding, CPR and water safety programs and has even made an appearance in
a number of Red Cross training videos. Shawn developed the Practical Pool
Management PLUS course, a pool operator training program recognized by the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control. The recipient of the International Swimming Hall
of Fame's Paragon Award for Aquatic Safety and the Distinguished Service award
by the Association of Aquatic Professionals, Shawn is one of the most
sought-after speakers in the industry with speaking engagements across the
globe including the United States, Canada, Mexico, China and the United Arab Emirates.
Rob McKay (USA)
Rob is a former
high school All American swimmer from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was honored
as a scholar athlete at Florida State University where he swam as an
undergraduate and later returned as an assistant swim coach while pursuing graduate
level studies in education. Along with his wife, Kathy, they started the
Lifestyle Swim School in 1981 teaching babies, the gentle way, to love the
water and then gradually learn swim safety skills. Surrounded by many
aggressive swim programs, and inspired by infant swim pioneer Virginia Hunt
Newman, they created their own warm, child-centered, family-friendly approach
to teaching babies. They developed many techniques to de-program
babies traumatized as a consequence of aggressive, survival swim programs.
Rob have been honored twice by the International Swimming Hall of Fame,
receiving the inaugural Virginia Hunt Newman award (Baby Swimming) and The
Paragon Award for Aquatic Safety. The couple's best selling Diaper Dolphin
video series helped to spread their message of gentle teaching and child water
safety, globally in the 1990’s. He has presented workshops in China, New
Zealand, Australia, England, Poland and trained many teachers from Japan. Their
book, Learn to Swim, published by DK/Penguin Books, was released in
English, German, Portuguese and Italian, and rose to the number #2 spot of all
swimming and aquatic related books on Amazon.com. Rob currently serves on the State of Florida’s Department of Health’s
approval board for certifying baby swimming instruction programs. Today Rob and
Kathy train teachers from all over the world in their mindful, holistic,
playful approach at their home base at Florida Atlantic University, in Boca
Raton, Florida.
Janet
Wilson (UK)
Janet has been
involved with the work of RLSS UK for over 50 years and is an honorary Vice
President of both RLSS (Commonwealth) and RLSS UK. The focus of work has been
in Water Safety Education and training others. Previous work has included being
an RLSS Trustee and Chairman of the Education Committee. Currently Janet is Chairman of ILSE Education
Commission, and has served on that commission since 2009, contributing to
several international projects. She has been an RLSS trustee since 2018. Work
in these two areas has given Janet a wider understanding of worldwide water safety
issues. In the UK, Janet has held all the performance awards, and is still an
active trainer for all aspects of lifesaving and lifeguarding activity. Her
main interest is in the outdoor environment, where she is also a keen outdoor
swimmer, having completed the length of Loch Lomond (21.6 miles) and several
other swims over 10 miles in length. Janet is a retired Biomedical Scientist by
profession and has also been an active volunteer with St. John Ambulance for
over 50 years.
Dr.
Anestis Vasiliou (Cyprus)
Διδάκτορας Διοίκησης Μονάδων και Υπηρεσιών Υγείας (University of
Frederick). Μεταπτυχιακό Διοίκησης Μονάδων και Υπηρεσιών Υγείας (University of
Frederick). Πτυχίο Γενικής Νοσηλευτικής (Τεχνολογικό Πανεπιστήμιο). Μεταβασικό
Δίπλωμα Ψυχικής Υγείας (Τεχνολογικό Πανεπιστήμιο). Δίπλωμα Γενικής
Νοσηλευτικής (Νοσηλευτική Σχολή Λευκωσίας). Εκπαιδευτής/Εξεταστής Ναυαγοσωστικής
(Κυπριακή Ομοσπονδία Ναυαγοσωστικής) και κάτοχος Διπλώματος Trauma First
Response. Εκπαιδευτής Αρχής Ανάπτυξής Ανθρώπινου Δυναμικού (ΑΝΑΔ). Ανακοινώσεις σε πανελλήνια συνέδρια
ψυχικής/ δημόσιας υγείας. Έχει ασχοληθεί ερευνητικά με τα Πληροφοριακά
Συστήματα των Υπηρεσιών Ψυχικής Υγείας και το ρόλο της διατροφής στην παιδική
παχυσαρκία. Έχει υπερδεκαετή εργασιακή εμπειρία ως Νοσηλευτικός Λειτουργός,
Κλινικός Εκπαιδευτής Νοσηλευτικής Ψυχικής Υγείας σε διάφορους φορείς. Αθλητής υδατοσφαίρισης, κολύμβησης και αθλητικής
ναυαγοσωστικής του ΑΠΟΕΛ και Αρχηγός της Εθνικής Ομάδας Κύπρου σε υδατοσφαίριση
και αθλητική ναυαγοσωστική. Αναδείχτηκε ως καλύτερος Υδατοσφαιριστής
2018-2019. Συμμετείχε ως αθλοσώστης και προπονητής στο παγκόσμιο
πρωτάθλημα «Rescue 2016», στο Ευρωπαϊκό πρωτάθλημα 2017 και 2019. Έφορος
Αθλητισμού (Κυπριακή Ομοσπονδία Ναυαγοσωστικής) για δεύτερη θητεία, και
γραμματέας του Σωματίου Εθελοντών και Φίλων «Άγιος Χαράλαμπος».
Georgia Fyrigou - Consolo (Greece)
For the past 30
years, Georgia has been involved in diving and sport in her native Greece as
well as on an international level. She has earned BSc University degrees in
both physical education and finance at National and Kapodistrian University of
Athens. She also has a Ministry of Culture, General Secretariat of Sports
Diploma for diving coaches. Within the last year and a half, she was appointed
to four year terms to the LEN and FINA Technical Diving Committees, serving on
the Event-Rules Sub Committees. She served as Competition Director for Diving
at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, as well as serving on the Organizing
Committee for the Games and Paralympic Games of 2004. She also served as Sports
Information Manager for Cycling, the Velodrome, Paralympic Village and
Paralympic Games of 2004. Georgia is a LEN A Category International Judge and
has officiated at the 2004 and 2002 European Championships. She has been an IF
Liaison for synchronized swimming, water polo and rowing and has been a FINA
deck official at the 2003 Barcelona World Championships and 2000 Fukuoka World
Championships (more).
Dr. Klaus Wilkens (Germany)
Dr. Wilken’s voluntary lifesaving
activities are numerous. He was involved in the activities of the German Life
Saving Society (DLRG) on all levels of its hierarchy. This included work at its
local level with involvement at the DLRG-Club Luneburg, as a member of the
Board for Education and Youth, Chairman of the Board and Honorary Chairman of
the Board, as well as his work at the DLRG-Verlag und Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH
as a member and Chairman of the Advisory Council. On a higher National level,
at DLRG, he served as Vice-Chairman of the Youth Organization, Deputy Member of
the Board, Technical Director/Member of the Board, Treasurer/Member of the
Board, Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Education of Hotel Ltd., Vice
President and President. Klaus played a key role at the international
level for 4 decades. He was responsible for the international sport, education
and rescue activities in DLRG. At the Federation Internationale de Sauvetage
Aquatique (FIS), he served as a member of the Technical Commission, Secretary
General and Moniteur. At the Federation for Supporting International
Lifeguarding, he served as Vice President and President. At the International
Life Saving Federation of Europe (ILSE) he acted as Secretary General,
President and Honorary Life-President
(2012-). Finally, at the International Life Saving Federation, he was the Vice
President (1998-2012) and President (2012). He also served the water safety
field by participating in international initiatives. He was involved in
lifeguard and lifesaving instructor educational projects in 16 countries for 20+
years. He conducted several co-operations with the European Association for
Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, the European Child Safety Alliance, the
Foundation for Environmental Education Blue Flag Campaign and made risk
assessment training courses in different European countries. He was the chief
organizer of “EC 2005”, the World Sport Lifesaving Championships of “RESCUE
1990” and “RESCUE 2008”, the Series European Qualification Framework for
lifesaving and contributed to the development of Safety Information Boards in
Germany (and other parts of Europe). Dr. Wilkens’ work has been repeatedly
awarded nationally and internationally including awards by ILS, ISHOF and
numerous other national and international organizations.
Eleonora Hadjipaschali (Greece)
Η
Ελεονώρα Χατζηπασχάλη είναι Πτυχιούχος Βιολογίας και Διοίκησης Επιχειρήσεων.
Μιλάει Αγγλικά και Γαλλικά. Έχει εργαστεί σε θέσεις ευθύνης. Διευθύντρια
Δικτύου Εργαστηρίων Δημόσιας Υγείας του Εθνικού Οργανισμού Δημόσιας Υγείας,
Διευθύντρια Πρότυπου Κέντρου Υγείας
Αστικού Τύπου, Αναπληρώτρια Διοικήτρια Γενικού Νοσοκομείου «Αμαλία
Φλέμινγκ», Διοικήτρια Θεραπευτηρίου Χρόνιων Παθήσεων Εύβοιας, Διευθύντρια
Επιχειρησιακής Μονάδας Ιολογίας & Θεραπειών Υποκατάστασης Schering Plough SA, Διευθύντρια Επιχειρησιακής Μονάδας Ανοσολογίας και σε άλλες Διευθυντικές
θέσεις. Έχει συντονίσει πολλαπλά Ευρωπαϊκά προγράμματα. Έχει συμβάλει
διοικητικά στην προώθηση και υλοποίηση συγγραφικών, ερευνητικών, διδακτικών,
δράσεων πρόληψης τραυματισμών στο νερό μέσα από δραστηριότητες ασφάλειας στο
νερό και αθλητικής ναυαγοσωστικής και όχι μόνο. Κολυμβήτρια του Ναυτικού Ομίλου
Αμμοχώστου Κύπρου με Παγκύπριες και Πανελλήνιες νίκες και ρεκόρ. Έχει αρκετές
ανακοινώσεις και δημοσιεύσεις σε εθνικά και διεθνή επιστημονικά συνέδρια και περιοδικά.
Είναι μέλος αρκετών οργανισμών. Τιμημένη με τα βραβεία «Best Practices in Action» (Schering-Plough 2000), «Γυναίκα της Χρονιάς» (American Biographical Institute 2000), και «Remicade Special Award» (Schering-Plough 2001),
«Έπαινος» (International Aquatic History Symposium and Film Festival 2012), «Τιμητικές
Ευχαριστίες» (ΕΟΥΔΑ 2013), «Πιστοποιητικό Κοινωνίας των Φίλων» (RLSS UK 2013).
Dr Kevin Moran, ONZM (New Zealand)
Dr Peter G. Wernicki,
MD, FAAOS (USA)
Dr Shayne Baker OAM (Australia)
Drowning Prevention in all
its forms has been the motivation for Dr Shayne Baker’s involvement in
lifesaving. Starting as a teenager in Sydney with his first lifesaving
award and then as beach lifesaver on Australia’s Gold Coast, he then commenced
a long-standing level of contribution at teachers' college gaining his
instructor/examiner qualification with the Royal Life Saving Society
Australia (RLSSA). He then worked as a volunteer instructor/examiner in the Darling
Downs region, 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 Queensland
board, national sports committee and then national President of RLSSA. These
experiences provided Shayne with a greater enthusiasm and passion for the
trans-disciplinary opportunities that existed in drowning prevention through
active voluntary beach patrols, lifesaving competition, sports officiating,
research and development at international events and celebrations in the
promotion of lifesaving and drowning prevention worldwide. In his own
rural/regional environment he has been involved in the implementation of an
award-winning summer education program for children (more) in regional Queensland
known as the Downs Little Lifeguards (more).
John Long (UK)
Dr Ana Catarina Queiroga (Portugal)
Catarina is a Microbiologist with a PhD in Biology and has since 2006 been engaged in several lifesaving projects as well as teaching. She has a special interest in drowning research and prevention issues and in promoting water safety in developing countries as well as within non-native and high-risk communities in developed countries. She has concentrated her scientific collaboration in several drowning prevention research projects, actively collaborating with University of Porto (Portugal), University of Vigo (Spain), Federation University (Australia), University of Auckland (New Zealand) and Royal Life Saving Society – Australia, where she worked for almost a year. She is member of the Drowning Prevention Commission and Medical Committee of The International Life Saving Federation (ILS), member of the Drowning Prevention Commission of ILSE and co-founder of IDRA, the International Drowning Researchers’ Alliance. She has recently coordinated and co-authored the IDRA-ILS-IMRF Joint Position Statement on the resuscitation of the drowned person during COVID19 Era. She has authored and co-authored several scientific papers, reports, book chapters and lectures at International Conferences. Her publication record has over 280 citations, an h-index of 11, and more than half of all publications were published in Q1 journals and are in the topic of this application. In her professional activities has co-authored scientific papers with 121 collaborators and has been invited to provide 19 oral presentations of the 55 presented. She has supervised 1 MSc student and is currently supervising 3 PhD students and 1 medical doctor (Public Health specialty). (more).
Giorgio Quintavale (Italy) Giorgio Quintavalle was born in Italy in 1972. His life was always linked with the world of swimming and rescue. Graduated in Political Science and then with postgraduate studies in Philosophy and Law, already in 1992 he founded the Sports Association which, over the years, became the basis on which to build the successes of the Red Frogs; the team that was 6 times world champions in the pool (2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018) and composed by the best athletes ever. His path within the Italian Swimming Federation started long time ago. He is a member of the regional sport commission in 1998, a member of the Italian National Sport Commission in 2008, a Team Manager of the Italian National Team in 2011, the Italian Lifesaving National Coordinator in 2018 and President of the Italian Lifesaving Section in 2021. Even outside the borders of his country, Georgio’s commitment has grown over time. He is a member of the ILSE Sport Commission since 2010 and of the ILS Sport Commission since 2012. Giorgio is also an ILSE and ILS Board Member since 2012 and the European Vice President since 2021 (more).
Torill Hindmarch (Norway)
Bruce Wigo, J.D. has served tirelessly the field of aquatics as an
athlete, coach, administrator and leader of major national and international
organizations for over 60 years. He was an Ocean
lifeguard with the Ocean City Beach Patrol (New Jersey, 1965 – 1971). He is a member of the International Society of Olympic Historians and a
Historian of the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF), an organization
that served from the as its President and CEO between 2005-2017. He is regarded
as one of the world’s leading experts in world aquatic history. Much of his
research is published in ISHOF’s annual and the book “The Golden Age of
Swimming: A Picture History of the Sport & Pools That Changed America”.
In 1985, he was elected to the OCBP Lifeguard
Hall of Fame as both a swimmer and rower in lifesaving sport competitions. In 2020 he was inducted as an Honor Contributor by the USA Water Polo
Hall of Fame. Currently he is working as a
consultant to various aquatic-related organizations and museums (more).
Julie-ann James (Australia)
Prof. Arturo Abraldes (Spain)
Abraldes is a professor at the
University of Murcia, Spain. He holds a PhD in Physical Education, with a
doctoral thesis in professional and lifesaving sport. He works as the Head of
the Movement Science and Sport Research (MS&SPORT) and Innovation
(MS&SPORT-i) groups at the University of Murcia. He is a Professor at the
Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences in swimming, lifeguarding and
first aid as well as a Trainer and Senior Rescue and Lifeguard Technician,
teaching and training lifeguards for over 25 years. In addition, he is a trainer,
advisor and evaluator of Professional Competencies in Aquatic Activities,
Facilities and Spaces and a tutor of students who work and/or conduct research
in first aid and lifesaving. Arturo is a director, speaker and participant in
international congresses, author of numerous scientific articles in
international journals, multiple manuals and didactic books. He has been a
member of the directive, general coach and responsible for several areas in the
Lifesaving Fedaration of Galicia. He is a disseminator and lover of all
lifeguard aspects. He has been awarded several times for his contributions to lifesaving
and first aid, in congresses, for research and career in aquatic safety. In 2022,
he was selected the recipient of the Paragon Aquatic Safety Award by the
International Swimming Hall of Fame (more).
George William Mukasa (Ugaanda)
Mukasa is from Uganda and has over 30 years of experience in aquatics. He was motivated at the age of 14 to stop the drowning of his student mates and decided to learn first aid by St. John Ambulance. He developed an interest in first aid and swimming and worked as a volunteer lifeguard 4 hours/day for 6 years. Later he was elected a School Health Prefect by fellow students for his dedication. He is an International Lifesaving and First Aid Trainer, Tutor for trainers, Swimming Instructor and Official of FINA, IOC, UOC, USF and the Uganda Swimming Federation. He is a certified lifesaver by RLSS and ILS, is associated with the GLSA, and is an EMS with Elpa Ambulance Uganda. George has competed to University Games of East Africa, Africa and Asia. He coached the National Team of Uganda and swum with the National Team in competitions within Africa and Asia. Until today he teaches swimming and lifesaving at schools and other organizations. He is associated with several swimming and lifesaving bodies in Uganda, the National Lifesaving Instructor and President of the Lifesaving Association Uganda. He was the first Ugandan lifesaving athlete to attend the Continental Lifesaving Conference and Championship 2022. He serves on the ILS Drowning Prevention Committee 2021-2024 and is a Board Member of the Global Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Rotary Club (more). Isabel Garcia Sanz (Spain)
Isabel Garcia Sanz is
the president of the Royal Spanish Lifesaving Federation (RFESS) since 2004 and
also the Latino-American Lifesaving Federation (FLASS) since 2005. She was the
first woman to reach the vice presidency of the International Life Saving
Federation of Europe (ILSE) in 2016 and is also part of the executive committee
of the Spanish Olympic Committee since 2013. She’s part of the board of the
International Life Saving Federation (ILS) since 2012. She’s been in touch with
federated lifesaving since 1993 and she’s received a multitude of national and
international awards because of it, like the ILS Order of Lifesaving, as she
was the seventh woman out of 89 people they had in 2020. She has a teaching
degree for primary school by the Universidad de Valladolid (1996) and a master
in coaching and athletic leadership by the Universidad de Barcelona (2014).
She’s a civil servant in the Junta de Castilla y León (Regional government in
the centre of Spain) (more).
Dr. Chris Giannou (Greece)
Giannou was born in Toronto, Canada, 1949, the son of Greek immigrant parents. His university studies included McGill (Montreal), Algiers (Algeria), Angers (France), and Cairo (Egypt). From 1980-90, he was a surgeon with the Palestine Red Crescent Society during the civil war in Lebanon. He was taken prisoner of war by the Israeli army during the invasion of Lebanon in 1982 and was responsible for the medical care of Israeli POWs in the hands of the PLO in Tripoli, Lebanon, in 1983. From 1985-88, Giannou was director and sole surgeon of the PRCS hospital in Shatila refugee camp, Beirut, during the War of the Camps. He then went on to work as a field surgeon for the International Committee of the Red Cross in Somalia, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Burundi, and Chechnya. In 1995, he was medical coordinator of the ICRC campaign to ban anti-personnel landmines. He then served as Head Surgeon of the ICRC in Geneva from 1998 to 2005 with field missions to Sudan, DR Congo, Chad, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Chad, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen and the DPR Korea amongst other favourite tourist spots. Officially retired from the ICRC, he continues to deploy on short field missions with various organisations. He has been to the Syrian-Turkish border to train Syrian surgeons in war surgery techniques four times. In 2019, he was elected a member of the Executive Committee of the Hellenic Red Cross. He is Co-President of the Scientific Committee of the Centre for Research and Education in the Ecology of War at the American University of Beirut and is a lecturer at Queen Mary University of London. He was inducted a Member of the Order of Canada in 1990 and was awarded the Star of Palestine by the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation in 1987 (more).
Dr. Butterly trained as a Physical Education (PE) Teacher at Chester College.
That’s where he learned to teach swimming. After teaching PE, including swimming
in a Further Education College in his home town of Liverpool, he spent nearly
two years in the Sultanate of Oman coaching soccer and swimming to Omani
youths. He returned to the UK where he obtained a Masters Degree and a
Doctorate at the University of Leeds. From 1983 until he retired in 2012, he
taught mainly exercise physiology but some games and swimming, including
lifesaving at Leeds Beckett University. His research interests and publications included sports physiology
and the effects of exercise upon aspects of physical and clinical health. There
he taught Stathis Avramidis and Eleftheria Avramidou, amongst quite a few Greek
and other international students.
After 31 years on the University of North (UNT) Texas Counseling Program faculty, Professor Janice Miner Holden, EdD, LPC-S, NCC, ACMHP, retired from UNT in August, 2019. During her time on faculty she published and presented widely on the topic of near-death experiences (NDEs) and related transpersonal phenomena—those transcending the usual personal limits of space, time, and/or identity. Among her works are peer reviewed journal articles and a book co-authored with Stathis Avramidis on the topic of drowning NDEs and recommendation for water safety professionals who work with drowning survivors. She served as President of the International Association for Near-Death Studies, and for her many scholarly contributions she has received several professional awards. Dr. Holden remains professionally active, servng as Journal of Near-Death Studies Editor and consulting with academic, public, and private health programs and organizations to educate health professionals to work ethically and effectively with clientele with transpersonal experiences.
Director, Honolulu Emergency Services Department (HESD), City and County
of Honolulu. The HESD is the life safety component
of the public safety team in the City and County of Honolulu. The Department
consists of the Emergency Medical Services Division (EMS), the Ocean Safety and
Lifeguard Services Division (OSD), and the Health Services Branch (occupational
medicine services for all City employees). Mr. Howe is a highly skilled
management professional with experience in international, national, and municipal
public safety programs. His primary management objective is to utilize new and
developing technology, including data collection, to evaluate and manage injury
prevention and public safety programs. Mr. Howe also has extensive
experience in the identification of public policy issues related to the
provision of public safety programs and the development and passage of
legislation at the state and municipal levels to allow for implementation of
the public policy initiatives. Prior to his responsibilities as the Director of
Emergency Services, he was the Ocean Safety Chief for the City and County of
Honolulu. Integrated emergency first responder agency with Honolulu Police,
Fire, and Emergency Management Departments. He is an expert in the Ocean Safety Risk and
Hazard Analysis Studies, safety management system evaluations and improvement
recommendations, legal expert services, safety and efficacy evaluations of
ocean sports equipment, education and injury prevention program development and
delivery in ocean safety management. He is a member of the State of Hawaii
Injury Prevention Steering Committee. Participation on the EMS Advisory
Committee, the Drowning and Aquatic Injury Prevention Advisory Committee; Member
of the EMS providers Cabinet. He has published in the Handbook on Drowning, USLA
Open Water Lifeguard Training Manual, Personal Rescue Craft Instructors Manual,
and numerous magazines and newspapers and co-authored the “Bonus Time, Extreme
Lives and Second Chances”. 
Robert Keig Stallman has been active in
aquatics for over 60 years. He has participated in, taught and/or coached most of
the aquatic disciplines. He has specialized the past three decades in drowning prevention.
He has coordinated aquatic instruction at 4 universities and 3 municipalities.
He has coached athletes at the national and international level in swimming,
springboard diving and paddling. Robert has trained swimming, lifesaving and
water safety instructors in 6 nations on 3 continents, since 1961. He has
trained coaches in swimming, diving and paddling since the 1970’s and trained
lifeguards for many years. Robert is retired from the Norwegian School of Sport
Science. Still active, he is an active member (past steering committee member)
of the Norwegian Lifesaving Society, a member of the Lifesaving Foundation (member
of their Research Committee), a member and consultant to the Tanzanian
Lifesaving Society. A frequent presenter at national and
international conferences, he continues to do research and writing in aquatics.
He is a member of the editorial board of the International Journal of Aquatic
Research and Education, an Honorary Member of the International Drowning
Research Alliance, and a frequent member of scientific committees of
conferences and reviewer of scholarly papers.
On
December 26, 2004, Christina Fonfe´saw the Indian Ocean Tsunami on TV. She
left her swim school in UK to give free swimming lessons to children in the
tsunami refugee camps of Sri Lanka. There, she discovered that few adults in
country could swim, so she switched to teaching mothers and teenage girls so they
would make sure their children learned also. She founded The Sri Lanka Women’s
Swimming Project. Chris is a drowning prevention pioneer who requires students
to totally master how to Float-and-Breathe on the surface before learning to
swim. Her standard for a ‘safe swimmer’ is one who can float for 10' and cover
100m without touching any outside support. She also trains teenagers as Student
Swimming Teachers and adults as internationally recognized, Full Swimming Teachers.
In 2015 she was awarded the British Empire Medal for Meritorious Service to
women. Since 2019, the Project is run by Sri Lankans under her guidance and nearly 7,000 women have learned to swim in this way. 
Tanabe holds a BSc on Physical Education and a MSc on
Health and Safety (Indiana University). He worked as Assistant Aquatic Director,
Teacher in Kamehameha Schools in Honolulu, Swimming and Water Polo Coach, Water
Safety, Skin and SCUBA Diving Instructor in various places. Sonny served many
organizations in leading capacities; Corporate Board (Island of Hawaii YMCA);
Chairman Emeritus (Island of Hawaii YMCA); Chairman (Blue Water Spearfishing
Symposium), Co-Chairman (Hawaii Freedive Spearfishing EXPO 2000); Vice
President of the US Olympians Hawaii Chapter and President (Hawaii Freediving
and Spearfishing Wall of Fame). He is a Life Member of the US Olympian Alumni
Association and the Indiana University "I" Men's Association. He is
the Founder, President and currently Emeritus President of the Hawaii Swimming
Hall of Fame. He serves as swimming historian (Friends of the Natatorium) and
the Board of Directors (Pat Mc Cormick Educational Foundation in California). He
holds the following awards; Athletes of the Week (Softball, Swimming), Hawaiian
AAU Indoor Swimming Championships - Outstanding Men's Junior; Key to the City
from the Mayor of Newark, NJ; National Interscholastic All-American Swim Team
(3 years); US Swim Team - Mid Atlantic Swim Championship (Bermuda).
Deborah J. McDonald BA, CPA, CA, BFA (cum laude). Deborah’s documentary about an ISHOF Champion, "50 year old
FRESHMAN Suzanne Heim-Bowen", has won numerous festival awards including the
International Aquatic History Symposium & Film Festival Best New Film
Award. She's a member of Canada's Creative Industry
Advisory Council, Los Angeles, a CJOH Screenwriting Grant recipient,
been profiled on Fox Prime Time Special, Executive Produced and hosted her own
cable access show, produced hip-hop music videos, worked on American Idol,
the 2nd UNIT VFX crew on Dawn of the Planet of the
Apes, the Godzilla VFX crew and part of the NFL Films Super Bowl
50 Wires crew. She’s a CPA, CA (Ernst & Young), an award-winning filmmaker
(BFA University of Art SF) and part of the spatial computing new wave. She also
holds a BA from University of Toronto (Political Science) and is a Producer
(ASG) for Google Developer Studios. 
Karen’s
life took an unexpected turn in 2002, when she and her husband Peter began
researching the career of Peter’s father, Henry J. Heimlich MD, best known for
the Heimlich maneuver, the famous abdominal thrust which creates an artificial
cough to help chokers expel a foreign body obstruction in the airway. To their
astonishment, they uncovered what they call “a 50-year unseen history of fraud”
surrounding the elder Heimlich’s career. According to Robert S. Baratz MD
PhD, “I've been investigating medical fraud and quackery for 25
years. Peter and Karen uncovered the biggest case I've ever seen.” They learned
that for decades Dr. Heimlich used his access to the media to promote a string
of dangerous, unfounded medical claims that resulted in the significant loss of
life, including children. “In order to bring the facts to public attention and
perhaps prevent further harm, we decided to bring our research to journalists.”
Their efforts resulted in scores of media reports in the U.S. and elsewhere
which put an end to Dr. Heimlich’s reckless misconduct and resulted in a
significant re-evaluation of his reputation. Now retired, Karen and Peter owned
and operated a wholesale import business in which she designed fine fabrics.
Before they married in 1988, Karen designed her own line of fine art-to-wear
jewelry.
Διδάκτορας Διοίκησης Μονάδων και Υπηρεσιών Υγείας (University of
Frederick). Μεταπτυχιακό Διοίκησης Μονάδων και Υπηρεσιών Υγείας (University of
Frederick). Πτυχίο Γενικής Νοσηλευτικής (Τεχνολογικό Πανεπιστήμιο). Μεταβασικό
Δίπλωμα Ψυχικής Υγείας (Τεχνολογικό Πανεπιστήμιο). Δίπλωμα Γενικής
Νοσηλευτικής (Νοσηλευτική Σχολή Λευκωσίας). Εκπαιδευτής/Εξεταστής Ναυαγοσωστικής
(Κυπριακή Ομοσπονδία Ναυαγοσωστικής) και κάτοχος Διπλώματος Trauma First
Response. Εκπαιδευτής Αρχής Ανάπτυξής Ανθρώπινου Δυναμικού (ΑΝΑΔ). Ανακοινώσεις σε πανελλήνια συνέδρια
ψυχικής/ δημόσιας υγείας. Έχει ασχοληθεί ερευνητικά με τα Πληροφοριακά
Συστήματα των Υπηρεσιών Ψυχικής Υγείας και το ρόλο της διατροφής στην παιδική
παχυσαρκία. Έχει υπερδεκαετή εργασιακή εμπειρία ως Νοσηλευτικός Λειτουργός,
Κλινικός Εκπαιδευτής Νοσηλευτικής Ψυχικής Υγείας σε διάφορους φορείς. Αθλητής υδατοσφαίρισης, κολύμβησης και αθλητικής
ναυαγοσωστικής του ΑΠΟΕΛ και Αρχηγός της Εθνικής Ομάδας Κύπρου σε υδατοσφαίριση
και αθλητική ναυαγοσωστική. Αναδείχτηκε ως καλύτερος Υδατοσφαιριστής
2018-2019. Συμμετείχε ως αθλοσώστης και προπονητής στο παγκόσμιο
πρωτάθλημα «Rescue 2016», στο Ευρωπαϊκό πρωτάθλημα 2017 και 2019. Έφορος
Αθλητισμού (Κυπριακή Ομοσπονδία Ναυαγοσωστικής) για δεύτερη θητεία, και
γραμματέας του Σωματίου Εθελοντών και Φίλων «Άγιος Χαράλαμπος». 
For the past 30
years, Georgia has been involved in diving and sport in her native Greece as
well as on an international level. She has earned BSc University degrees in
both physical education and finance at National and Kapodistrian University of
Athens. She also has a Ministry of Culture, General Secretariat of Sports
Diploma for diving coaches. Within the last year and a half, she was appointed
to four year terms to the LEN and FINA Technical Diving Committees, serving on
the Event-Rules Sub Committees. She served as Competition Director for Diving
at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, as well as serving on the Organizing
Committee for the Games and Paralympic Games of 2004. She also served as Sports
Information Manager for Cycling, the Velodrome, Paralympic Village and
Paralympic Games of 2004. Georgia is a LEN A Category International Judge and
has officiated at the 2004 and 2002 European Championships. She has been an IF
Liaison for synchronized swimming, water polo and rowing and has been a FINA
deck official at the 2003 Barcelona World Championships and 2000 Fukuoka World
Championships (more).
Dr. Wilken’s voluntary lifesaving
activities are numerous. He was involved in the activities of the German Life
Saving Society (DLRG) on all levels of its hierarchy. This included work at its
local level with involvement at the DLRG-Club Luneburg, as a member of the
Board for Education and Youth, Chairman of the Board and Honorary Chairman of
the Board, as well as his work at the DLRG-Verlag und Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH
as a member and Chairman of the Advisory Council. On a higher National level,
at DLRG, he served as Vice-Chairman of the Youth Organization, Deputy Member of
the Board, Technical Director/Member of the Board, Treasurer/Member of the
Board, Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Education of Hotel Ltd., Vice
President and President. Klaus played a key role at the international
level for 4 decades. He was responsible for the international sport, education
and rescue activities in DLRG. At the Federation Internationale de Sauvetage
Aquatique (FIS), he served as a member of the Technical Commission, Secretary
General and Moniteur. At the Federation for Supporting International
Lifeguarding, he served as Vice President and President. At the International
Life Saving Federation of Europe (ILSE) he acted as Secretary General,
President and Honorary Life-President
(2012-). Finally, at the International Life Saving Federation, he was the Vice
President (1998-2012) and President (2012). He also served the water safety
field by participating in international initiatives. He was involved in
lifeguard and lifesaving instructor educational projects in 16 countries for 20+
years. He conducted several co-operations with the European Association for
Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, the European Child Safety Alliance, the
Foundation for Environmental Education Blue Flag Campaign and made risk
assessment training courses in different European countries. He was the chief
organizer of “EC 2005”, the World Sport Lifesaving Championships of “RESCUE
1990” and “RESCUE 2008”, the Series European Qualification Framework for
lifesaving and contributed to the development of Safety Information Boards in
Germany (and other parts of Europe). Dr. Wilkens’ work has been repeatedly
awarded nationally and internationally including awards by ILS, ISHOF and
numerous other national and international organizations.
He then went on to work as a field surgeon for the International Committee of the Red Cross in Somalia, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Burundi, and Chechnya. In 1995, he was medical coordinator of the ICRC campaign to ban anti-personnel landmines. He then served as Head Surgeon of the ICRC in Geneva from 1998 to 2005 with field missions to Sudan, DR Congo, Chad, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Chad, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen and the DPR Korea amongst other favourite tourist spots. Officially retired from the ICRC, he continues to deploy on short field missions with various organisations. He has been to the Syrian-Turkish border to train Syrian surgeons in war surgery techniques four times. In 2019, he was elected a member of the Executive Committee of the Hellenic Red Cross. He is Co-President of the Scientific Committee of the Centre for Research and Education in the Ecology of War at the American University of Beirut and is a lecturer at Queen Mary University of London. He was inducted a Member of the Order of Canada in 1990 and was awarded the Star of Palestine by the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation in 1987 (more).
