March 2023 Water Safety Champion of the Month: Bill Ramos

Our Water Safety Champions are the people that go above and beyond in their communities to focus on water safety and drowning prevention, which is why it’s so important that we recognize and celebrate those that champion water safety every day!

We are thrilled to celebrate Bill Ramos as our Water Safety Champion of the Month this March!

About William (Bill) Ramos

Bill Ramos is an incredible aquatic and water safety community member as a researcher, leader, and service provider. Bill is an associate professor at Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington and Director of the Indiana University Aquatics Institute. 

Internationally respected in aquatics with an excellent aquatic, water safety, and drowning prevention research resume, Bill is the chair of the aquatic sub-council of the Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. He has also been a vital member of the U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan.

Growing Up On Lake Michigan

Bill grew up in Gary, Indiana, and still loves his hometown working with city leadership on aquatic risk management.

Gary, IN, is located on the southern tip of Lake Michigan and is home to several beaches, local parks, and, most famously, The Jackson Five!

Bill grew up being on the water and gained a love for all things aquatic. As a teen, he joined his local swim team and later became a lifeguard on Lake Michigan. 

Being a lifeguard during his summers, he was part of several rescues. But, sadly, even with the many rescues in his repertoire, he witnessed firsthand the tragic results of a drowning accident. 

At that moment, it became clear to Bill that drowning was preventable. He knew there were ways to educate and advocate for the public on this problem. 

Because of Bill’s love of aquatics, he obtained degrees in Parks & Recreation Administration and then a Ph.D. in Leisure Behavior. He worked in the areas of aquatic management and swim coaching until later becoming a professor at Indiana University.

Throughout his career, he shares his love of water and actively advocates for people to engage with the water. He feels that being in and around water is fun and should be enjoyed by everyone. 

Bill emphasizes that drowning is a preventable tragedy and that if we work together, we can empower people everywhere to engage with water safely. 

The Joys of Water

Bill works locally, nationally, and internationally to help everyone have the knowledge and skills to engage in water activities safely.

Water can be an enjoyable outlet, even with therapeutic benefits. Yet, some people still don’t have access to water or are afraid to engage in aquatic-based activities due to the lack of opportunity to learn to swim in their communities.

Bill is currently working with the Miller Beach Water Safety Group to provide drowning prevention education, life jacket loners, and water safety stations throughout Miller Beach, Indiana.

Thank You For Making A Difference!

Without Water Safety Champions like Bill Ramos, Robin Taylor, and David Albornoz, we couldn’t change the numbers and continue educating about the best water safety practices and strategies. 

The NDPA is honored to present this accolade for Bill’s hard work and passion for his community.

Thank you for being a Water Safety Champion, Bill Ramos!

If you are making a difference in water safety and drowning prevention or know someone who has, we want to hear your story. 

Please take a moment to share the story on our website for a chance to be nationally recognized as a Water Safety Champion.