MLC Honorary Member, Dr Klaus Wlikens, passed away
Germany 15.07.2025. With sorrow we inform that our MLC Honorary Member, Dr Klaus Wlikens (Germany), passed away at the age of 82 (more).
Dr Wilkens was instrumental in European and International drowning prevention and lifesaving sport. He is one of the world's legends and he left a legacy behind him. He has served our field for over half a century. He is one of the most decorated people around the world. In 2017, he recieved the Judge Harold Martin Award (for the mission of "Every Child A Swimmer") by the International Swimming Hall of Fame (video).
The MLC President, Dott Giorgio Quintavalle and the MLC Secretary General, Dr Stathis Avramidis, said: "With Klaus' loss, we lost a precious conrade and a long servant of European lifesaving. His contributions were numerous and appreciated both morally and in terms of honors. He was a volunteer in his entire life. He was one of the people that prefered to speak less and work more. It was an honor for our newly established Mediterranean Lifesaving Confederation, that he accepted to be one of our very first Honorary Members. We hope to continue following his footsteps. Our condolensces go to his wife and colleague, Helga, children and grand children. He was a true gentleman!"
Klaus received it shortly after in a dual award ceremony in Greece, at the 3rd Pan-Hellenic Lifesaving Championships of the Hellenic Federation of Underwater Activity & Sport Fishing (video). In 2024, he became a Lifetime Honorary Member of the Mediterranan Lifesaving Confederation (more). He will be greatly missed.
