Global water safety community converges on Perth with a mission to end drowning

December 5, 2023

As lifeguards and lifesavers prepare for an expected long and hot summer, drowning prevention experts from across the globe are converging on Perth for the World Conference on Drowning Prevention.

More than 750 global experts will join Australian water safety bodies Royal Life Saving Society - Australia and Surf Life Saving at the World Health Organization (WHO) co-sponsored event.

Royal Life Saving Chief Executive and Conference Co-convenor, Justin Scarr advised “Australians love the water, and water safety is a big priority, but most would be shocked by the magnitude of drowning in other countries, that can be 15-25 times higher than what we experience annually.”

Surf Life Saving Australia Chief Executive and Conference Co-convenor, Adam Weir added “collaboration at a national and international level is vital to achieving our goal of reducing coastal drowning deaths, and this is a valuable opportunity for us to learn and share what we have learned.”

Globally, drownings have caused over 2.5 million deaths in the last decade with the highest rates of drowning in the Indo Pacific region – which can reach ten to 15 times, and across Africa, which can reach up to 25 times higher - than those in Australia

In response, the United Nations General Assembly and the WHO’s World Health Assembly have declared resolutions to accelerate action on drowning prevention.

In addition, the WHO has increased its commitment to drowning prevention.

Dr David Meddings, from WHO Department of the Social Determinants of Health, stated “(at the Conference, the) World Health Organization will outline progress it has made in efforts for coordinated action on drowning within the UN system, the establishment of a global alliance for drowning, and preparation of a global status report on drowning”.

In welcoming experts to Perth, International Life Saving Federation (ILSF) President, Graham Ford AO commented “drowning continues to be a major global public health and sustainable development issue, bigger than many know, understand, or accept, and is almost entirely preventable, meaning global collaboration is essential.”

Experts from 50 countries will often explain drowning risks in different nations.

In Bangladesh, high rates of child drowning in ditches, rivers and irrigation have prompted groups to set up day care centres to protect children while parents are busy tending to crops or livestock.

In Uganda, high rates of drowning in communities that who rely on small boats to travel between villages means that early warning systems, lifejacket and safety programs are essential.

In Vietnam, the government is developing a national school swimming and water safety program much like those taught by Australian schools..

Background
The bi-annual event of the ILSF is co-hosted by leading Australian water safety bodies, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia.

It is the first time the event has been hosted in Australia.

Key facts
• 90% deaths happen in low- and middle-income countries.
• The highest rates occur among children.
• Males are especially at risk of drowning, with twice the overall mortality rate of females.
• High drowning rates among males are due to increased exposure to water and riskier behaviour such as swimming alone, drinking alcohol before swimming.
• Individuals with occupations such as fishing for subsistence or commercial fishing or using small boats in low-income countries are more prone to drowning.
• Children who live near open water sources, such as ditches, ponds, irrigation channels, or pools are especially at risk.
• Drowning accounts for 75% of deaths in flood disasters, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where people live in flood prone areas and the ability to warn, evacuate, or protect communities from floods is weak.
• Daily commuting and journeys made by migrants or asylum seekers often take place on overcrowded, unsafe vessels lacking safety equipment or are operated by personnel untrained in dealing with transport incidents or navigation.

The Conference runs until Thursday 7th December.

Click here for conference details in the Australasian Leisure Management calendar.

Images: A lifeguard from Lake Macquarie Council's team (top, credit: Lake Macquarie Council) and a Belgravia Leisure lifeguard next to a sign promoting the Watch Around Water campaign from LIWA Aquatics/Royal Life Saving (below).

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