John Martin
John Martin ias an American open water swimmer who took part in the Swim Across Lake Michigan Team that swam from Ohio State Street in Chicago to Michigan across Lake Michigan on 20 August 2013 on a charity swim that raised US$110,000 to fund a significant research project at Rush University Cancer Center. The relay was part of the Swim Across America event, organized by Dave McClellan.
Members
David Sims, Bob Lewis, Mark Hauser, John Martin, Melodee Nugent, Ryan Foley, John Schoser, Sean Russell, Michelle Milne, Bill Lee, Dave McClellan, Kendra Robinson, Andrea Rudser-Rusin, Dan Cline, Kara Pellaton, Chip Gilbertson, Jim Sara, Michael Markman, Ellen Bintz Meuch, Stephanie Felber
John Martin MBE
John Martin MBE (1956–2024): The Maestro of Lifesaving Events was a dedicated British lifesaver, official, and administrator whose passion for competitive aquatics made him a pivotal figure in global lifesaving for over 45 years. A Cornishman by birth, he started his volunteer career at Portreath Surf Life Saving Club at the age of 18.
For most of his life, he balanced his volunteer roles with his professional career as a Civil Servant working in fraud investigation. Martin found his true calling as an Official, bringing a calm and professional demeanor to complex events. He served as the Chief Referee for the 1994 World Championships and several Masters World Championships. He was an integral part of the International Life Saving Federation (ILS) for decades, serving as a Board Member representing Europe before taking on a full-time role as the ILS Event Director in 2017. He attended every World Conference on Drowning Prevention, demonstrating a deep commitment to safety beyond sports. For his extensive service, Martin received numerous honors: MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) (2009), awarded for his services to lifesaving. ILS Grand Knight in the Order of Lifesaving (2009), the highest award in the federation. Life Member of Surf Life Saving GB and Portreath SLSC, highlighting his deep roots in the UK movement.
He passed away in May 2024 at the age of 67 after a battle with cancer. His legacy lives on through his contributions to international events and the John Martin Super Club Trophy established in his memory.
He is included as one of the saviors in the video tribute, To The Saviors.
