The Float To Survive Team

The Float to Survive message is driven by a passionate team dedicated to spreading life-saving water safety messages. As a not-for-profit, every effort we put in is fueled by our shared goal: teaching Australians how to stay calm, float, and survive in emergency water situations.

Meet the people behind this critical mission:

Ian Lee

Public Officer

  • Ian has worked in the Aquatics field (between Beaches, Pools & Surf Parks) in the Local Government sphere and as a consultant for over 40 years - from a professional ocean lifeguard in Australia and internationally, to aquatic leadership roles managing aquatic centres and consulting on risk at surf parks.

    Projects undertaken have included conducting Beach Lifeguard Operations Service and Signage Reviews for Waverley, Lake Macquarie, Shellharbour, Kiama and Eurobodalla Councils and Aquatic Reviews for URBN Surf Tullamarine, Melbourne and Fairfield Council. Significant outcomes from Ian’s recommendations resulted in Bronte Beach now being patrolled year round, portable lifeguard towers now being implemented on beaches in these Council areas and key signage improvements.  Ian’s expertise was pivotal in mobile lifeguard towers being introduced for surveillance improvements at Prairiewood Aquatic Centre (Fairfield Council) and all aquatic centres at Canterbury Bankstown Council.

    As a key note speaker at Local Government Conferences, Ian has spoken on water safety/drowning prevention issues that have included:

    • ‘Lifeguard Observation & Victim Identification’

    • ‘Facility Risk Management – Surf Parks’.

    • ‘What we know as water safety professionals that Councillors & Senior Management should know’.

    • ‘Prime Time! – Minimising response times’.

    • ‘Avoidable Drownings’

    • ‘Independent Audits – Innovation or Intrusion?’

    His consultancy work has included, peer assessing suspected and confirmed shark sighting procedures for Lake Macquarie Council as well as being requested by the NSW Govt (Ministry for Police & Emergency Services) to discuss the Govt’s  direction on water safety and the Dept of Primary Industry’s Shark Mgt Strategy.

    Ian is a member of the University of NSW’s Global Experts team as a Water Safety Expert Witness, was Director of Lifesaving for the Illawarra Branch’s 17 surf clubs for 3 years and is a Life Member of the Australian Pool & Ocean Lifeguard Association (APOLA).

    Ian sees ‘Float to Survive’ as the teams (Hoppo and Glenn Gorick FTS Board Members) most important piece of work as it is not only a national drowning prevention message for Australia but a global message that the team is confident will see a reduction in the incidents of drowning worldwide

Bruce

Bruce ‘Hoppo’ Hopkins

Ambassador & Driving Force

  • As a well-known face in the world of surf lifesaving, Hoppo brings years of experience from his role as head lifeguard at Bondi Beach. But his work doesn’t stop at the shoreline. Hoppo is the driving force behind Float to Survive, using his platform and passion to raise awareness about the importance of floating in water emergencies. His leadership and relentless drive inspire our team and community to take action. Read more about Hoppo here.

Glenn

Glenn Gorick

Board Member

  • Glenn Gorick brings a lifetime of leadership, service and elite athletic achievement to the Board of Float to Survive Australia.

    A retired NSW Police Sergeant with a distinguished career spanning operational policing, investigations and strategic leadership, Glenn is a recipient of the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct and multiple policing awards. He also played a pivotal role as a NSW Police Association Delegate, helping restructure workers compensation policy that was later tabled in NSW Parliament.

    An Australian Ironman Hall of Fame inductee and Ironman Australia “Immortal,” Glenn has completed Ironman Australia 31 times and achieved national and state titles across hundreds of triathlons and multisport events. A lifelong advocate for water safety, his belief in the power of floating to prevent drowning is deeply personal — a lesson he learned as a child and continues to champion today.

    Beyond policing and sport, Glenn is a respected television and radio commentator, successful business owner and dedicated philanthropist. He is a passionate fundraiser and ambassador for numerous charities including NSW Police Legacy, the McGrath Foundation and MBrace Mental Health, and has raised millions of dollars through endurance events and community initiatives.

    Glenn’s extensive network, strategic insight and unwavering commitment to community safety make him an invaluable asset to the growth and mission of Float to Survive Australia.

Milt

Milt Nelms

Water Safety Advocate & Expert

  • Milt Nelms is an internationally renowned swimming coach with a deep understanding of human instinctive responses in water. His work with elite athletes and swimming organizations has evolved into a science-backed approach that forms the foundation of our water safety teachings. Partnering with Float to Survive, Milt’s concept of “active floating” adds a new dimension to our mission, ensuring everyone—regardless of age or ability—can learn how to float to survive. Milt’s academic and scientific approach, combined with his passion for helping people in the water, continues to shape our educational programs.