ILS Academy

The ILS has created the ILS International Lifesaving Academy. The ILSvAcademy is a multi-cultural interdisciplinary Academy that aims at studying, enriching and promoting drowning prevention, water safety, water rescue, lifesaving, lifeguarding and lifesaving sport. It provides services to the member organisations, partners and individual members to achieve best practices.

Aims of the ILS Academy

  • To provide a vital link between educators and researchers and those involved in the prevention and management of drowning in areas under the supervision of lifeguards.
  • To evaluate, adapt, standardise and optimise the ILS objectives regarding drowning prevention, water safety, water rescue, drowning resuscitation, public health involvement, and lifesaving sports, based on research, evidence-based content and quality standards.

Mission of the ILS Academy

  • To function as an International Centre for Lifesaving Studies, Education and Research.
  • To act as an International Forum for free expression and exchange of ideas among the Lifesaving family, intellectuals, scientists, athletes, sport administrators, educators, artists and the youth of the world.
  • To bring together people from all over the world, in a spirit of friendship and cooperation.
  • To motivate people to use the experiences and knowledge gained in the Academy productively, in promoting the Lifesaving ideals in their respective countries.
  • To serve and promote the ideals and principles of the ILS.
  • To cooperate with and assist the National Lifesaving Federations/Organisations and any other institutions devoted to Lifesaving Education.

Composition of the ILS Academy

The Dean of the Academy

  • The ILS Academy is chaired by a person appointed by the ILS Board of Directors who has at least a PhD Diploma. The Chair acts as the Dean of the Academy.
  • The Dean is a voting Member of the ILS Board of Directors and represents the Academy in the ILS Board of Directors.
  • The Dean may decide upon the creation of Departments/Faculties and the appointments of skill-based experts to Chair these Departments/Faculties.
  • The Academy Dean reports primarily to the ILS Board of Directors.
  • The Academy has the ability to operate with some independence.

The Executive Committee of the Academy

  • The Executive Committee (ExCo) is composed of the Dean, the Departments/Faculty Heads and Secretaries.
  • Only the Members of the Executive Committee have voting rights. The Dean has an additional casting vote. Voting is done in accordance with the ILS voting policy.
  • The ExCo must decide on the appointment of skill-based experts by a majority vote of the ExCo and must first consult with the Full Member, if any, from the nation where the skill-based expert resides. If the Full Member disagrees, the proposal shall require ILS Board review and simple majority approval.

The Members of the Academy

The Academy may welcome as many Members as it wishes. Members of the Academy are Academic or Non-Academic Researchers, Educators, etc…, in short, all persons who can contribute to enhance the work of the Academy, from whatever organisations or universities they belong. 

The Composition of the Academy

  • Dean: Prof Em Dr Joost BIERENS MD, PHD (The Netherlands).
  • Secretary: TBA
  • Vice-Dean – Head of Research Department: TBA
  • Vice-Dean – Head of Education Department: TBA