William Koon is an ocean lifeguard and public health researcher and practitioner with extensive experience in drowning prevention research, policy, strategy, and collective action. Will worked for 12 years as a professional ocean lifeguard in California before completing a Master’s in Public Health and Graduate Certificate in Global Injury and Violence Prevention from the University of Washington in Seattle, and a PhD at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, all focused on drowning prevention.
Will’s research focuses broadly on drowning epidemiology, ocean lifeguard activity, the design and implementation of prevention interventions, and evaluation of programs and policy. Will co-founded the California Water Safety Coalition and the UNSW Beach Safety Research Group, was the principal author of the California Water Safety Strategy and has convened multiple conferences and workshops covering a range of drowning prevention and beach lifeguarding topics. Will currently works as the National Manager of Drowning Prevention Strategy for Royal Life Saving Society – Australia.
Will and his partner, Noelle, live in Sydney where they both continue to volunteer as lifesavers with the Coogee Surf Life Saving Club.
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