Dr Steve Beerman
Dr. Steven Beerman: A Force of Change for the Global Drowning Prevention Agenda is a renowned Canadian family physician, academic, and global leader in drowning prevention whose career bridges medicine, education, and humanitarianism.
A graduate of the University of British Columbia (UBC) medical school, he worked as a family physician in Nanaimo, Canada for 34 years and is a Clinical Professor at the UBC Faculty of Medicine. Dr. Beerman's dedication to water safety began after witnessing a tragic diving accident as a youth. He transitioned from a lifeguard to a high-level administrator, serving as Past-President of the Lifesaving Society - Canada and the International Life Saving Federation (ILS). During his ILS tenure (2008–2012), he secured official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO), elevating drowning prevention as a global public health priority. He was a key advisor for the WHO Global Report on Drowning and played a crucial role in forming the Canadian Drowning Prevention Coalition.
For his four decades of service, Dr. Beerman has received prestigious honors: The King Edward VII Cup (2020): Awarded by Queen Elizabeth II and the RLSS Commonwealth for outstanding contributions to drowning prevention. GLSA Lifetime Achievements Award (2025): Honored for combining science, volunteerism, and professionalism. Dr. David Bishop Gold Medal (2020): Recognized for distinguished medical service by the Doctors of British Columbia. He currently serves as the Deputy Commonwealth President and Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) Commonwealth, continuing his advocacy for global drowning prevention.
To The Saviors
He is included as one of the saviors in the video tribute, To The Saviors.
