Steve Wills, an expert in global drowning prevention and maritime search and rescue, joined the IMRF in 2025 as a part-time Project Manager. Steve had a distinguished 25-year career at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, culminating as Head of International Programmes. Throughout his tenure at the RNLI, Steve spearheaded transformative initiatives to combat the staggering global toll of 300,000 annual drowning deaths, with a focus on lower- and middle-income countries. As a dedicated volunteer with the RNLI’s flood rescue team for over a decade, he has firsthand experience in lifesaving operations. Steve played a pivotal role in positioning the RNLI as a globally recognised leader in lifesaving. Collaborating with organisations such as the WHO, UNICEF, and national governments, he successfully influenced policy reforms and secured funding for sustainable drowning prevention programmes. His expertise spans disaster risk reduction, public health, lifesaving strategies, and fostering community resilience.