News from SLSA and LSV

of age, joining Pacific Surf Life Saving Club in Queensland as a cadet, rising rapidly through the ranks with roles including Vice-Captain, Club Captain, Chief Instructor and Club President. Kevin then progressed to share his talent and knowledge at a State and National level, earning Life Membership of Surf Life Saving Australia for his dedication to surf lifesaving in key areas including administration, fund raising and innovation through technology.

Kevin was part of the team that introduced the rescue tube into surf lifesaving and pioneered the use of drones in beach operations as Founder and Executive Chairman of The Ripper Group. Since its inception in 2016, the Little Ripper Lifesaver drone has become a world-renowned search and rescue device. The use of drones has enabled lifesavers to cover an extended area for both surveillance and search missions, with drones now having the ability to quickly identify and respond to incidents. The Little Ripper Lifesaver performed the world’s first surf rescue using a drone off the coast of Lennox Head in 2018.

Kevin is also a Fellow of Surf Life Saving and received his life membership in 2003/04. He was recognised by the Australian Government for his service to lifesaving and appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

Kevin’s work and influence extended into the international realm where he was elected President of World Live Saving (WLS) and was instrumental in the formation of the International Life Saving Federation (ILS), becoming the inaugural President in 1993. For services to international lifesaving he became a Grand Knight in the Order of Lifesaving and inducted into the ILS Hall of Fame.