RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

February 15, 2001
NEW INITIATIVE TO COMBAT DROWNING DANGERS

Fears over the high number of people drowning in the UK have prompted The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents to stage a national conference to tackle the problem.

RoSPA believes the issue needs to be given greater priority by managers of water sites and swimming pools. About 570 people drown in the UK each year. Latest figures showed 54 deaths among children, 50 per cent up on the previous year.

The Society wants public awareness raised about the dangers of water and a framework established for co-operation between the wide range of bodies responsible for water safety.

The RoSPA conference, Safe Management of Water Sites - The Risk Assessment Route, will be held at the Imperial Hotel, Blackpool, September 24-25. The conference is sponsored by Poseidon Technologies Ltd, who produce computer-aided drowning detection systems for swimming pools. Ways in which new technology can help to prevent drowning will be on the conference agenda.

Peter Cornall, RoSPA Head of Water Safety, said: "No matter what the weather - sun, rain or a freeze - the drowning problem seems to be with us. The major danger is still with inland open waters like rivers, lakes, lochs, streams, canals and ponds. These types of water led to 375 deaths in 1999.

"RoSPA wants to bring together everyone with a responsibility for the safe management of water sites. They will be able to learn about practical risk assessment solutions to specific site management problems in all areas - including inland, coastal, industrial and leisure sites."

He said an extensive programme of speakers and workshops would cover new research, legislation and government initiatives. Delegates would be able to gain a better understanding of their responsibilities while exchanging knowledge with fellow professionals.

Among subjects covered will be: methods of risk assessment, innovations in water edge protection; the role of lifeguards; management of personal watercraft; natural barriers to dangerous sites; and water safety technology.

This first national conference for many years to tackle water safety will be suitable for leisure, tourism, recreation and beach managers, health and safety managers from the public and private sectors, architects, engineers, environmental health officers and manufacturers of water safety products. For more information contact Peter Cornall (0121 248 2118).