Dr. Klaus Wilkens becomes an MLC Honorary Life Member
Mediterranean 17.04.2024. The Mediterranean Lifesaving Confederation (MLC) proudly announces that the “patriarch” of European lifesaving, Dr. Klaus Wilkens PhD, became an Honorary Life Member.
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, 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 he acted as Secretary General, President and Honorary Life-President (2012-). At the International Life Saving Federation, he was the Vice President (1998-2012) and President (2012). He was involved in lifeguard and lifesaving instructor educational projects in 16 countries for 20+ years. He co-operated with numerous organizations (European Association for Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, European Child Safety Alliance, Foundation for Environmental Education Blue Flag Campaign). He made risk assessment training courses in European countries, led the “EC 2005”, the World Lifesaving Championships 1990 and 2008, the Series European Qualification Framework for lifesaving and contributed to the development of Safety Information Boards in Germany and other parts of Europe. He has been repeatedly awarded nationally and internationally including awards by ILS, ISHOF.
Dr. Wilkens, commented about his recognition: “Drowning in the Mediterranean basin has been a sad fact since antiquity. Lifesaving sport is a means to educate people on how to prevent drowning or rescue a person in distress. I proudly accept this honor from the Mediterranean Lifesaving Confederation that justify my lifetime contributions to the continent of Europe. I fully support the vision of the MLC and its cause to save lives through sport. Drowning is an unnecessary toll for humanity and this new organization hopefully will help the lifesavers of Europe, Asia and Africa to meet, compete and save lives!”
The MLC President, Giorgio Quintavalle and the MLC Secretary General, Dr Stathis Avramidis, said on this occasion: “Dr Wilkens has been a pillar of European lifesaving for many decades. His contributions are highly commendable and act as a beacon for the new generations. The Mediterranean lifesaving community will be eternally grateful to the Patriarch of Europe!”
