Drowning prevention in the spotlight at national seminar this week

The National Water Safety Seminar, hosted by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, takes place on Thursday, bringing together more than 100 professionals with responsibility for water safety across the UK.

The seminar, which comes just weeks after new figures revealed there were 420 water-related deaths from accidents or natural causes in the UK in 2010, will focus on how accident prevention standards can be taken forward despite difficult financial operating conditions. All parts of the water safety industry will be represented, including beach, inland water (e.g. rivers and lakes), sea, swimming pool and water sports safety. The seminar, taking place at ETC Venues – Maple House, Birmingham, is supported by the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF).

Key presentations will be given by:

The event has been designed to meet as closely as possible the needs of different groups of practitioners, featuring three subject “tracks” from which delegates can choose:

There will also be three workshop options: a “live” risk management case study at Birmingham’s canals at Brindley Place (British Waterways); a facilitated discussion on the future of adventure activity regulation following the abolition of the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (Royal Yachting Association); and, an opportunity to consult the HSE on changes to Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools.

David Walker, RoSPA’s leisure safety manager, said: “The NWSF’s drowning figures for 2010 have just been published; therefore, this week’s seminar comes at a really opportune moment to ensure the focus stays on water safety and how to reduce these numbers in future years. Budgets are being stretched, however, and the key topic for discussion at the seminar will be how we can move forward with effective prevention even though resources are tight – an issue of relevance to the public, private and third sectors, all of which will be represented at Thursday’s event.”

Visit www.rospa.com/events/waterseminar/ to view the full programme. A few last-minute places are available. They can be booked online, by calling 0121 248 2089 or emailing events@rospa.com.