We are delighted to share the prestigious award that the International Life Saving Federation (ILS) has bestowed on Dr Shayne Baker OAM at the recently concluded World Conference on Drowning Prevention 2025 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

The International Lifesaving Federation (ILS) Board of Directors has also bestowed a very prestigious international award on Dr. Baker in recognition of the outstanding voluntary contribution he has made to the drowning prevention and research effort worldwide. This is a recognition of the many years he has devoted to improving the knowledge and skills of lifesavers throughout Australia and the Commonwealth.

Dr Baker is currently, and has been a member of, the ILS Rescue Commission, in addition to his contributions to the Royal Life Saving Society and  World Health Organisation Public Health Programs in the efforts to avoid drownings, and in Australia, Director of Research at Yellow Dove Australia, with the Research Panel at Surf Lifesaving Queensland (SLSQ), a Peer Support Officer.

 His influence has extended internationally, helping to develop a standard in flood rescue, educational water safety, and the well-being of aquatic professionals.

A special presentation has been made by the President of the ILS, Graham Ford AM, and the ILS Secretary General in Sharm El Sheikh, Dr Harald Vervaecke, although the formal occasion will occur at the Australian Lifesaving Championships in April 2026.We congratulate Dr Shayne Baker OAM on this truly significant award and thank him for his commitment to improving water safety and drowning prevention in Australia and around the world.