Peter Wernicki

Peter Wernicki (Col ’80 CM) received the 2015 Paragon Award for Water Safety from the International Swimming Hall of Fame for his leadership in aquatic medicine, water safety and drowning prevention. Dr. Wernicki is chair of the aquatics subcouncil of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, where he leads a team in researching, analyzing and presenting evidence-based studies and data that are used to revise all American Red Cross health and safety programs. He serves on the executive board of the United States Lifesaving Association and has been the association’s medical adviser since 1987. Dr. Wernicki helped write the USLA textbook and helped develop and revise the national lifeguard certification program. He is also the medical committee chair of the International Lifesaving Federation. Dr. Wernicki has published many scientific journal articles and often appears on television and radio programs as a water safety expert.