John Long
John Long of the UK has served the field of lifesaving for over 60 years from various posts within the Royal Life Saving Society UK, the RLSS Commonwealth and the International Life Saving Federation.
Biography
- He was a retired Senior Police Officer before being appointed RLSS Commonwealth Secretary
- He became a member, Trainer/Assessor, Treasurer, Secretary and Chairman of various RLSS UK Branches
- During 34 years of police service he was responsible for the police lifesaving teams in Suffolk and Warwickshire
- Warwick Life Saving Club President since its formation in 1982
- RLSS UK West Midlands Region Chairman (2001-2011)
- RLSS UK Warwickshire Branch President (2013)
- RLSS Commonwealth Secretary (1993-2010)
- RLSS Commonwealth Vice-President (2000)
- RLSS Observer of the ILS (1994-2005)
- ILS Development Commission Secretary (1992-2005)
- He re-started lifesaving activities and reformed the RLSS Uganda Branch following its disbandment during the 10 years of the Idi Amin regime (1983-84)
- Patron of the Rashtriya Life Saving Society of India (2008-present)
- International Director of the Lifesaving Foundation of Ireland
Awards and Recognitions
- Albert Schweitzer Silver Medal of Merit
- RLSS UK Service Cross
- RLSS British Columbia & Yukon Branch Gold Benefactors Medal
- RLSS Alberta & North West Territories Silver Benefactor Medal
- RLSS UK Honorary Life Governor
- RLSS Canada Centenary Medal
- RLSS UK Medal of Distinction
- HRH Prince Michael of Kent’s Certificate of Merit
- ILS Knight in the Order of Lifesaving
- RLSS UK Long Service Medal
- Hong Kong Life Saving Society Order of the Dolphin
- King Edward VII Cup from HM Queen Elizabeth II
- Ireland Medal (The Lifesaving Foundation)
- RLSS Commonwealth Vice-President (2000)
- GLSA Lifetime Achievements Award
To The Saviors
He is included as one of the saviors in the video tribute, To The Saviors.
A Life Dedicated to Commonwealth Water Safety: Long is a distinguished leader in the international aquatic community, best known for his transformative tenure as the Secretary General of the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) Commonwealth. With a career spanning several decades, Long transitioned from a dedicated volunteer lifesaver to a global administrator, playing a pivotal role in modernizing drowning prevention efforts across 54 nations. During his leadership at the RLSS Commonwealth headquarters in the United Kingdom, Long was instrumental in bridging the gap between established lifesaving nations and developing territories. His key achievements included: Capacity Building: Spearheading initiatives to establish new lifesaving branches in Africa and the Caribbean. The Commonwealth Championships: Overseeing the growth of the Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships, elevating the event into a premier world-class sporting competition. Royal Advocacy: Working closely with the Society’s Patron, Queen Elizabeth II, to highlight the noble cause of lifesaving during Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings. Long’s influence extended to the technical evolution of the sport. He was a vocal advocate for standardized rescue qualifications, ensuring that a lifeguard’s certification maintained rigorous quality regardless of geographic location. Even after his retirement as Secretary General, he remained a respected consultant and Life Governor of the Society. His legacy is defined by a commitment to the Grand Design of the RLSS: a world where no person drowns for lack of a lifesaver.
External links
- Who Are The Saviors?
- Mediterranean Lifesaving Confederation Honors International Luminaries
- John Long becomes an MLC Honorary Life Member
- John Long Inducted By Greek Lifesaving Sports Association
- JOHN LONG INDUCTED AS A GLSA HONORARY MEMBER
- Mediterranean Lifesaving Confederation Honorary Life Members
