On 15 and 16 October, 2004, ILS representatives converged on Venezuela to help the YMCA of Caracas and several allied groups in government and sport convene the 1st Congresso Internacional de Salvamento. This first national conference on lifesaving in Venezuela brought together many people from government and private organisations to discuss ways to bring lifesaving to the beautiful, but hazardous beaches of Venezuela.

On 15 and 16 October, 2004, ILS representatives converged on Venezuela to help the YMCA of Caracas and several allied groups in government and sport convene the 1st Congresso Internacional de Salvamento. This first national conference on lifesaving in Venezuela brought together many people from government and private organisations to discuss ways to bring lifesaving to the beautiful, but hazardous beaches of Venezuela.

The international group, led by B. Chris Brewster, President for the Americas Region and President of the United States Lifesaving Association, included Dr. David Szpilman (Brazil), a member of the ILS Medical Committee, Fabian D’Eramo, President of the ILS Full Member from Argentina (Equipo Profesional de Salvamento Acuatico), Professor Jordi Bas (Spain), Director Escuela Espanola de Salvamento Y Socorro, Professor Ricardo Nunes (Portugal), Asociacion Nacional de Salvamento Acuatico de Portugal, Lieutenant Peter Davis (USA), Chair ” Public Education Committee, United States Lifesaving Association, Osni Guiano (Brasil) and Giuseppe Andreana (Italy).

Over 100 people attended each day of conference. These included the Governor of the State of Vargas and the Fire Chief of Caracas. The event was covered nationally on television and in newspapers.

In addition to presentations at the conference, the international representatives provided beach lifesaving training to candidates for lifesaving work in Venezuela. Extensive discussions were undertaken with government officials about ways to enhance water safety protection in Venezuela.

The congress was organized by Wanda Vargas of the Caracas YMCA, who deserves tremendous credit for bringing a wide variety of interests together in the interest of water safety.