Meet Chris Drake

“Be a passionate force, radiant with purpose…
The journey of self-discovery requires but a spark to set fire to our soul: illuminating our untameable will and eliminating impossibilities.”

– Chris Drake

A Tribute to a Life of Courage, Compassion, and Purpose

Christopher James Drake was born on 3 October 1989 at Manly Hospital in Sydney, Australia. He was a child of the waves, raised by the sea, and loved deeply by his family, friends, and community. He lived 23 extraordinary years with sincerity, purpose, and a soul-deep connection to nature and others.
Chris was in his final year studying a double degree in Law and Counselling/Behavioural Science at Notre Dame University. He had a passion for helping people, intellectual curiosity, and innate leadership as well as a commitment to ethical living. Chris was also a strict vegan, living with fierce integrity. He never smoked or drank and took meticulous care of his body and mind. He was driven not by ego, but by a quiet belief in living honourably and generously.

More Than An Athlete

Chris was certainly a natural athlete. He was a champion surfer, swimmer, footballer, mountain biker, and triathlete. His athleticism and love for the ocean weren’t just hobbies, they were expressions of joy, presence, and flow. Whether captured mid-barrel with a grin on his face or navigating a wave with arms wide open, Chris moved through water like it was his true home.
He didn’t just explore waves—he explored wisdom. Chris compiled hundreds of quotes from philosophers and thinkers while refining his own. Ten days before he passed, he returned from travelling through Europe with his sister Tiffany, his smile a little deeper, his hugs a little tighter, as if something in him had reached clarity.

In early 2013, Chris qualified for an internship with Manchester City Football Club (MCFC) in the UK. During his time there, he shared his thoughts on leadership and sports.

He wrote:

“To create exceptional athletes, 
you need to create exceptional people first.”

Chris’s leadership was quiet but unmistakable. All who met him liked and respected him. He gave free hugs, offered his time generously, and always made others feel seen.

On 16 March 2013, Chris went to the ocean pool at North Curl Curl with friends. When the waves grew dangerous and swimmers were at risk, Chris acted on instinct—helping others to safety. His final act was one of courage and compassion. The waves swept him from the pool into the sea and rescuers would find him five days later. He was just 23.

In the days that followed afterwards, his friends began writing his words on their surfboards, alongside a giant smiley face. A phrase shortly emerged and began to spread: SMILE LIKE DRAKE. On the day of his memorial, a Facebook page with the same name attracted thousands. And thus, a movement was born.

In recognition of his academic dedication, Chris Drake was posthumously awarded his law degree later that year. His family—Nicolle, Trevor, and Tiffany—accepted them on his behalf.

Chris’s loved ones returned his ashes to the waves of Manly Beach, not far from where he was born. In the words of his father Trevor:

“After wading in, I felt the most euphoric sensation I’d ever felt, like Chris was wrapping his arms around us, urging us to push on and experience new initiatives, wild and untamed, that had been released with him.”

Until now, Chris remains an integral part of the ocean and the circle of life it represents. The SMILE LIKE DRAKE Foundation came to be to honour his legacy—carrying forward his light through life-saving water safety education, advocacy, and innovation.

The story of Chris Drake is one of purpose, courage, love, and impact. He lived as a force for good. And through the lives he’s touched and the movement he inspired, his memory and his living legacy will be everlasting.

Non-Fatal Drownings

Fatal drowning has long been the focus of prevention efforts, but it’s only part of the story. Non-fatal drownings can result in severe, lifelong consequences.

The 5% of incidents that lead to long-term disability account for a staggering 88% of the total cost burden, with each case averaging $6.91 million in healthcare, rehabilitation, and support costs.

The emotional, physical, and financial toll on families is devastating. That’s why prevention and early intervention are just as critical for non-fatal cases.

*According to A 13-Year National Study of Non-Fatal Drowning in Australia (2023) by Royal Life Saving Australia.

*According to A 13-Year National Study of Non-Fatal Drowning in Australia (2023) by Royal Life Saving Australia.

If Water Safety Is Your Advocacy, You’re in the Right Place

Preventing drowning takes a movement, not just a mission.

Whether you want to give, volunteer, partner, or advocate… There is strength in numbers. Together, we can make waves that save lives.

SMILE LIKE DRAKE is a fully registered charity in Australia. Every donation you make is tax-deductible and directly supports our mission to protect lives.

100% of every donation goes directly to the on-going development and commercialisation of APPTRAKK

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About

“Determination overcomes any struggle!”

– Chris Drake

SMILE LIKE DRAKE was founded in response to an unimaginable tragedy – the loss of Chris Drake, a young man who lived with passion, purpose, and love for the water. His story inspired a movement that seeks to honour his spirit by preventing similar losses across Australia and the world.

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CONTACT US

Phone:+61 419 333 312
Email:[email protected]
Address:Wentworth Street, Manly
SMILE LIKE DRAKE FOUNDATION Ltd

     

SMILE LIKE DRAKE Foundation Limited Registered ACNC – Not For Profit Charity #331648933261  CFN: 23007

“A charity is a not-for-profit organisation that raises money to achieve its own goals and core values. A charity contributes to the community by actively participating in and providing services that will make change happen.”

“A foundation is a non-profit organisation that raises money to provide valuable support to charities and programs that allow them to establish services within the community and make a difference.”

SMILE LIKE DRAKE Foundation acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first inhabitants of the Eora nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work. We pay our respects to elders past, present, and future.