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.
LINK TO DROWNING PREVENTION PAGE
LIFE SAVING
SPORT
Lifesaving sport enhances the skills and preparedness of lifesavers worldwide, and ILS oversees its global development by setting the rules, managing event sanctioning, and organising the Lifesaving World Championships every two years, alongside supporting a broad calendar of international competitions.
LINK TO SPORTS PAGE
Two Sides of One Mission
130+
Member
Nations
5.5K+
ATHLETES
WORLDWIDE
12M+
LIVES
IMPACTED
50+
ANNUAL
EVENTS
MAP DIAGRAM TO BE SUPPLIED
THE EVOLUTION OF LIFESAVING WORLDWIDE
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.
Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)
- The RNLI is established in England.
- Focused on maritime rescue and lifeboat operations
First International Lifesaving Congress
- The first World Congress on lifesaving is held in Marseille, France.
- Marks the beginning of organised international collaboration in lifesaving.
Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS)
- The RLSS is founded in England.
- Becomes a major influence on global lifesaving education and standards.
Informal International Collaboration
- Multiple national lifesaving organisations begin sharing techniques and experiences.
- This informal cooperation highlights the need for a structured international forum.
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.
Formation of FIS - Fédération Internationale de Sauvetage Aquatique
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.
Formation of WLS - World Life Saving
Merger Creates the International Life Saving Federation (ILS)
Our Leadership Team
Graham
FORD AO
President
Australia – Surf
DR HARALD
VERVAECKE PHD
Secretary General
Belgium
SAMEH
EL SHAZLY
ILS Vice President / President for Africa
Egypt
Peter
Davis
ILS Vice-President / President for the Americas
United States – USLA
Peter
George AM
ILS Vice-President / President for Asia-Pacific
Australia – Surf
DR DIRK
BISSINGER PHD
ILS Vice-President / President for Europe
Germany – DLRG
Join Our Global Movement
You can become part of our lifesaving community through your national lifesaving organisation. Visit the Member Directory and find the organisation in your country.