They Shape Lives and Move Safety Forward. When Games Are Played, Lives Are Saved

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Safety is the fundamental principle underlying responsible open water swimming.

The safety of the global community of open water swimmers is based on generations of cumulative knowledge, experience, diligence, and vision of many people who came before us. From escort pilots to lifeguards, from administrators to coaches, from observers to pilots, awareness and expertise in the open water has been passed down from generation to generation.

Dr Stathis Avramidis of Greece directed To The Saviors, a short video tribute to past and current global visionaries of water safety whose legacies has profoundly advanced lifesaving, swimming, open water swimming, and champions the inclusion of lifesaving as a sport in the Olympic Games.

The video was produced by the Greek Lifesaving Sports Association and is endorsed by the International Life Saving Federation, the International Life Saving Federation of Europe, the Mediterranean Lifesaving Confederation. and the International Swimming Hall of Fame. It was narrated by Joe Geoffrey and edited by Stamatis Tripodis.

Dr. Avramidis explains, “Drowning remains one of the most urgent and enduring global public health challenges. Across the centuries, countless people have devoted their lives to confronting this silent burden of death. Among these innumerable unsung heroes, certain extraordinary figures rise above time. This short video highlights some of the most eminent pioneers who have served humanity as politicians, lifeguards, swimmers, physicians, academics, leaders, royals, and pioneers. They stand as enduring beacons and role models for both present and future generations. Baron Pierre de Coubertin revived the Olympic Games. Nelson Mandela believed that sport has the power to change the world. The International Life Saving Federation Secretary General, Dr Harald Vervaecke inspires us to do good. The creator of Baywatch, Greg Bonann was born with physical challenges including club feet and severe asthma, but he turned to the ocean for healing, becoming an inspiration to never give up towards achieving our goals.”

Narration of the Video

“In honor of the saviors. The peaceful driving forces. The undervalued, the isolated. The outsiders. The ones who draw lines outside the box to find solutions. Those who make history through deeds, not words. Those who see every problem as just another failure stone towards their goal. They cut the Gordian knot. Inaction is not their option. You can praise them. Doubt them. Honor or condemn them. But the only thing you can’t do is disregard them because they inspire. They shape lives. And they move safety forward. While some see them as troublemakers or obsessed … we see vision. Because those who dare to dream that they can use sport, swimming, and lifesaving to save lives, are the ones who will! The video ends with a simple and yet substantial message: When games are played, lives are saved. Lifesaving sport should enter the Olympic Games.“

The individuals included in the video and shown below include William Henry, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, Raymont Pitet, Wilbert Longfellow, Duke Kahanamoku, Ross Eagle, G. Harold Martin, Johnny Weissmuller, Ronald Reagan, Nelson Mandela, Buck Dawson, Dr Ian Mackie, Dr Peter Safar, Queen Elisabeth II, Bob Burnside, Kevin Weldon, Alan Whelpton, Dr Robert Stallman, Dr John Pearn, John Long, Dr Bill Kent, Dr Klaus Wilkens, Bob Duenkel, Ilko Raev, Bruce Wigo, Dr Tom Griffiths, Dr Harald Vervaecke, John Connolly, Graham Ford, Prof. Steve Langendorfer, Greg Bonann, Dr Detlev Mohr, Prof Joost Bierens, Dr Steve Beerman, Greg Allum, John Martin, Dr Shayne Baker, Steven Munatones, Isabel Garcia Sanz, Dott Giorgio Quintavalle, Prof Arturo Abraldes, and Dr. Stathis Avramidis.