Dr Shayne Baker becomes an MLC
Honorary Life Member
Mediterranean 28.04.2024. The Mediterranean Lifesaving Confederation (MLC) proudly announces that Dr Shayne Baker (Australia) became an MLC Honorary Life Member.
Shayne
was initially involved in drowning prevention as a practitioner instructing and
examining RLSSA programs before becoming involved in governance work on the
state and national board of RLSSA. followed by his appointment as national
president from 2003-2009. Under his leadership, the organisation's achievements
included the establishment of the One Australian team for lifesaving world
championships, a permanent headquarters in Sydney, winning the rights to host
the World Conference on Drowning Prevention in Vietnam. A major initiative
has been helping to establish the Philippine Lifesaving Association through
visits to train, introduce lifesaving sport and host delegations in Australia.
This is where Shayne learned the Filipino commitment to drowning prevention, known
as “pang habang buhay ito” (“this is forever”) and
was recognised as an honorary member of the association. Shayne’s contributions
to education and lifesaving were recognised when he was awarded the Order of
Australia Medal (OAM) on Australia Day 2012. He graduated with a Doctor of
Professional Studies from Middlesex University (London 2013), a culmination of
his work in vocational education and training. He has also enjoyed wider
recognition with the honorary membership of the Greek Lifesaving Sports
Association and the Ireland Medal. His
ongoing commitment to this day includes roles with the International Lifesaving
Federation (governance, education, rescue), as an international sports
official, and Australian lifesaving selector, as board member of The
Lifesaving Foundation (Ireland), leading programs with RLSS Commonwealth in
Africa and Asia on flood disasters, survival swimming, bystander rescues and
CPR, as well as contributing to research through the wider membership of the
International Drowning Research Alliance and Surf Life Saving Queensland
Research Panel.
Baker, commented about his recognition: "In accepting this unique honour I would like to express my gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to my dear wife Diane and family who is heavily involved at all stages of my lifesaving activities. My defining motivation to contribute to lifesaving and drowning prevention is my genuine love of water. An environmental element that sustains life by providing food, drinking water, and transport around the globe and for humans it represents 75% of our body. Water is a source of enjoyment through swimming, boating, sailing, fishing, diving and even viewing its ever-changing patterns. Which also provides a sporting opportunity for people around the world. The other reality is that without respect and effort to learn and work with bodies of water, it is also capable of taking life. From an early age learning to swim, surf and participate in water sports and lifesaving has been personally rewarding and enriching for me, but there is an ongoing need for people who have the necessary skills and knowledge to help educate and ensure that we have processes and resources to prevent drowning. To be recognised for my journey and evolution as a teacher of swimming and water safety, volunteer lifeguard, sports competitor, administrator and official, educator and researcher by the MLC, is an absolute highlight!"
The MLC President, Giorgio Quintavalle and the MLC Secretary General, Dr Stathis Avramidis, said on this occasion: “Dr Baker is one of those people that attract your attention instantly with his modesty, non assuming personality and warm heart. He is very experienced, dedicated and productive. Our lifesaving field is in debt to him and the MLC was obliged to recognize his contributions by inducting him among our finest honorary life members!”
