John Long becomes an MLC Honorary Life Member
Mediterranean 21.04.2024. The Mediterranean Lifesaving Confederation (MLC) proudly announces that John Long became an MLC Honorary Life Member.
John has served the field of lifesaving for over 60 years from various posts within the Royal Life Saving Society UK, the RLSS Commonwealth and the International Life Saving Federation. He was a retired Senior Police Officer before being appointed RLSS Commonwealth Secretary. He became a member, Trainer/Assessor, Treasurer, Secretary and Chairman of various RLSS UK Branches. During 34 years of police service he was responsible for the police lifesaving teams in Suffolk and Warwickshire. Other posts include Warwick Life Saving Club President since its formation in 1982; RLSS UK West Midlands Region Chairman (2001-2011); RLSS UK Warwickshire Branch President (2013); RLSS Commonwealth Secretary (1993-2010); RLSS Observer of the ILS (1994-2005); ILS Development Commission Secretary (1992-2005); He re-started lifesaving activities and reformed the RLSS Uganda Branch; Patron responsible for the formation of the Rashtryia Lifesaving Society of India along with Rear Admiral Purushottam Sharma; International Director of the Lifesaving Foundation of Ireland. He holds numerous honors: Albert Schweitzer Silver Medal of Merit; RLSS UK Service Cross; RLSS British Columbia & Yukon Branch Gold Benefactors Medal; RLSS Alberta & North West Territories Silver Benefactor Medal; RLSS UK Honorary Life Governor; RLSS Canada Centenary Medal; RLSS UK Medal of Distinction; HRH Prince Michael of Kent’s Certificate of Merit; ILS Knight in the Order of Lifesaving, RLSS UK Long Service Medal; RLSS Commonwealth Vice-President (2000); Hong Kong Life Saving Society Order of the Dolphin; King Edward VII Cup from HM Queen Elizabeth II; Ireland Medal by The Lifesaving Foundation, GLSA Lifetime Achievements Award.
Long, commented about his recognition: "I am proud to receive this honorary membership. The Mediterranean Sea is famous not only for its blue waters but unfortunately for the tragic drowning deaths of locals, tourists, immigrants and refugees. Lifesaving sport has been an outstanding means for educating people in how to protect themselves and save others. The formation of the MLC was a necessity. I am pleased to see its birth and I support its cause. Congratulations and thanks!"
The MLC President, Giorgio Quintavalle and the MLC Secretary General, Dr Stathis Avramidis, said on this occasion: “John Long has been a modest servant of lifesaving for decades. He has treasured our field with his dedication and love. He llikes to connect people and being useful. We are not the first ones to recognize his outstanding career and surely we won’t be the last. But without a doubt, he deserves to be recognized, because many of the national organizations that are or will join the MLC have benefited by him.”
The award presentation will take place at a special ceremony during the 1st Mediterranean Lifesaving Championships in Rome, Italy on 24-27/7/2024.
