ILS History update

On 24 February 1993, the Fédération Internationale de Sauvetage Aquatique (FIS) and World Life Saving (WLS) were merged into a single, worldwide lifesaving: the International Life Saving Federation

On 24 February 1993, the Fédération Internationale de Sauvetage Aquatique (FIS) and World Life Saving (WLS) were merged into a single, worldwide lifesaving: the International Life Saving Federation (ILS).

The ILS Headquarters has done some research on the exact date of creation of FIS.

Raymond Pitet was born on 27 March 1872 in Deauville and not in Le Havre as it is sometimes stated. His birthday always had an importance for him. On 27 March 1899, when he became 27 years old, he created the National Association of Swimming and Lifesaving Societies, which became the French Lifesaving Federation. 27 March became the Federation’s date.

We see that FIS was created after the inundation of Paris and the creation was triggered by the solidarity that Raymond Pitet witnessed from the neighbouring countries. The inundation of Paris was from 25 to 30 January 1910.

Raymond Pitet organised on the Federation date, thus on 27 March 1910 in Saint Ouen a Congress on Lifesaving. Saint-Ouen is a commune of the Seine-Saint-Denis district located in the northern suburbs of Paris, France. This town is located 6.6 km (4.1 miles) from the centre of Paris. Raymond Pitet was the first elected President of FIS and he was President of FIS from 1910 to 1951 (so 41 years).

We therefore believe that 27 March 1910 is the creation date of our International Federation.