Chuck Kroll created the Lake Washington Lifeguard Challenge Cup in 1986 who is writing a book on the History of Life Guards & Lifesaving in America.

In his research for his book, he found himself learning different things about the open water – and then he acted upon that knowledge. He found that the lifesaving agency in the City of Seattle, Washington celebrated its 100th year anniversary in 2012 and then hosted a reunion of over 60 former lifeguards who worked as far back as the 1960’s.

Kroll‘s research also led him to begin looking for items to illustrate his book. A 1901 color comic by Robert Outcault entitled Pore Lil Mose was the catalyst to begin a collection of swimming and aquatic memorabilia. After 25 years of collecting, Kroll has over 14,000 items including a library of over 1,400 volumes.

Besides being involved in the International Swimming Hall of Fame, he also created NIKESwim as a consultant for JANTZEN, inspired the Duel In The Pool, exhibited at the International Swimming Hall of Fame History Symposium and Film Festival, founded the Northwest Chapter of the United States Lifesaving Association, and is working on creating a Historium in Seattle, Washington to promote aquatic disciplines from sports and recreation to water safety and entertainment.

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