About ILS

The International Life Saving Federation is a member-based organisation that leads the global effort to reduce injury and death, in, on, or around the water.

In addition to supporting national lifesaving organisations and advancing the global exchange of drowning‑prevention knowledge and best practices, we work to establish lifesaving organisations in regions where they are needed but not yet present. Our efforts are underpinned by close working relationships with international partners who share our mission.

Our Vision

A world free from drowning.

Our Mission

The International Lifesaving Federation (ILS) is the world authority for drowning prevention, lifesaving and lifesaving sport. The ILS leads, supports and collaborates with national and international organisations engaged in drowning prevention, water safety, water rescue, lifesaving, lifeguarding and lifesaving sport.

Our Values

  • Humanitarian principles
  • Effective governance
  • Tolerance and respect for all
  • Ethical conduct and behaviour
  • Equity through diversity
  • Environmental responsibility
  • Evidence based decisions and learning
  • True engagement and effective communication
  • Being open minded, constructive and committed
  • Friendship and camaraderie

TWO SIDES OF ONE MISSION

Humanitarian
Work

Our humanitarian work focuses on reducing drowning through global leadership, capacity building and evidence-informed practice, ensuring that communities – particularly those in low and middle-income regions – have the knowledge, resources and support needed to create safer aquatic environments.

Explore Our Impact

Life Saving
Sport

Lifesaving sport enhances the skills and preparedness of lifesavers worldwide, and ILS oversees its global development. As well as setting the rules and managing event sanctioning, we organise the Lifesaving World Championships every two years whilst supporting a broad calendar of international competitions.

Learn More

The Evolution of Lifesaving Worldwide

1767

First Known Lifesaving Organisation

  • The Maatschappij tot Redding van Drenkelingen (Society for Rescuing People from Drowning) is founded in Amsterdam.
  • Considered one of the earliest formal lifesaving bodies.

1824

Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)

  • The RNLI is established in England.
  • Focused on maritime rescue and lifeboat operations.

1878

First International Lifesaving Congress

  • The first World Congress on lifesaving is held in Marseille, France.
  • Marks the beginning of organised international collaboration in lifesaving.

1891

Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS)

  • The RLSS is founded in England.
  • Becomes a major influence on global lifesaving education and standards.

Late 1800s

Informal International Collaboration

  • Multiple national lifesaving organisations begin sharing techniques and experiences.
  • This informal cooperation highlights the need for a structured international forum.

20th Century (Early–Mid)

Growth of National Achievements

  • Many countries develop independent lifesaving innovations, training systems, and rescue methods.
  • The diversity of approaches increases the need for global coordination.

1910

Raymond Pitet, founder of FIS

Formation of FIS – Fédération Internationale de Sauvetage Aquatique

1956

Formation of International Council of Surf Life Saving (ICSLS)

  • The national surf lifesaving associations of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Hawaii, Great Britain and the United States of America came together to form the International Council of Surf Life Saving (ICSLS).
  • This was the first formal international organisation dedicated specifically to surf lifesaving.
  • ICSLS served as the foundation that later evolved into World Life Saving (WLS) in 1971.

1971

World Life Saving Foundation meeting

Formation of WLS – World Life Saving

1993

Merger Creates the International Life Saving Federation (ILS)

OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Graham Ford AO

GRAHAM FORD AO

President

DR Harald Vervaecke PhD

Secretary General

Sameh El Shazly

ILS Vice President
President ILS Africa Region

PeTER DAVIS

ILS Vice-President
President ILS Americas Region

Peter George AM

ILS Vice-President
President ILS Asia-Pacific Region

Dr Dirk Bissinger PhD

ILS Vice-President
President ILS Europe Region