The International Lifesaving Federation’s (ILS) World Conference on Drowning Prevention took place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, from 21 to 23 November and brought together more than 400 delegates from over 50 countries. The event, co-sponsored by the World Health Organization, remains one of the most significant gatherings for organisations working to reduce drowning worldwide.

This year, the IMRF played an active role in ensuring that maritime search and rescue was represented within the global conversation. Attending on behalf of the organisation, Steve Wills, Project Manager at the IMRF, delivered a presentation on the Global Maritime SAR System Review, funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation. Sharing this work with an international audience allowed the IMRF to reach groups not always included in maritime SAR discussions. These included lifeguard organisations,  disaster specialists, community responders and government officials involved in water safety policy.

Steve also served as co-chair of a panel on innovative research supporting drowning reduction. The session brought together experts from different countries and fields, giving the IMRF a direct role in shaping the exchange of ideas and guiding discussion on new approaches to lifesaving and water safety.

For the IMRF, the conference provided a valuable opportunity to highlight the importance of strong and coherent maritime SAR systems within global drowning prevention efforts. It also created space to share expertise, learn from others and build new partnerships that will support future collaboration across the sector.

By contributing knowledge from the Global Maritime SAR System Review, the IMRF ensured that maritime SAR perspectives were firmly embedded in the dialogue. The organisation will continue to build on these connections as it works with partners worldwide to strengthen maritime SAR capability and reduce preventable loss of life in the water.

Click on the link for more information on the Global Maritime SAR System Review.