1910
In 27
March, the Fédération Internationale de Sauvetage Aquatique (FIS) was founded in Saint-Ouen, a small city near
Paris, in France. Foundation nations included Belgium, Denmark, France, Great
Britain, Luxembourg and Switzerland.
1956
In November, the National Surf Lifesaving Associations of Australia, New
Zealand, South Africa, Ceylan, Hawaii, Great Britain and the USA created the
International Council of Surf Life Saving (ICSLS).
1971
In 24 March, a Congress was held in Sydney (Australia) where the members of
the ICSLS created the World Life Saving (WLS) in Cronulla, Australia. The
constitution came into effect on 14 June 1977 with a formal agreement between
the foundation nations: Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand, South Africa and
the United States.
1993
In 24/02/1993, FIS and WLS merged into the InternationalLifesaving Federation (ILS) in Leuven – Belgium. The
constitution date of ILS is 3 September 1994 in Cardif – UK. Ever since, the
ILS has provided the single uniting force of lifesaving around the world.
Instrumental role for this fusion was Dr. Harald Vervaecke, the founding and permanent
Secretary General. In the later years, Dr. Vervaecke, realized the need to
establish a new organization that would serve the needs of the Mediterranean
Region, connecting the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa.
2018
In 21/11/2018, the ILS Board
took place in Adelaide during the World Lifesaving Championships, and ratified
the birth of the Mediterranean Lifesaving Confederation that would be based in
Ostia at the Federal Center in via delle Quinqueremi. This was a great success
and a testament of international esteem for the Italian Swimming Federation and
its President Paolo Barelli who strongly wanted the Mediterranean Lifesaving
Confederation in Italy and Ostia. For the presidency of the Mediterranean
Confederation, Giorgio Quintavalle, the ILS and ILSE Board Member and
coordinator of FIN national lifesaving, would be appointed. The Spanish Isabel
Garcia and the Egyptian Mohamed Saleh are vice presidents, the Moroccan
Secretary General, Mohamed Ali Gharbal.
2022
On 26/09/2022, the Mediterranean Lifesaving Confederation was founded
during the World Lifesaving Championships and the Rescue World Cup in Riccione,
Italy. The representatives of national
lifesaving organisations present in Riccione were invited to approve the
constitution, share ideas, and develop a common vision for enhancing lifesaving
sport within the countries surrounding the Mediterranean basin. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Harald Vervaecke (ILS
Secretary General) and Giorgio Quintavalle (MLC President). The inaugural MLC Board of Directors was composed by the
following people: President: Dott Giorgio Quintavalle (Italy), Vice President
Europe: Isabella Garcia (Spain), Vice President Africa: Abdelkader Chekroun
(Algeria), Vice President Asia: Ali El Mokdad (Lebanon), Secretary General: Dr.
Mohamed Ali Gharbal PhD (Morocco), Director: Sameh El-Shazly (Egypt), Director:
Dr. Stathis Avramidis PhD (Greece), Director: Alexander Tadeia (Portugal). The
national representatives had the opportunity to network about the work of their
organisations and shared ideas about their common future. For many ILS
representatives, this new confederation is a dream that comes true. There has
long been a need to form an international umbrella organisation that would
unite the national federations of the Mediterranean Sea. This prospective opens
the door for new opportunities, collaborations and innovations in lifesaving
sport (more).
2023
This year, the MLC made its debut in Greece endorsing three events. First,
in 20-21 May, the MLC was first formally introduced as organization by
endorsing the International Experts
Symposium on Lifesaving as Olympic Sport. The event
was organized by the MLC BoD Member and President of the Greek Lifesaving
Sports Association, Dr. Stathis Avramidis at the Hellenic Olympic Committee.
Totally 40 experts and 30 organizations participated and endorsed this
symposium respectively, to underline the magnitude of drowning as a public
health problem and to champion the aspiration of lifesaving as Olympic sport.
Second, on 14/10/2023, it endorsed the Greek Lifesaving Cup and lastly, on 15/10/2023, it endorsed the International Lifesaving
Symposium.
2024
On 1/1/204, the book "Fair Play in Lifesaving Sport" was published by the Full Member, Greek Lifesaving Sports Association, endorsed by numerous organizations including the MLC. It was authored by Dr Stathis Avramidis and Dr Ioanna Mastora, endorsed by 8 international organizations and saluted by 13 prestigious authorities, to enhance fair championships and assist the Olympic aspiration of the world’s only humanitarian sport (more).
On 24/02/2024, the ILS recognized formally the MLC at its electronic board meeting (more).
