8– 10 October 2019. Durban, South Africa

Thursday 10 October saw the World Conference on Drowning Prevention come to a close. 

A global biennial event, the conference focussed on the very latest in research, innovation, ideas and best practice, with one aim: a world where everyone can enjoy the water, safely. 

Representing RLSS UK were:

• CEO, Robert Gofton
• President, Ian Hutchings
• Director of Commercial Operations, Jo Talbot
• Director of Business Services, Mike Dunn
• Yorkshire Regional Ambassador, Janet Wilson

Presentations from the RLSS UK team included Janet Wilson introducing RLSS UK’s Club Development Programme and Mike Dunn, on measuring the efficacy of drowning prevention education and locally-focussed water safety plans.

The opening ceremony national anthem was sung by local pupils of St. Mary’s Girls’ Choir with another highlight coming later, courtesy of Jo Talbot. Jo presented a clear and detailed look at understanding the appearance of a drowning casualty, as well as the importance and value of including water safety skills, within the learn to swim framework. 

Later in the schedule, home-grown hero ‘Sharkboy’ Achmat Hassiem, pulled on the heartstrings with his motivational account of how, despite losing his lower leg to a great white shark, he went onto Paralympic glory, winning bronze for South Africa in the 100m butterfly at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Achmat’s story is a testament to triumph in the face of adversity, acceptance and even a forgiveness of sorts; Achmat remains an Ocean Conservationist and Global Sharks Guardian for the United Nations Save Our Sharks Coalition.

You can read more about Achmat’s incredible story, here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achmat_Hassiem 

Photos