75_Αθλοσώστης_ΜΑΙ.2020

RLSS COMMONWEALTH BONANN
VERVAECKE
AVRAMIDIS
ANDERSON CANDLER
MUNATONES
RUTEMILLER

Drowning Prevention inspired by Baywatch

2

Dear readers, welcome to the May vision for "Charlie".
2020, issue of the "Sport Lifesaver". Some of the world's greatest authorities in aquatics and

This issue is about love and learning. lifesaving that I admire, highly commented this initiative.
It is published in memory of a sweat These people are Dr. Harald Vervaecke (ILS Secretary General),
Dr. Steve Langendorfer (Founding Editor, International Journal
boy, who would be 34 years old if he
of Aquatic Research and Education) and Brent Rutemiller
was alive this year; Charlie Everett (President/CEO, International Swimming Hall of Fame).

Dr Stathis Avramidis Haye s . T his is sue is als o ful ly The program is endorsed by the following organizations:
Academic Fellow, University of Athens dedicated to the launching of the Greek Lifesaving Sports Association, International Swimming
Applied Lifeguarding & Lifesaving Sport Hall of Fame, International Life Saving Federation, Royal Life
[email protected] Saving Society Commonwealth, International Federation of
international drowning prevention Swimming Teachers' Association, A Chance for Children
program "Charlie the savior". That program is inspired by Foundation, World Open Water Swimming Association. The
International Water Safety Foundation also commented the
true events that occurred during the filming of the program.
world's #1 TV series "Baywatch", to preserve public
Two reviewers, John Dimakopoulos and John Connolly,
health from aquatic injuries in all over the world. have lost their own children. Like John the Baptist, they spoke
words of love for this book. As Dr. Ivonne Schmid rightly said, if
Our permanent contributor and legendary creator of only one life is saved by "Charlie", my mission has been
Baywatch, Greg Bonann, tells who the real Charlie was fulfilled. Enjoy your reading and notify me when you

and how he impacted his life in and outside the TV implement the program, so we can publish your activities in
series. We also publish the letter with which Greg this magazine. Dr. Stathis Avramidis. Photo: Eleftheria
Avramidou.
endorsed the program.
Numerous experts express their views about the

content of the program. These include Prof. Katerina

Zounhia, Prof. Koula Merakou, Dr. Manolis Velonakis, Dr.
I o a n n a Ma sto ra , D r. V i ck i Ba fa ta k i , Va s i l i s

Chantzopoulos, John Dimakopoulos, Prof. Arturo

Abraldes, Torill Hindmarch, Dr. David Szpilman, Bruce
Wigo JD, Dr. Frank Pia, Dr. Tom Griffiths, Dr. Justin

Sempsrott, Rebecca Wear Robinson, Dr. Ivonne Schmid,
Dr. Klaus Wilkens, John Connolly, and Janet Wilson.

My colleagues Nikos Kouremenos and John
Salogiannis tell how they were touched and the various

obstacles they had while trying to bring into life my

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Ο ΑΘΛΟΣΩΣΤΗΣ CONTENTS Having lost my son, I consider "Charlie
Σήμερα Νέα. Αύριο Ιστορία the savior" not only a water safety
Editorial program but also a beacon of love and
Μηνιαίο ηλεκτρονικό Stathis Avramidis hope
περιοδικό John Dimakopoulos

Έτος ίδρυσης Μάρτιος 2014 "Charlie the savior" recommends
lifesaving sport as means to enhance the
SPORT LIFESAVER Charlie Hayes visited the set of Baywatch readiness of lifeguards and the general
Today's news. to satisfy his dying wish as he had public towards an aquatic emergency
terminal cancer Vasilis Chantzopoulos
Tomorrow's history. Greg Bonann
Monthly e-magazine "Charlie the savior" is a hymn to the
Established in March 2014 "Charlie the Savior" by Stathis Avramidis creator of Baywatch , Greg Bonann, and
is an elegant expression of my vision to a great pedagogical water safety tool
ΕΚΔΟΤΗΣ - ΑΡΧΙΣΥΝΤΑΚΤΗΣ create an international Learn to Swim Ioanna Mastora
Δρ. Στάθης Αβραμίδης program through the spiritual
"resurrection" of Charlie Hayes Charlie the savior" offers a chance to
ΑΡΘΡΟΓΡΑΦΟΙ Greg Bonann enhance water safety around the world
Δρ. Αργύρης Τουμπέκης Manolis Velonakis
"Charlie the savior" is a superb work for
Δρ. Ιωάννα Μάστορα water safety "Charlie the savior" could contribute
Ελευθερία Αβραμίδου Frank Pia significantly to the reduction of
Γιάννης Σαλογιάννης drowning in Greece and abroad!
"Charlie the savior" is a must read for Katerina Zounhia
Σωτηρία Μπούζα everyone who touches water
Γαρυφαλλιά Αντωνίου Brent Rutemiller "Charlie the Savior" should reach a wide
global audience as an important tool for
Ελένη Ψαρρά "Charlie the savior" proves why teaching children and parents about
Νίκος Τσόλτος lifesaving sport should reach higher water safety
Αντρέας Ίντρα levels Rebecca Wear Robinson
Ρούλα Καρυδοπούλου Harald Vervaecke
Ειρήνη Νικάκη "Charlie the Savior" combines artfully
Γιάννης Δημακόπουλος If only one life is saved by “Charlie”, the fact with fiction producing a wonderful
Greg Bonann mission of the author has been fulfilled work that could change the life of young
Garry Seghers Ivonne Schmid people
Dr. Klaus Wilkens Tom Griffiths
Charlie the savior" is truly a story of hope
ΓΡΑΦΙΣΤΑΣ Justin Sempsrott "Charlie the savior" is a remarkable
Γιάννης Σαλογιάννης effort that merits congratulations and
"Charlie the savior" is an amazing that must be supported by every trainer,
ΠΛΗΡΟΦΟΡΙΕΣ scholarly work that teaches the basics of parent and relevant organization in
Το μηνιαίο περιοδικό lifesaving sport and lifeguarding every country
Arturo Abraldes Vicky Bafataki
"Ο Αθλοσώστης"
διατίθεται δωρεάν "Charlie the Savior" transforms a true The creation of a legend where Charlie
story into mythic proportions can save others after he died is an
ηλεκτρονικά. Bruce Wigo interesting perspective
Δημοσιεύει ενημερωτικά νέα Torill Hindharch
"Charlie the savior" teaches the way we
και επιμορφωτικά άρθρα should achieve drowning prevention in "Charlie the savior" can help transform
εφαρμοσμένης και every school of our blue planet lives
David Szpilman Steven Munatones
αθλητικής ναυαγοσωστικής
που γράφουν Έλληνες και

ξένοι αρθρογράφοι.

INFORMATION
The monthly magazine

"Sport Lifesaver”
is freely available online.

It publishes news and
educational articles
of applied lifeguarding
and lifesaving sport

written by
Greek and international

authors.

ΕΠΙΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑ- CONTACT
(+30) 210-8921140,

[email protected]
sportlifesaving.blogspot.gr

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Charlie the savior" is a wonderful true story of how The program "Charlie the savior" contributes to the
one boy's courage in the face of impending death drowning prevention awareness and education of
inspired others to be better lifesavers and myself a children
better person Koula Merakou
John Connolly
Η γραφιστική δημιουργία του "Τσάρλι του
IFSTA proudly endorses "Charlie the savior" that διασώστη" ήταν μια κοπιώδης αλλά μαγευτική
talks about water safety, swimming and lifesaving διαδικασία
sport inspired from Baywatch Niki Giannakopoulou
Dave Candler
Charlie melted our hearts and may save lives
Charlie the savior is a great story inspired from Stathis Avramidis
Baywatch that highlights the importance of water
safety awareness "Τσάρλι ο διασώστης": Διεθνές Πρόγραμμα
Shaun Anderson Πρόληψης Πνιγμών εμπνευσμένο από το Baywatch
Greek Lifesaving Sports Association
Over 1.000 people die from drowning each day
Klaus Wilkens With the book “Charlie the savior”, I improved
myself as an illustrator and understood the kindness
Charlie the savior is a good idea based on a true of Greg and Tai, that inspired Stathis to use their
story lives in this fairy tale, and to pass on educational
Janet Wilson lessons of love and water safety to children
Nikos Kouremenos
Stathis created a memorable story to reduce
drowning and improve water safety Cover page: Charlie Hayes during the filming of
Steve Langendorfer Baywatch. Copyright: Greg Bonann.
We support "Charlie the savior" which strives to
enhance water safety awareness
Royal Life Saving Society Commonwealth

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Charlie Hayes visited the set of Baywatch
to satisfy his dying wish as he had terminal cancer

Dear Greek and international Toledo (Ohio and Spain), just to watch us film.
readers welcome to the May Sometimes an interesting individual or two comes
2020 issue of the "Sport
Lifesaver" magazine. My article out of the crowd. This last season, when I was
for this month is very special. It is directing an episode, Tai brought a young woman
and her 12-year-old son to meet me.
about a young boy, Charlie Hayes
who visited the set of Baywatch You could tell right away that this mother and
and changed our lives forever. This story is absolutely child were somehow different. For starters, the
relevant with this issue of the magazine, because it mother, Susan Hayes, was remarkably beautiful. You
contains the background information that inspired would have thought that she was a fashion model -
Stathis Avramidis and his cartoonist Nikos tall, lean, poised, but a little sad, too. Her son,
Kouremenos to create and illustrate respectively the Charlie, was curious, excited, and very interested at
International Water Safety Program "Charlie the the sight of Baywatch under construction. But he
savior". Stathis started from where I finished. The last also seemed a little tired.
page of my book about Baywatch and Charlie,
inspired him to begin his book and program. Susan and Charlie's outing did not have the usual
As I was sitting on the desk of my home working lighthearted demeanor one might expect. Far from
over the final pages of this manuscript, I looked up to it. Susan had brought Charlie to the set of Baywatch
see five lifeguard rescue boats slowly motoring up the to satisfy one of his wishes, a dying wish. Charlie had
coast toward Point Dume. The lifeguard on one of the terminal cancer.

rescue boats waved at me. I waved back. The passing of While at the beach, Charlie's mother noticed that
the boats reminded me that it was time to put down he seemed much healthier and happier. Thanks to a
these pages and get moving.
gentleman in Malibu who lent them the use of his
For the first 3 years of production we had about a house, their brief visit turned into a longer stay. Over
dozen spectators watching us whenever we filmed at the next few months, Charlie and Susan were
Will Rogers State Beach. By the end we were attracting frequent guests at the communal dinner at my home
over 2,000 people a day. Fans of the show were on Sunday nights. And often they visited the set of
continually making their way from Toronto or Tokyo or Baywatch. Naturally, Tai and I came to know Charlie
and his mother quite well.

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During one visit to the set, Charlie had one of his greatest job. If I want a 12-year-old kid to direct a scene, he
greatest delights: I let him direct a scene. When I gave directs.
him the high sign, he said through the megaphone,
"Action." On cue, the actors acted. Finally I gave him At the time I met him, Charlie Hayes was not expected to
another sign, and he said, "Cut." Then we conferred. survive more than a few weeks. But despite having a
particularly virulent form of cancer, Charlie also had a resilient
Did it go okay? Yes, it did. Okay, let's move to the next
shot. On certain days, being the boss of Baywatch is constitution and a healthy heart that wanted nothing more
torture, with more hassles than this book has pages. than to keep him alive. At times Charlie would grow
But on other days, being the boss is the world's frighteningly weak, then he would rally and for a while you'd
hardly know he was ill.

Certain milestones served as magnificent motivation for He wanted to go swimming. For most people, the desire
strengthening his will to live. We dedicated an episode to to go swimming can be realized by simply putting an a pair

him. He wanted to see his name on the screen. We had him of swim trunks and diving into the ocean or the nearest
act in an episode. He wanted to see his image on the pool. Charlie, with an IV permanently fastened into the

screen. He directed a scene in an episode. He wanted to vein of his left arm, could not go swimming, at least not

stick around long enough to see his work on the screen. 8 without special preparation.

We had a custom dry suit made for Charlie that my mom told me she really liked the swimsuit Tai was
would allow him to go into the water. Unfortunately, on wearing. Could you get one like it for her?"
the day of his inaugural swim, he was too weak and
tired to put the dry suit on, much less go swimming. Finally the cancer overtook his phenomenal spirit.
Instead he spent the day on the couch at my house, I park my car at a bluff overlooking the ocean a few
miles up the coast. Almost immediately the Coast
sleeping in the sun. Later that night, long after I'd
carried him to his mom's car and he went home, Guard jet helicopter flies in low and hovers just
Charlie called Tai on the phone. In his lowest, most overhead, the pilot dipping the nose of the helicopter
conspirational voice, he said, "I've got my dry suit on in a salute to Charlie and his mother Susan. Then it
right now. Don't tell my mom." roars off, disappearing as quickly as it came. Next his
friends, his nurse, his mother, his brother, Tai, and I say
Charlie's earnestness and suffering touched us all a few words about how much we will miss Charlie. He
very deeply, particularly myself. He was a remarkable was a good friend.
individual. Because of Charlie I came to realize the huge
impact that our show was having around the country After everyone has spoken, we look toward the
and around the world. This young boy, whose home ocean, at the five lifeguard rescue boats that have
was in Utah, saw Baywatch and fell in love with the been idling offshore. We watch as a lifeguard on the
show and everything it represented. More than middle boat places a wreath in the water. Then, in
anything, it made him want see the Pacific Ocean in formation, the boats head into the ocean. As far as I
person, to see the Baywatch characters in person. For know, Charlie is the only non-lifeguard ever to have
Charlie, our show opened up a whole world, which he been given this traditional lifeguard farewell. A few
moments later, the rescue boat of the right, Charlie's
found tremendously inspiring. For Charlie, we had an
obligation to make sure that Baywatch stayed special. favorite, turns hard to port and goes alone: missing
man formation.
Charlie did go swimming, and then we went
paddling on a surf ski, far out into the ocean. He said he Photo: Greg Bonann. Note: Reproduced by:
wanted to see what the world looked like from the Bonann, G.J. (2000). Baywatch: Rescued from Prime
watery side. As we were turning around to paddle in, he Time: the Official, Behind-the-scenes Story of the
said, "Can I ask you a favor?" I said of course. "Yesterday World's Most Popular TV Show. USA: New Millennium
Press. http://www.achanceforchildren.org

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“Charlie the Savior" by Stathis Avramidis is an elegant
expression of my vision to create an international
Learn to Swim program through the spiritual
"resurrection" of Charlie Hayes

Stathi, I just received your strengthened his will to live a little longer. Eventually cancer
children's educational book overtook his phenomenal spirit. His suffering touched us so
"Charlie the Savior" and it allowed deeply that we dedicated an episode to him and named it
me to have a profound and vidid after him: "Charlie.”
flashback. Back in 90's, while
Obviously, Stathi, you were inspired by this true story,
directing and executive producing and blended my life with fiction. And Nikos Kouremenos gave
"Baywatch", I was introduced to the "breath of life" to the text, illustrating wonderfully many of
young Charlie Hayes. He had our Baywatch characters. It was fantastic to see David
visited the set to fulfill his dying wish as he was Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson, Michael Newman, Alexandra
suffering from terminal cancer. He stayed with us for Paul, Tai Collins and myself starring again; this time in a
several months. I taught him swimming and paddling children's book! Helping children is as important to me as
and even allowed him to direct and act in a few having a successful show. Actually, it is more important. Shows
episodes that portrayed lifesaving sport, water rescues come and go, but helping a child achieve a better life, lasts
and the administration of CPR/AED. I know that the forever.
love and friendship he received by producers and cast
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In 2000, I received the Gold Medallion by the
International Swimming Hall of Fame for contributions to
the world of swimming via "Baywatch", "Camp Baywatch",
A Chance for Children and lifeguarding. Back then, I had
envisioned an international "Learn to Swim" program,
dedicated to drawing awareness to the dire need of
teaching children how to be safe in the water. The goal of
such a program is to take drowning off the top of the list of
killers of children. "Charlie the Savior" represents an elegant
expression of my vision, through the spiritual "resurrection"
of Charlie. It is easy-to-read and yet wise enough to excite
children and adults. Its package (book, lessons, games,
power point, certificate) represents an outstanding
Entertainment and Education collection of material
focusing on swimming, paddling, first aid, lifesaving sport,
and survival at sea for primary schools, summer camps, and
lifesaving organizations. Somehow, it also shows why
lifesaving sport is important enough to merit Olympic sport
qualification.

Because of Charlie Hayes I have realized the huge
impact that our show was having around the world. We had
an obligation that Baywatch would stay special. Stathis'
touching tale hopefully will serve a higher purpose; to save
as many children from drowning across the globe as
possible. On behalf of A Chance for Children Foundation, I
congratulate Dr. Stathis Avramidis, endorse the book and
recommend it to parents, children, the U.N. Friends of
Drowning Prevention Group, and to all relevant
organizations of the world. With appreciation and
congratulations. Photo: Greg Bonann.

Shows come and go,
but helping a child achieve
a better life, lasts forever.

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"Charlie the savior" is a
superb work for water safety

Charlie the Savior

emphasizes the ways that
drowning can be

prevented by the
combination of strategies.

This superb work has

offered another splendid
guide that uses a
Frank Pia, PhD developmental approach
for
President, Pia Enterprises

[email protected] u n d ersta n d i n g

the causes of
drowning for infants, toddlers, preschoolers,

elementary school children and adolescents.
Your inclusion of the contributing drowning

prevention efforts by multiple consultants is

equally noteworthy and the explanation of
my instinctive drowning response is

instructive. Your understanding of drowning
prevention strategies enabled you to bring to

life the detailed information on the size,

causes, and solutions of the worldwide
drowning problem. Masterfully you have

generated new strategies by your unique
perspectives. Charlie the Savior is another job

well done.

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"Charlie the savior" is a
must read for everyone
who touches water

I love this book as it is an
educational as well as

Brent Rutemiller entertaining story. The
President/CEO ISHOF message is strong and
Swimming World Magazine
[email protected] timeless

. The

spiritual nature appeals to all
ages. Everyone can learn and

be inspired by this work. The
illustrations are beautiful,

impactful and brilliant in
co l o r. A m u st re a d fo r

everyone who touches

water!

"Charlie the savior" proves
why lifesaving sport

should reach higher levels

Drowning kills 1.2 million people per year

in the world. This amazing story talks about

a brilliant boy who was taught by a hero of
the sea. Reality mixed with fiction serve a

higher purpose; the prevention of

Harald Vervaecke,PhD childhood drowning. Knowing Bonann
personally, I was excited to see
Secretary General
International Life Saving Federation
[email protected] "Baywatch" coming back to life,

through this fascinating book. I

congratulate Dr. Avramidis for this

excellent contribution to
lifesaving. This story helps us raise

international awareness and
prove why lifesaving sport should

reach higher levels.

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If only one life is
saved by “Charlie”,
the mission of the

author has been
fulfilled

The book “Charlie the Savior” is the “Lifeguard's Love and Learning (3L) Test. It teaches and
consists of two parts. The first part is tests important facts about drowning prevention. As a mother
to a 3-year old girl I cannot over emphasize the importance of
about Charlie, a little boy facing drowning prevention at a very early age. This book is so
valuable because it teaches water safety knowledge and
terminal cancer. However, that
doesn't stop him from being lifesaving skills crucial to prevent drownings worldwide. It
mainly targets Elementary School children but holds
Dr. Ivonne Schmid inquisitive about the educational value for all age groups and I hope this book will be
distributed to millions of children worldwide. If only one life is
ISHOF Selection Committee Liaison w a t e r, t h e j o y o f saved by “Charlie”, the mission of the author has been fulfilled.
[email protected] swimming, lifesaving Photo: Ivonne Schmid.

skills and water safety.
Wrapped in a fairytale, his story also addresses

mortality in a light-hearted way and illustrates how
Charlie becomes a savior. The second part of the book

Charlie the savior"

is truly a story of
hope

Justin Sempsrott,MD,FAAEM Baywatch was arguably the first weaving a true story ion a boy on the
introduction to Ocean Lifeguarding set with water safety messages and
Executive Director for many. Dr Avramidis shows us the
Lifeguards Without Borders humanistic side of the production the mythology of rescues from
[email protected] team. He does an excellent job drowning. It is truly a story of hope.

14

"Charlie the savior" is an amazing
scholarly work that teaches the basics
of lifesaving sport and lifeguarding

Prof. Arturo Abraldes I had the opportunity to read the draft of drowning, first aid, lifesaving sport and
the book "Charlie the Savior". I can say that lifeguarding. I recommend reading and
University of Murcia this scholarly work is amazing! Small stories disseminating it among children, fathers
[email protected] are perfect for transmitting knowledge to and primary schools, because it is a good
children. The images are very clear and book to learn about the most important

complement the text, and it has good goal to lifesaving: prevention.
supportive activities to learn the basics of

"Charlie the Savior"
transforms a true story
into mythic proportions

Dr. Stathis Avramidis

is one of the world's
great advocates for

water safety and
shares our vision of
Bruce Wigo, JD "Every Child A
Historian, ISHOF Swimmer." In his latest
[email protected] book, "Charlie the Savior,"

he transforms a true life story into

mythic proportions that is
inspirational, entertaining and at the

same time an incredibly valuable
teaching tool that I believe will have

a positive impact on global drowning

prevention education.

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"Charlie the savior" teaches the
way we should achieve drowning
prevention in every school of our
blue planet

According to the WHO, rescued from drowning by bystanders required CPR. This
difference may be explained by the fact lifeguards have be
globally drowning claims shown to detect persons in distress faster that non-
the life of 1 person every lifeguards and can execute prevention and a rescue in less
time and much safer than a bystander. What if, we were able
1.5 seconds. to teach the children to do so?
International data
The 'Drowning Chain of Survival' comprises 5 life-
severely underestimates saving steps for lay and professional rescuers. The steps of
the chain are: Prevent drowning, recognize distress and call
David Szpilman,MD actual drowning for help, provide flotation, remove from water and provide
numbers. Almost all [first and advanced aid] care as needed. Unfortunately, and
Medical Director, SOBRASA drowning victims are able to probably for cultural reasons, most interventions and media
[email protected] help themselves or are campaigns tend to focus on providing rescue and first aid
education or care instead of preventing the event from
rescued in time by bystanders or professional rescuers. occurring (preventative actions).

In areas where lifeguards operate, less than 6% of all 16
rescued persons need medical attention, 0.5% require

CPR, and of these more than half (0.34%) died. By
contrast, Venema reported almost 30% of persons

The prevalent misconception that all drowning resuscitation is unnecessary, should have less
results in death and drowning victims require importance placed on it, or should not be taught. On the

resuscitation is perpetuated by the media and contrary, due to the infrequency of having to perform

publishers, a lack of awareness of accepted drowning this skill, more training is needed to address some of the
terminology in professional and academic circles, and technical and process issues that other studies have

culturally in society through social media, poems, identified. This data reinforces the maxim that drowning

stories, music and art. From and injury prevention prevention will always be a better cure than
perspective, we are only just seeing the tip of the resuscitation.

iceberg and urgently need to look at the problem in its Drowning is a preventable injury in 99.8% and the
entirety. Drowning is not just a matter of mere book “Charlie the Savior” is all about. It´s my great

resuscitation, but essentially a trauma that if prevented honour, as a medical professional and dedicated

has a high benefit to victims at a relatively low cost of preventionist to review this very important tool that
prevention. Hence, drowning is not just death, a person focuses on the drowning burden reduction using

can experience drowning and survive, with or without education on prevention in a very ludic language as the
morbidity, and that is most frequently the outcome. most important message to our most needed (affected

For each rescue made there were 765 by) and keen to learn public – the children at primary
preventative actions. These actions mostly involved and secondary school level. "Charlie the Savior" teaches

using a whistle to alert bathers in imminent danger or essentially and extensively the way we should deal with
risk and asking them to move to less dangerous part of this disaster situation and why we should teach how to

the beach. For each drowning (person needing medical achieve drowning prevention in every school on our

assistance) there were 6 others rescued that did not blue planet called “Earth”. It gives attention and focus on

require further medical assistance. From all rescues prevention and thereby reduce the social, economic
made, 17% needed medical assistance and just 0.7% and personal cost to society when engaged water

needed respiratory or cardiorespiratory resuscitation. activities, where the risk of drowning is omnipresent.
Considering all the intervention undertaken by Our best congratulation and thanks for this special tool

lifeguards in a fully operational system, the incidence of for the humanity. TO SAVE IS TO PREVENT – EDUCATE TO
resuscitation being performed is only 1 in every 112,000 AVOID DROWNING!

lifeguarding actions (0.0009%). This does not mean that

17

Having lost my son, I consider "Charlie the
savior" not only a water safety program but
also a beacon of love and hope

The story of “Charlie the faith that creates hope for life. When a child sees his

savior ” written by Dr. desires fulfilled, he forgets his illness, understands that

Stathis Avramidis, is about nothing is impossible, and draws strength to continue
love. It sends to the fighting for life!

readers a message of how In a direct and touching way, Dr. Avramidis tells

a a child, at the threshold the story of a little brave boy who did not manage to
of life and death, should be overcome his illness. But by receiving care and

ΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ ΔΗΜΑΚΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ treated. With a cinematic encouragement by his family and friends, he was
disposition, the author transformed into a savior, transmitting a buzzing
Δ/ντής Δημ. Σχολείου Λεονταρίου Καρδίτσας
e-mail: [email protected] takes us mentally to the message; that love is greater than the fear of death.

place where the story Love never disappoints us. It transforms us. We should
unfolds, bringing us into a morally different world from understand that there is no death; it was defeated by

that of the big cities. the resurrection of Christ. We do not wait to die, but to
My personal perspective has been molded by reunite with the Light of God. The light that engulfed

similar death experiences; I have lost my son. My Charlie. The certainty of Charlie's death is not a matter
background as a physical educator and theologian, of despair and anxiety but of expectation; "short stay ...

tells me that the thirst for learning and the imagination long impact!" Death is the end of a race. What we are
of children almost always surprise us! From the expecting is not a bad thing but our reward, because as

simplest stories to the most complex dreams that Apostle Paul says, we competed fairly.

children make, they manage to move us. All children I humbly think, that helping our neighbor with

dream in their own way! What matters though is that love, will change positively our lives. This will also fulfill
all children do dream! It is our obligation, as adults to the saints' belief that all the incurable diseases create

fulfill their dreams and make their eyes glow with martyrs that would inhabit the paradise. Paradise
happiness… especially if those eyes have spent awaits us. Not the grave. Let's start love today to

countless hours in hospitals and traveled infinite miles deserve eternity. I fully recommend "Charlie the
to find a cure. savior" for teaching to primary school children for

With the help of Great, the film director, Charlie delivering the messages of life and death, water safety,

has unforgettable life experiences that served one aquatic sports, lifesaving sport, lifesaving and
purpose; to give him strength and believe that there is lifeguarding. Photo: John Dimakopoulos.
18

"Charlie the savior" recommends lifesaving
sport as means to enhance the readiness of
lifeguards and the general public towards an

aquatic emergency

I received and read the in- and the general public towards an aquatic emergency.
press educational children's The book is divided into two main chapters; the main
story and the educational part. The story engages the
book "Charlie the Savior" that interest and the tests with the point system that leads
deals with the issues of eventually to two certifications, motivates the reader

drowning prevention and to learn more. It is user friendly and well illustrated. As
lifeguard and instructor for many years, I have come
l Βασίλης Χαντζόπουλος rescue. It bring to across to pupils of various age groups. I am confident
ife a real story that that this book will excite mainly children between 6-12
Εκπρόσωπος years old as well as the adults. We all hide a child inside
Σχολής Αυτοδυτών Ναυαγοσωστών Ε.Ε.Σ. took place during our heart. I am happy to recommend this book for
e-mail: [email protected] the filming of the world international distribution to everyone, organization or
individual around the world. It can be a wonderful
TV hit "Baywatch". The contribution to our educational water safety aids. Thus
I congratulate you for this endeavor. Photo: Petros
book illustrates accurately the drowning symptoms Tsakmakis.
and the internationally recognized rescue and

resuscitation methods as well as the steps of action in
shipwreck emergencies. In addition it explains how

sports (swimming, lifesaving sport and paddling) can
be enjoyed safely. Moreover, it recommends lifesaving

sport as means to enhance the readiness of lifeguards

19

"Charlie the savior" is a hymn to the creator
of Baywatch, Greg Bonann, and a great
pedagogical water safety tool

The fairy tale "Charlie the groups of the portrayed stars underline
savior" is inspired by the TV subconsciously the value of lifelong exercise (Charlie,

series Baywatch that Great, Tuneful). The plethora of sports (swimming,
contributed to help the lifesaving sport, paddling) underline the value of

acquaintance of the general sports and the way of their implementation the value

Δρ. Ιωάννα Μάστορα public with the of fair play. The rescue techniques in and around the
lifeguard profession water, are transformed into an exciting game, that
Επιστ. Σύμβουλος Ευ Αγωνίζεσθαι across our planet. every child can enjoy. It has special impact on children
e-mail: [email protected] in higher classes of the primary school, but even older
Except a "hymn" to the life
of its creator, Greg Bonann, it is also an especially children can equaly enjoy it, understanding the value

creative pedagogical too. With imagination, of participating in sports. I hope that it will be adopted
inspiration, vivid illustrations, and simple yet as "educational tool" by governing and non-governing

substantive text, it enables the understanding of organizations for the preservation of the human lives
important aspects of water safety and the importance in and around the water and the reduction of

of lifesaving sport. The educational material may be childhood drowning. I congratulate the author, Dr.

used either simply as fairy tale for entertainment, but Stathis Avramidis for his remarkable effort! Photo:
also as pedagogical starting point for activities, moral Ioanna Mastora.

dilemmas, and learning approaches. The various age

20

Charlie the savior" offers a
chance to enhance water
safety around the
world

Emmanouil N. Velonakis The "Global report on aged 5–14 years die more frequently from drowning than
any other cause” (World Health Organization). This story is
MD,MPH,PhD drowning" (2014) shows so quietly loud. And while inspired by facts, is fictionally
addressing a real problem of our children's world.
Former Teaching Staff, National School that age is one of the Therefore, is becoming a great tool to induce some thought
of Public Health major risk factors for and paradigm for the aqueous environment of the
Former Deputy Scientific Responsible, terrestrial beings, that trough the evolution, we have
become! And how much we need such kind of tools! LET'S
Central Public Health Laboratory, Greece d r o w n i n g . T h i s TAKE ONE MORE CHANCE!”

relationship is often associated with a lapse in 21

supervision. Globally, the highest drowning rates are

among children 1–4 years, followed by children 5–9

years. In the WHO Western Pacific Region children

"Charlie the savior" could contribute
significantly to the reduction of
drowning in Greece and abroad!

In Greece, more than children on water safety, swimming, paddling, survival at
sea, resuscitation, applied lifeguarding and lifesaving sport.
400 people lose their
lives from drowning the The first part contains the main story. The second part
titled "The Lifeguards' Love and Learning Test" contains
last years. Most of them numerous educational games and tests for assessing the
drown within 10m and knowledge that was gained. It deals with water rescues in an
easy to understand way, it suggests strategies and
rarely after 50m from supportive material for educators to awaken children's
interest and to motivate them to seek further training in
the shore. High risk relevant organizations. So they will enjoy the pleasures of
the water and of the aquatic sports! From pedagogical
people are those aged perspective, the narration, illustration and the type of
0-5 ετών, and the exercises, may be taught to primary school children and
Katerina Zounhia elderly, those exhibiting adapted to the first classes of the secondary school.
Professor of Physical Education risk taking behavior in
U n i v e r s i t y o f A t h e n s and around the water, I believe that if it will be adopted by the responsible
[email protected] don't know swimming or authorities Dr. Stathis Avramidis' illustrated book, and is
used in schools, combined with the measures that I already
consume alcohol or mentioned, it would contribute significantly to the
drags (Hellenic CDC, 2018). The shocking data of 2018, reduction of drowning in Greece! Having in mind that the
book aims to be published freely, online and abroad, it
were confirmed in 2019 too. In most media, there are permits the expansion of the knowledge in other countries
too.
reports about "one drowning every day in June in
Greece" (inewsgr.com). 22

The illustrated book "Charlie the savior" written by
Dr. Stathis Avramidis, is a story inspired by true facts

that occurred during the filming of the world's #1 TV

series Baywatch. It aims to raise awareness, mainly to

"Charlie the Savior" should reach a wide
global audience as an important tool for
teaching children and parents about water

safety

Reaching children through changes in attitude and behavior to popular culture is a

stories is an effective and proven way of reinforcing messages. Stathis
time-honored way of communicates that water can be fun and ordinary

raising awareness and children can be heroes if they learn how to act safely
education. "Charlie the around water.

Savior" teaches children The story of Charlie pulls in the reader while

about the dangers around teaching them about water safety. The water safety
water and how they can tips at the end reinforce the messages and expand on

Rebecca Wear Robinson take actions to be safer them. These tips can, and have, literally save a life,
President and Founder and rescue themselves even if someone has never practiced in the water.
Make the Minute Matter or others safely.
Drowning is the 3rd An accomplished and globally esteemed
researcher, author, waterman, and advocate within
leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, the global drowning prevention community, Dr. Stathis

with children and males at particularly high risk. Avramidis possesses both the gravitas and the
Despite being a global epidemic, there are scant expertise to communicate accurate and important

resources directed towards programming. Dr. information. It is an honor to recommend that "Charlie
Avramidis' book fills a void in raising awareness and the Savior" reach a wide global audience as an

educating the public. His use of the popular TV show, important tool for teaching children and their parents

Baywatch, adds to the interest and reminds people of about water safety. Photo: Nikos Kouremenos.
other rescues they may have seen on the show. Tying
23

"Charlie the Savior" combines artfully fact
with fiction producing a wonderful work
that could change the life of young people

I first met Stathis Avramidis that is way too late in life to be effective. Stathis likewise
nearly 20 years ago at the believes if you want to have a positive impact on individuals
you must do it very early during their developmental years,
World Conference on before they go to high school. Stathis imparts important
Drowning Prevention in lifesaving skills to youngsters weaving fact with fiction in a
very inspirational and even spiritual fashion. His artful story
Amsterdam. At that time I certainly will help young people not only to be safe around
Dr. Tom Griffiths the water, but teach them how rewarding a career in water
was totally safety and lifesaving can be. When I was a very young boy,
President, Aquatic Safety impressed with how high school and college age lifeguards at a local beach took
Research Group, LLC much he had already me under their wing and helped me tremendously both
[email protected] accomplished in his personally and professionally. Many of those water safety
blossoming career. It tips I learned from these benevolent lifeguards way back
then, I still use today. In my opinion, today these types of
was apparent, Stathi was an incredibly dedicated and mentoring individuals are few and far between. Stathis
relentless water safety professional. During the last must agree because he produced a wonderful book to
motivate and inspire young people. His book will definitely
two decades as I watched him accomplish more and help many young people to enjoy the water safely and who
more, I wondered what else could he produce in his knows, become lifeguards. Charlie the Savior! is a must
read. I recommend it highly. Photo: Stathis Avramidis.
illustrious career. Then along came Charlie the Savior!
In this new vitally important work, Stathis artfully 24

combines fact with fiction to produce a wonderful

work that could change the life of young people. Too
often we attempt to influence teenagers and young

adults in high school and college but research shows

"Charlie the savior" is a remarkable effort
that merits congratulations and that must
be supported by every trainer, parent and

relevant organization in every country

I read the draft of the and the tests. Having in mind that the drowning
educational children's book problem is and remains an untold tragedy especially
among the young ages, no effort will ever be enough to
Vicky Bafataki, PhD "Charlie the Savior". As cure this pandemic. I believe that the primary and
scientist I submit my opinion- secondary school students will find it interesting,
Secretary General
critique from my point of entertaining and useful. The fairy tale marries
International Awards Giuseppe Sciacca view. The book represents a smoothly public health with sports, and introduces the
[email protected] young readers with the terms of prevention, rescue
and treatment. I believe that you have done a
touching attempt of making good use of a real story, in remarkable effort that merits congratulations and that
order to enhance the preservation of the human life must be supported by every trainer, parent and
relevant organization in every country. Photo: HDIDEA.
from injuries in and around the water. The writing style
and the illustration support this attempt in an excellent

way, both in the first section that contains the narration
as well as in the second with the educational games

25

The creation of a legend where
Charlie can save others after he
died is an interesting perspective

This is the heartwarming is the idea that we can also help when we are no longer
there. The creation of a legend that a boy can help
story of a boy fascinated by others after he has died is an interesting perspective.
the efforts of the beach life This book is inspired by the boy and can be
instrumental in saving others if it is used wisely. The
savers to help others in a
crisis. To be included in the romantic ending is substantiated by the practical tasks
and tests of lessons revealed in this book. There are
filming of Baywatch is work sheets with important advice and activities to be
followed. The advice about water safety in general will
exciting for the sick child but help to increase awareness of personal limitations and
also a valuable encourage others to take preventative measures
Torill Hindmarch, MA experience for the crew against drowning when indulging in water - based
Director of Education, Norwegian Life Saving Society activities. I can recommend this book to all who are
Virginia Hunt Newman Award, ISHOF 2014 and cast. The personal involved in teaching youngsters about life saving and
[email protected] the challenges involved when accidents happen in
encounters in the story open water. It is vital to learn how to be safe in and
around water. Photo: Torill Hindmarch.
show that skills of a
lifeguard include caring for others. This understanding is

woven together with advice of how to enjoy and be safe
in or on water. The ethics of life saving as a sport are

included and the concept of fair play mentioned,
heightening the overall message of respect for our

fellow human beings and the value of life. The neat twist 26

"Charlie the savior" can
help transform lives

The plot of the children's Foundation legacies, a documentary and a book are
being simultaneously created. Charlie the savior is an
educational book example that Baywatch was not simply a show about
good-looking lifeguards, but was also a cultural
"Charlie the savior" is phenomenon that impacted generations across the
based on a true story
globe and inspired educational initiatives ... that saves
that was inspired by the lives in the ocean.

life and work of Greg According to the International Life Saving
Bonann, the renowned Federation, 42% of drowning victims are under the age
of 15. Charlie the savior helps fulfills Bonann's vision to
creator of the world's #1 positively impact children. The book is centered on a
TV series, "Baywatch". young boy who lives briefly, but who becomes an
immortal character with an everlasting impact. Dr.
Steven Munatones In 2000, Bonann Stathis Avramidis, an accomplished academic and one
wrote in his of the globe's most decorated water safety authorities,
Founder, World Open Water autobiography the added educational meaning to the TV show to advance
Swimming Association creation of Camp the public health of our society. He wrote a spiritual
tale about the importance of being safe around the
Baywatch (now known water. In the same way, Baywatch has long entertained
adults, the World Open Water Swimming Association
as A Chance for Children Foundation) aimed to
improve the lives of underprivileged children. He endorses Charlie the savior in the hopes that it inspires
children to become water-safe while potentially
explained, "Helping these kids is as important to me as transforming children from drowning statistics to
having a successful show. Actually, it is more important. future heroes of the sea. With deep-seated
appreciation of Dr. Avramidis' passion and creativity.
Shows come and go, but helping someone achieve a Photo: Steven Munatones.

goal, a better day, a better life, a walk on the beach, a

chance to see within themselves the person they might
become, lasts forever. That is success." News sources in

the United States recently reported that "Baywatch:
The Documentary" is in the works and plans to explore

the cultural impact of the long-running TV show that
ran from 1989 to 2001. Inspired by Bonann's TV and

27

Charlie the savior" is a wonderful true story
of how one boy's courage in the face of
impending death inspired others to be

better lifesavers and myself a better person

Dear Stathi, thank you for neighbors die, and sometimes friends and classmates die.
sending me a copy of Charlie Charlie's story offers children an opening to discuss death
with parents and teachers. As we turn the pages we are
the Savior for review. As a offered openings to discuss television programming,
former primary school Head distinguishing fact from fiction, and the use of "Baywatch" as
an educational tool considering how it used 'made-up stories'
Teacher who was lucky to be to highlight real water dangers. Charlie learned to float. This is
such a simple yet enormously important lifesaving skill.
able to combine a 40 year Psychologists tell us that in times of great danger our mind
teaching career with a 30 draws on our life experiences seeking a survival solution. Your
book enables teachers to discuss floating with pupils and
year lifeguard / swimming hopefully to have them learn how to do it, in clothing if
possible. In the Survival page you highlight the importance of
teacher career I applaud wearing a lifejacket. Having children, teachers and parents
your aim with this understand the importance of wearing a lifejacket before you
JOHN CONNOLLY publication. get into trouble on water rather than trying to do so as you
Forgive me for writing drown is such a simple thing to do through your page. The
Honorary CEO, The Lifesaving Foundation reference to lifesaving sport is important too, because it
[email protected] highlights the substance of bridging public health with sports
in hope that one day we will include lifesaving sport in the
a subjective rather than an Olympic Games. Your book ends with a number of
objective review. This is an inspirational story. As a educational pages containing a wealth of specific lifesaving
information. I believe that it is suitable and beneficial for
lifeguard I have rescued over 100 persons from children between 6-12 years old.
drowning, as a teacher I have attended the funerals of
Sometimes in death, humans can achieve more than
over 10 boys who died before reaching adulthood, and they did in life. Well done and good luck to your effort to
distribute it internationally for advancing global water safety
as a parent I have suffered the trauma of having two of awareness. "Charlie the savior" is a wonderful true story of
my children die young. Life is not fair. Our children need how one boy's courage in the face of impending death
inspired others to be better lifesavers. It has inspired me to be
to understand that bad things can happen to good a better person. Photo: John Connolly.

people. As parents we need to protect our children as 28
best we can by highlighting potential hazards and

teaching them how to avoid or survive them. Your book
does both. In the very first life image of Charlie we see in

his eyes a boy full of life and in his body someone

fighting for life. Charlie lived his life fully even as it
gradually dripped away.

As a teacher I like that each page introduces one
topic starting with death itself. I have heard some argue

that children should be insulated from death but it is all
around them – extended family members die,

IFSTA proudly endorses "Charlie the
savior" that talks about water
safety, swimming and lifesaving
sport inspired from Baywatch

The International the savior" that is inspired by a true story that took
Federation of Swimming place during the set of the world's #1 TV series
"Baywatch". The book contains the elements of water
Teachers' Associations safety, drowning prevention, lifesaving, lifeguarding,
Limited (IFSTA) represents first aid, lifesaving sport, paddling, swimming. The

and unites the world's majority of them, fall within the scope of our aims and
Dave Candler, FSTA, swimming teaching objectives.
MCIMSPA, Tecch IOSH bodies in the common
goal of reducing The International Federation of Swimming
CEO, International Federation deaths by drowning Teachers' Association, proudly endorses the book
of Swimming Teachers' Association through improving "Charlie the savior" and permits the use of its logo at
[email protected] the front page and in designated places within the
standards in teaching book and other marketing materials under the
swimming and other survival techniques. As a heading "Endorsed by" along with other prestigious
international water safety organizations. Drowning is a
significant international body, IFSTA supports its global threat and tragic reality, and scholarly efforts
such as this book, that offer a fresh approach to young
members worldwide by working together to achieve people and unity among relevant organizations,
IFSTA's objective: “To promote internationally, the should be encouraged. We congratulate the book's
author, wish to succeed and we will upload it on our
highest standards in the teaching of swimming and website, so our member organizations may benefit by
other survival techniques.” IFSTA is a non-profit
its use when it will eventually be published.
organisation that was set up by the UK's Swimming
Teachers' Association (STA) to provide a platform for

independent swimming bodies to share and

disseminate the principles of best practice.
We received the draft of the in-press book "Charlie

29

Charlie the savior is a great story
inspired from Baywatch that
highlights the importance of water
safety awareness

The founders of The International Water Safety the water. We proudly endorse this publication and
Foundation applaud and support the publication of encourage organizations to use it as a resource to help

"Charlie the Savior" written by Dr. Stathis Avramidis. This battle aquatic injury prevention. Initiatives such as this
publication is not only a great story inspired by true book, based on true stories, unite people's hearts and

events of the life of the legendary creator of the iconic bring in alignment our strengths in the global drowning

lifeguard TV series Baywatch, Greg Bonann. It also prevention effort.Dr. SHAUN ANDERSON Co-Founder,
highlights the importance of water safety awareness, International .Water Safety Foundation; Co-Founder,

and the important job that lifeguards worldwide take on International Water Safety Day- May 15th

in helping to keep the public safe while in and around

30

Over 1.000 people die Charlie the savior is a Stathis created a
from drowning each good idea based on a memorable story to
day reduce drowning and
true story improve water safety
Drowning of children is nationally
and internationally a large problem What a good idea, based on a true With this illustrated children's
with more than 1.000 deaths per story. The second part with the book, Stathis Avramidis, a prolific
day. All efforts for early teaching of activities and games is excellent, as author of countless lifesaving
swimming, lifesaving and there is something age appropriate articles and books, draws upon his
prevention strategies must be to everyone. I even found myself lifelong love of the U.S. television
done all over the world. looking for words in the word show, Baywatch, to create a
search! memorable story of a dying boy
KLAUS WILKENS, PhD who becomes, literally, a lifesaver.
Honorary Lifetime President JANET WILSON The ambitious goal of this book is to
Chair, Education Commission be at once readable, educational,
International Life Saving and to stir the hearts and minds of
Federation of Europe International Life Saving readers (including hopefully Greek
Federation- Europe politicians) to reduce drowning and
improve water safety.
Dear Dr. Avramidis, drowning is a
serious global public health problem STEVE LANGENDORFER, PhD
especially amongst children. The Founding Editor
International Life
Saving Federation happily endorses International Journal
your children's book "Charlie the of Aquatic Research and
Saviour" and allows you to use the ILS
logo in designated places to indicate our Education
endorsement. We wish you good luck in
this endeavour.

31

The program "Charlie the savior"
contributes to the drowning prevention
awareness and education of children

Dear Mr. Avramidis, drowning and contributes to the development of useful skills. In this
way, the children will be able to protect themselves and others
has become a serious public in emergency situations. At the same time, they can love
sports and develop fair play.
health problem the last years
and their prevention requires- I did not see any element that could scare or cause stress to
the children for drowning. Instead, there are positive
among other measures - the expressions that will empower the children. The plot is well
structured and understandable. The educational games
education and training of the follow the story and help the children to gain a good
population. This fairy tale book understanding all the accumulated information and to
develop personal responsibility for their own safety and for
serves that purpose, the others.
Prof. Kiriakoula Merakou contributing to the
School of Public Health Personally, I would recommend the use of this story as
University of Western Attika awareness and means for transmitting the message of prevention and rescue
of drowning. Photo: Stathis Avramidis.
[email protected] education of children in the
32
drowning problem.

After a thorough reading of all the pages and photos
of the story, I consider the book a valuable fairy tale

that can be read by children 6-14 years old. The plot
intrigues the children's interest, creates role models

Η γραφιστική δημιουργία
του "Τσάρλι του διασώστη"

ήταν μια κοπιώδης αλλά

μαγευτική διαδικασία

Όταν βιώνουμε μια απώλεια πλημμυρίζουμε θλίψη. Η συνεργασία με τον Στάθη ήταν κουραστική και
Κάποιες φορές μάλιστα έχουμε και θυμό που χρονοβόρα διαδικασία. Έπρεπε να δώσουμε σημασία στην
συνοδεύεται από ένα μεγάλο "γιατί;" Μέσα σε μια λεπτομέρεια. Εκμεταλλευτήκαμε αργίες και Σαββατοκύριακα.
τέτοια απώλεια, με πολλά "γιατί" και θλίψη, βρέθηκε Έπρεπε να προλάβουμε τις καταληκτικές ημερομηνίες
ένας άνθρωπος που κατάφερε να αντλήσει έμπνευση κατάθεσης στο Υπουργείο Παιδείας και το Ινστιτούτο

για να προσφέρει στον κόσμο τη δυνατότητα να Εκπαιδευτικής Πολιτικής. Ως ομάδα συνεργαστήκαμε από
γνωρίσει την ιστορία του 12χρονου Τσάρλι που απόσταση. Ο καθένας έδωσε τον καλύτερό του εαυτό. Ο
πέθαινε από μια σπάνια μορφή καρκίνου. Το διεθνές Στάθης μάζεψε το υλικό, έκανε το πρώτο στήσιμο και όλες τις
εκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα "Τσάρλι ο διασώστης" είναι διορθώσεις που προέκυψαν. Και ήταν πολλές! Ο Γιάννης
εμπνευσμένο από αληθινά γεγονότα της #1 ακούραστος και πρόθυμος έφτιαξε την μακέτα, την
παγκοσμίως τηλεοπτικής σειράς Baywatch. σελιδοποίηση και όσα χρειαζόνταν για την τελική μορφή. Στο
σπίτι όπου συνεχίζαμε την γραφιστική επιμέλεια τα βράδια
Ο Στάθης Αβραμίδης εμπνεύστηκε από την ιστορία, και τις αργίες, υπάρχει ένα πλασματάκι, το Δεσποινάκι μας,
τον ενθουσιασμό και την θέληση για ζωή του μικρού που έχει αδυναμία στον μπαμπά. Προσπαθούσε να τραβήξει
Τσάρλι. Ο Νίκος Κουρεμένος, ένας ακούραστος και την προσοχή φωνάζοντας «ΜΠΑΜΠΑΚΑ ΜΟΥ!» .
παραγωγικός εικονογράφος, συντρόφευσε τον Στάθη
σε αυτή την προσπάθεια. Όπως κάνει εδώ και πολλά Κάπου εκεί υπήρξα κι εγώ … λίγο πιο καλλιτεχνική
χρόνια. φυσιογνωμία και τελειομανής στην επεξεργασία της εικόνας.
Έπρεπε κάθε λεπτομέρεια να είναι "όπως πρέπει" … ή μάλλον
Εγώ και ο Γιάννης Σαλογιάννης, είχαμε την τιμή και όπως θέλω! Δηλαδή τέλεια! Ας έμεναν πίσω άλλα πράγματα
την ευλογία να συμμετέχουμε στην προσπάθεια του και δουλειές. Μόνο το φαγητό του παιδιού με ένοιαζε που δεν
Στάθη και του Νίκου, βάζοντας το "γραφιστικό
έπρεπε με τίποτα να μείνει πίσω! Θα θυμόμαστε για πάντα τα
λιθαράκι" μας. Βοηθήσαμε όσο μπορούσαμε να ξενύχτια και την αγωνία για να τελειοποιήσουμε το
ενσαρκωθεί η ιστορία! Εκεί που οι μαρκαδόροι του αποτέλεσμα! Στο τέλος όλοι συμφωνήσαμε πως άξιζε το κάθε
Νίκου δεν μπορούσαν να απεικονίσουν όπως έπρεπε λεπτό! Ελπίζουμε πως η όμορφη και διδακτική ιστορία του
το όραμα του Στάθη, καλούμασταν εμείς. Ενδεικτική Τσάρλι θα διδάσκεται στα σχολεία όταν η Δέσποινα μας θα
είναι μια από τις παρεμβάσεις μας στην εικόνα του είναι μαθήτρια. Για να λέει στους συμμαθητές της ότι ήταν η
αποχαιρετισμού του Τσάρλι για τον υπερουράνιο πρώτη που το είχε δει να φτιάχνεται, καθισμένη στα πόδια του
τόπο. Η μεταφυσική αυτή εικόνα, δεν μπορούσε να μπαμπά της. Φωτογραφία: Γιάννης Σαλογιάννης.
αποδοθεί με μαρκαδόρο. Το "πριν" και το "μετά" της
εικόνας μας δικαιώνει.

33

Charlie melted our hearts
and may save lives

Can stories change the Despite my repeated justified recommendations, the
Ministerial Decision Γ1-443/1973 remained outdated and the
world? Yes! Words matter. Decree Law 31/2018 enforced 100 lethal provisions. One of
They initiate action and them was that lifeguards were NOT obliged to be trained on
child-CPR whereas adult- and baby-CPR was taught on a 1
mission, motivating us to manikin to 15 candidates ratio and were assessed verbally
strive for our best. This is with questions, without manikins! Then, the Hellenic Centre
Dr Stathis Avramidis how the world may become for Disease Control and Prevention asked me if a participation
Academic Fellow, University of Athens a little better. That's what I in the U.N. Friends of Drowning Prevention Group would
Applied Lifeguarding & Lifesaving Sport am trying to do as a story benefit Greece. My face flashed; I thought: "I must write a
[email protected] teller. After I published my story about Charlie! If politicians don't care about my science,
they may listen to a child's parabolic cry!”
16th book, I decided to stop authoring. There was a
need to focus on the lifeguard legislation reform of According to one perception of life, we are hourglasses
with personalized amount of sand. Or small light beams that
Greece. Five governments and 30 Ministers came and came from the unknown and strive to re-connect with our
left within 13 years with no result. I had reached my supreme central source. At the time being, we should honor
the bright Light that baptizes our lives, by reaching our highest
limits. One night, I prayed to get strength. Then I read self! An internal voice that I cannot pretend I don't hear, drives
the last chapter of the book "Baywatch: Rescued from my acts. I twist reality with fiction to serve a higher
purpose.Charlie's story is inspired by true events. He passed
Prime Time". It was about young Charlie Hayes who away shortly after he "directed" a scene on Baywatch. If he was
visited the set of "Baywatch". He invaded into the life of alive today, he would be 35 years old.

an extraordinary couple, Greg Bonann and Tai Collins, 34

the world's #1 TV series creator/director/producer and
screen-writer respectively, to satisfy his dying wish, as

he was suffering from terminal cancer. His suffering

moved me. I had to update the law; as a tribute to my 3
relatives who faded out at sea and as an obligation to

all those that are still alive around the world.

What a loss! "Even if you don't have a lot of time, of working tirelessly and passionately on this project;
you can still make a difference!", Charlie (personified Nikos Kouremenos, John Salogiannis, John
by prodigy child †Michael Cuccione) had said to Mitch Dimakopoulos, Stratis Sideris, Gioula Georganta, Dr.
Buchannan on episode #160. The best memorial to Manolis Adamakis, Olga Papalexi, Dimosthenis Raptis,
him, is to help other children experience what he did Andy Pappas, Betty Harlafti. The organizations that
not. My book brings back Charlie in a spiritual way. It endorsed the program (International Life Saving
allows him to make the difference he wished, by Federation, International Federation of Swimming
contributing to the drowning prevention initiative of Teachers' Association, Royal Life Saving Society

all the organizations of the world. Alone we are weak Commonwealth, International Swimming Hall of Fame,
against this global epidemic. United we are stronger! It World Open Water Swimming Association, A Chance for
is our faith that may make miracles happen and not Children Foundation, Greek Lifesaving Sports
the other way around! Association). The reviewers that provided precious
feedback and ideas to make the idea grow and flourish
I feel the need to thanks numerous people for the (Prof. Katerina Zounhia, Prof. Koula Merakou, Dr.
implementation of this program. First of all I need to Manolis Velonakis, Dr. Ioanna Mastora, Dr. Vicki
thank Greg Bonann who trusted me to portray a Bafataki, Vasilis Chantzopoulos, Yiannis Dimakopoulos,
glimpse of his life and to create this story. He has Prof. Arturo Abraldes, Torill Hindmarch, Dr. David
supported me selflessly in numerous occasions since Szpilman, Bruce Wigo JD, Dr. Frank Pia, Dr. Tom Griffiths,
2010. Tai Collins who inspired me with her example Dr. Justin Sempsrott, Rebecca Wear Robinson, Dr. Ivonne
and work with the ACFC children. The kindness of Greg Schmid, Dr. Klaus Wilkens, John Connolly, Janet Wilson).
and Tai helped me become a better person and The spiritual resurrection of Charlie, hopefully may
hopefully more useful in water safety. Dr. Harald
Vervaecke (ILS protect other
Secretary General), children from

Brent Rutemiller drowning. I pass on
(ISHOF CEO), Dr. now my "baby"
Steve Langendorfer book to the readers
(IJARE Founding and educators to
Editor) for their contribute to the
generous applaud of global water safety
this program. My movement.
talented colleagues Photos: Stathis
for the endless hours Avramidis.

35

"Τσάρλι ο διασώστης": Διεθνές Πρόγραμμα
Πρόληψης Πνιγμών εμπνευσμένο από το

Baywatch

Ελλάδα μου προσέφερε μια ζωηρή αναδρομή. Στη δεκαετία του '90,
1.6.2020. Η όταν σκηνοθετούσα το «Baywatch», γνώρισα τον Charlie
Ένωση Hayes. Επισκέφτηκε τα γυρίσματα για να πραγματοποιήσει
Αθλητικής την τελευταία του ευχή πριν πεθάνει καθώς έπασχε από
Διεξαγωγή Αγώνων.Διάσωση Ζωών. Ναυαγοσωστική καρκίνο τελικού σταδίου. Έμεινε μαζί μας αρκετές ημέρες.
ς Ελλάδος δημιούργησε το δωρεάν
πρόγραμμα πρόληψης πνιγμών "Τσάρλι ο Του έμαθα να κολυμπάει, να κωπηλατεί, του επέτρεψα να
διασώστης". Είναι εμπνευσμένο από αληθινά σκηνοθετήσει και να παίξει σε μερικά επεισόδια που
γεγονότα και εγκεκριμένο από διεθνείς παρουσίαζαν αθλητική ναυαγοσωστική, διασώσεις και
οργανισμούς και τον θρυλικό σκηνοθέτη του ΚΑΡΠΑ/απινιδισμό. Η αγάπη που έλαβε από παραγωγούς
Baywatch. και ηθοποιούς δυνάμωσαν τη θέλησή του για ζωή. Τελικά ο
καρκίνος τον νίκησε. Η ταλαιπωρία του μας άγγιξε τόσο που
ΒΑΣΙΣΜΕΝΟ ΣΕ ΑΛΗΘΙΝΑ ΓΕΓΟΝΟΤΑ - ΕΓΚΕΚΡΙΜΕΝΟ του αφιερώσαμε ένα επεισόδιο με το όνομά του: «Τσάρλι».
ΑΠΟ ΤΟΝ ΔΗΜΙΟΥΡΓΟ ΤΟΥ BAYWATCH
To 1997, ο νεαρός Charlie Hayes, ζήτησε από την Προφανώς, Στάθη, εμπνεύστηκες από την ιστορία και
μαμά του να τον πάει στα γυρίσματα της #1 συνδύασες τη ζωή μου με φαντασία. Ο Νίκος Κουρεμένος
παγκοσμίως τηλεοπτικής σειράς Baywatch. Εκεί έδωσε ζωή στο κείμενο εικονογραφώντας υπέροχα πολλούς
συνάντησε τον θρυλικό δημιουργό, σκηνοθέτη και χαρακτήρες του Baywatch. Εντυπωσιάστηκα όταν είδα τους
παραγωγό, Greg Bonann. Το διεθνές εκπαιδευτικό David Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson, Michael Newman,
πρόγραμμα πρόληψης πνιγμών "Τσάρλι ο Alexandra Paul, Tai Collins και εμένα να πρωταγωνιστούμε
διασώστης" είναι εμπνευσμένο σε αυτά τα αληθινά ξανά, αυτή τη φορά σε ένα παιδικό βιβλίο! Το να βοηθήσω τα
γεγονότα. Ο Βοnann με επιστολή του προς τον Στάθη παιδιά είναι εξίσου σημαντικό με το να κάνω μια
Αβραμίδη, εξηγεί: "Το βιβλίο «Τσάρλι ο διασώστης»
επιτυχημένη σειρά. Βασικά, είναι σημαντικότερο. Οι σειρές
έρχονται και παρέρχονται. Το να βοηθήσεις ένα παιδί να έχει
καλύτερη ζωή, διαρκεί παντοτινά.

36

Το 2000, έλαβα το Χρυσό Μετάλλιο από το προγράμματος, Δρ. Στάθης Αβραμίδης, Ακαδημαϊκός
International Swimming Hall of Fame για τη Υπότροφος Εφαρμοσμένης και Αθλητικής Ναυαγοσωστικής
συνεισφορά μου στην κολύμβηση μέσω των (ΤΕΦΑΑ-ΕΚΠΑ) και Πρόεδρος της Ένωσης Αθλητικής
Baywatch, Camp Baywatch, A Chance for Children Ναυαγοσωστικής Ελλάδος (ΕΑΝΕ), είπε: "Η παιδεία και η
Foundation και της ναυαγοσωστικής. Είχα αθλητική ναυαγοσωστική είναι ο καλύτερος τρόπος για την
οραματιστεί ένα διεθνές πρόγραμμα εκμάθησης μείωση των τραυματισμών. Το πρόγραμμα υπηρετεί ένα
κολύμβησης, που θα ευαισθητοποιούσε το κοινό για ανώτερο σκοπό και ένα προσωπικό χρέος. Ευχαριστώ
την διδασκαλία παιδικής ασφάλειας στο νερό. συνεργάτες, οργανισμούς, αξιολογητές και όσους το
υλοποιήσουν. Ξεχωριστά ευχαριστώ τον Greg που από το
Στόχος του προγράμματος είναι να πάψουν οι 2010 έχει στηρίξει πλήθος πρωτοβουλιών ασφάλειας στο
πνιγμοί να είναι κορυφαία αιτία παιδικών θανάτων. νερό και αθλητικής ναυαγοσωστικής που εκπόνησα."
Ο «Τσάρλι ο διασώστης» αποτελεί κομψή εκδοχή του
οράματός μου μέσω της πνευματικής «ανάστασης» Τα κείμενα "ζωντάνεψε" ο ταλαντούχος Νίκος
του Τσάρλι. Κουρεμένος. Ο παραγωγικότερος εικονογράφος
ναυαγοσωστικής στον κόσμο, με χιλιάδες σκίτσα στο
Το βιβλίο είναι καλογραμμένο για να διεγείρει ενεργητικό του που έχουν δημοσιευθεί σε βιβλία και
παιδιά και ενηλίκους. Το πακέτο είναι μια έξοχη περιοδικά, δήλωσε: "Για να εικονογραφήσω το βιβλίο,
συλλογή υλικού ψυχαγωγίας και εκπαίδευσης στην επεξεργάστηκα εκατοντάδες φωτογραφίες αληθινών
κολύμβηση, κωπηλασία, πρώτη βοήθεια, αθλητική ηθοποιών του σίριαλ. Η τελική σύνθεση ήταν αποτέλεσμα
ναυαγοσωστική και θαλάσσια επιβίωση για των ιδεών που ξεσήκωσα και του δημιουργικού οράματος
μαθητές, κατασκηνώσεις και οργανισμούς του Στάθη. Χρειάστηκαν ατελείωτοι μήνες δουλειάς. Το
ναυαγοσωστικής. Αποδεικνύει γιατί η αθλητική αποτέλεσμα μας δικαιώνει!»
ναυαγοσωστική αξίζει να συμπεριληφθεί στα
Ολυμπιακά αθλήματα. ΔΙΕΘΝΕΣ ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ
Το πρόγραμμα έχει επαινεθεί από 19 ειδήμονες σε 8 χώρες.
Χάρη στον Τσάρλι Χέιζ, συνειδητοποίησα την Είναι εγκεκριμένο από τους οργανισμούς ΕΑΝΕ,
τεράστια απήχηση του σίριαλ μας στον κόσμο. International Swimming Hall of Fame, International Life
Οφείλαμε να διατηρήσουμε το Baywatch ξεχωριστό. Saving Federation, Royal Life Saving Society Commonwealth,
Αισίως, η συγκινητική ιστορία του Τσάρλι θα International Federation of Swimming Teachers' Association,
εξυπηρετήσει έναν ανώτερο σκοπό. Να σώσει πολλά A Chance for Children Foundation, World Open Water
παιδιά από πνιγμό σε όλη την υφήλιο. Εκ μέρους του Swimming Association και International Water Safety
A Chance for Children Foundation συγχαίρω τον Δρ. Foundation που δραστηριοποιούνται σε 113 χώρες.
Στάθη Αβραμίδη, στηρίζω το βιβλίο και το συστήνω Προσφέρει γνώσεις κολύμβησης, ανάνηψης, επιβίωσης,
σε γονείς, παιδιά, στο United Nations Friends of διάσωσης και αθλητικής ναυαγοσωστικής με
Drowning Prevention Group, και κάθε οργανισμό διαθεματικότητα και παιγνιώδη μορφή. Διατίθεται σε
στον κόσμο. Με εκτίμηση και συγχαρητήρια." Ελληνικά και Αγγλικά δωρεάν στο
sportlifesaving.blogspot.com. Φωτογραφίες: Στάθης
ΤΟ ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΥΠΗΡΕΤΕΙ ΕΝΑ ΑΝΩΤΕΡΟ ΣΚΟΠΟ Αβραμίδης, Greg Bonann.
ΚΑΙ ΕΝΑ ΠΡΟΣΩΠΙΚΟ ΧΡΕΟΣ
Ο βραβευμένος στο Hall of Fame δημιουργός του

37

With the book “Charlie the savior”, I improved myself as

an illustrator and understood the kindness of Greg and
Tai, that inspired Stathis to use their lives in this fairy
tale, and to pass on educational lessons of love and
water safety to children

Every collaboration I have had with Stathis Avramidis extreme enthusiasm about these 2 people and their
(together we have made numerous books), is a contribution to society, and especially children. However, to

complex experience of inspiration, fatigue and be honest, I was mainly interested and focused on the artistic

creativity. These were my primary thoughts when he point of view, the illustrations and the shots, rather than to
phoned me to propose the creation of another book. what my daydreamer and tireless friend Stathis was talking

A book, that eventually became an International about.

Drowning Prevention Program, endorsed by several For years, we were thinking of creating an educational
international umbrella organizations. Actually, from fairytale that would contain moral messages of solidarity and

the very first discussion we had, I knew that it would love for mankind. The example of Greg and Tai not only gave
be a very demanding and exhausting project. Surely, him the motive, but also the chance to combine his passion

the initiative would include the elements of water, for lifeguarding and lifesaving sport, with these elements. In

rescue, life-jackets and lifeguards. However, this time “Charlie the savior”, we focused exclusively on Baywatch and
things would be even more difficult for me! used it as the vehicle to pass our messages. Basically, it's like

The prelude of "Charlie the savior" had already been an illustrated episode from the TV series, surely with a more
given 5 years ago, with our previous book "A Chance for di fferent Europea n a pproa ch, tha n the ori gi nal .

Children". That was a fairy tale about the quests of a Nevertheless, this book required a more realistic
child called Dear. Dear coincidentally happened to have preparation.

strikingly similar features with Charlie (blond, thin and I remember that when I had started illustrating A “Chance
kind). For the first time, in that book, we mentioned the for Children”, Stathis had given me some images of Greg and

foundation that Greg and Tai had established ("Camp Tai to portray them. Believe me, illustrating real humans is

Baywatch", that later was renamed into "A Chance for very challenging, especially because I have to use pencils, inks

Children Foundation"). Stathis talked to me with and watercolors.
38

On an oil canvas it is easier to pay attention to the laugh at ourselves. The process was creative, surreal and
facial details of each person that will eventually make entertaining. Literally, if I had painted everything we had
the painted figure recognizable. Unfortunately, the imagined, the readers would have understood that
small images that appear in the pages of an A4 size book Avramidis has a distinctive humor that hides under his
do not have this luxury. serene attitude and workaholism ...

Even worse, I have never seen Greg and Tai in person, Moving forward, the illustrations (a process that took
to notice the angles and the details of their faces. Thus, I months) and having almost finished all the drawings, I
had to collect portrait photos of these people to get an started to understand what Stathis really wanted. As usual, I
idea of what they looked like! Moreover, when a person had focused mainly on the technical issues of the illustration.
stands in front of us, we recognize him or her because of To be honest, at the beginning, I had thought that the project
those many small details that are captured was weird. I just could not understand how lifeguards,
subconsciously by our vision. A painter can identify and aquatic legends, Bangladesh, and a "sensitive" child who
portray these details only intuitively by talent! leaves in the end without his mother would fit. The book is a
blend of fiction and reality with the first and the last picture
In the book about Charlie, the situation was much of the story, smoothly co-existing with all the others. Stathis
more difficult. This was because Avramidis wanted, not handled the mixture of the various techniques and the
only Greg and Tai but ALL the other characters of our knowledge he wanted to pass on (i.e. swimming, lifesaving
plot to be from Baywatch! And all those stars were well sport, survival, first aid, paddling and lifeguarding) elegantly
known almost to everyone, not to mention that we and with sensitivity and generosity.
were trying to portray people from the world's most
watched TV show in history. I had to portray David I believe that when you go through the book “Charlie the

Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson, Alexandra Paul and savior”, you will see that both the text and the drawings are
Michael Newman in the same scene successfully. Then I in harmony and demonstrate a successful coexistence, as
had to copy the same picture through the 3 stages of can be seen in the helicopter scene. Originally, for the
illustration (pencil, ink, color). Many features of their helicopter scene mentioned above, I had many objections
faces were erased while I passed from pencil to ink or and doubts. But now I believe that the scene combines
from ink to color. At some stage I remember myself everything perfectly, the conscious professionalism and the
being lost in the papers, correcting again and again. human dimension of solidarity and love. An imaginary line
There was one drawing of Pamela Anderson's hips, that that begins from the upper right edge of the picture and ends
I was drawing with ink (stage 2) and she was at the bottom left portrays the entire "soul" of this fairy tale.
transformed to an old woman, who went swimming at This line contains Charlie who leaves the visible world
Malibu beach! So for this I ask that readers be lenient blissfully as a winner of human pain, and in the same frame
with artists, who try to portray real people. Greg lifts the rescue can as a sign of hope and constant effort.
The image of the sad mother represents the human pain that
Apart from all these difficulties, I also had to deal remains back here on Earth, during a "departure". Tai shows
with a constant quest of sceneries and objects. After her support for the mother, with humanity, generosity and
Stathis' first suggestions, I had to find relevant photos. It solidarity, personifying the people that give a lending hand to
took me many hours to search pictures from the
those that suffer. Tai is like that in her entire life. At the
Baywatch shootings, swimsuits, clothes, training shoes bottom left hand corner, there is a wreath as a sign of the
and even villagers and small cottages from Bangladesh. constant memory of the departed loved one. I clearly
I checked over a thousand pictures, to achieve the remember that Stathis found it difficult to convince me to
realistic result. I can assure you that I spent more hours draw this scene, a scene that was based on his own
looking for useful photos than for drawing. inspiration 100%. Nevertheless, when I eventually finished
the color, I understood what the book was all about love and
Once I had successfully painted everything as best as learning water safety!
I could, it was the time of my reward! Although I was
used to Stathis calling me on phone to discuss changes Personally, I consider this book as the best one in our 25-
that he wanted me to make, more work I thought! year cooperation with Stathis in the field of drowning
Because a call meant changes and every picture we prevention. Whilst working on this project, I learnt a lot as
discussed contained countless hours of discussion illustrator. But most importantly, I understood the depth of
between us. Stathis "suffers" from exuberant soul and kindness of Stathis. I also realized why he insisted so
enthusiasm, fantasy and endless humor. He repeatedly much in using his heroes, Greg and Tai, as role models for this
suggested to me to make improvements in the most international drowning prevention program. I hope that
smooth and polite way. We always ended up in
both individuals and organizations will enjoy and benefit
agreement for the end result and the outcome was from using the program “Charlie the savior”, as much as we
always accompanied by jokes and laughter! did. Surely, it has helped us become better people!

When something was extremely difficult to achieve, Photo: Nikos Kouremenos.
we used to inflict on one another self – sarcasm and

39