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

Ian Lee

Public Officer

  • With over 25 years of operational and leadership experience in beach, pool, and surf park water safety, Ian brings extensive expertise to the field. He holds a Diploma in Human Resource Management and a Diploma in Project Management, complementing his practical knowledge with strong leadership and organisational skills. As a Water Safety Expert Witness for UNSW Global Experts, Ian provides specialised insights into water safety standards and best practices. Additionally, he is a Life Member of the Australian Pool & Ocean Lifeguard Association (APOLA), reflecting his long-standing commitment to the industry.

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.