Raymont Pitet
Raymond Joseph Léonce Pitet (1872–1959): Pioneer of International Lifesaving was a distinguished French gymnastics professor and visionary who transformed water safety from a heroic individual act into a structured global discipline.
Born in Deauville, he completed his studies at the prestigious military school of Joinville-le-Pont, which laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to physical education and "utilitarian sport".
Pitet’s most significant achievement was the founding of the Fédération Internationale de Sauvetage Aquatique (FIS) on 27 March 1910, in Saint-Ouen, France. He served as its president for 41 years, uniting nations like Great Britain, Belgium, and Switzerland under a common banner of aquatic safety. This organization eventually merged in 1993 to become the International Life Saving Federation (ILS).
A prolific inventor and active rescuer, Pitet introduced several innovations: Sporting Lifesaving: He organized the first flat-water lifesaving competitions in 1902, emphasizing that swimming skills must be practical for rescue. The "Pitet" Mannequin: In 1958, he invented a standardized training mannequin for rescue drills, which still bears his name today. Clothed Swimming: He pioneered competitions where athletes swam in full attire to simulate real-life rescue scenarios.
For his immense service, which included active rescue work during the 1910 Paris floods, he was named a Commander of the Legion of Honour.
To The Saviors
He is included as one of the saviors in the video tribute, To The Saviors.
