Malaysia to host World Conference on Drowning Prevention 2015

The International Life Saving Federation (ILSF) has announced that the World Conference on Drowning Prevention will be held in Penang, Malaysia in October 2015.

With the 2013 World Conference on Drowning Prevention having been held in Germany, the ILSF received bids from Malaysia, India and South Africa to host the 2015 event.

India made a strong and compelling case due to the scale of the drowning problem and the drowning prevention work that is emerging in Kerala State. Located on the southwest coast of India, the Cochin straddles the backwaters, encompassing the northern end of a peninsula, several islands and a portion of the mainland.

South Africa made a strong case based on its natural beauty and the professional conference centre. ILS carefully considered the opportunity to continue to focus on drowning prevention in Africa – a region with a substantial drowning burden - where ILS membership is growing but where few development agencies recognise the issue. ILS will continue its partnerships in the Africa region, with the hope that a future event could be held in Africa.

Malaysia provided a compelling bid based on legacy for drowning prevention in Malaysia, the region and globally, affordability and access for many nations, professional event management, an outstanding conference facility, a peaceful and safe destination, its proximity to major transport hubs, the support of the local and national Government, and the range and availability of very affordable hotels.

In announcing Malaysia as host for the 2015 event, ILSF Bid and Oversight Committee Chair John Martin recently advised “the professionalism of all bids was beyond expectations.”

Martin added that the ILSF will take a lead role in the management of the scientific and promotional elements of the event and will be working in partnership with the event’s Malaysian hosts to ensure that the event is embracing of all partners in the fight to eliminate drowning.

In 2011, the World Conference on Drowning Prevention was hosted in Vietnam with a focus on addressing the massive level of child drownings in Asia.

For more information go to www.ilsf.org

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