RoSPA National Water Safety Congress working with The National Water Safety Forum
- Type of event: Two day residential Congress
- Attendees: 120
- Learning on offer: Presentations, workshops, site visits, informal networking
- Venue: Hilton Hotel, Cardiff
Event Synopsis
With expert speakers from all over the world, a varied programme of presentations, selection of hands-on workshops, and an exhibition area, RoSPA's National Water Safety Congress had the ingredients of a great conference. Add to this the launch of the UK's first national Water Accident Incident Database (WAID), which gained government support, and the result was one of the most un-missable events of recent years.
Conference Information
The Congress covered a large breadth of subjects and approaches to water safety. To minimise wastage, delegates were supplied with notes and presentations for all sessions on a USB drive. As proceedings got underway, the tensions faced by so many in the sector were perfectly illustrated in the contrast in approach of the two opening sessions.
Professor David Ball, a risk management expert from Middlesex University, skilfully outlined a vision for a paradigm shift from risk assessment to "risk-benefit assessment". In contrast, Paul Roche, of United Utilities Ltd (UU), followed Professor Ball with an engaging description of how UU is approaching safety at its sites, particularly in the wake of fatalities – including with hard-hitting campaigns, increased signage and the possibility of fencing.
Outside the main presentations, a range of topic-specific workshop had been arranged. Sessions were held on how to risk assess swimming pools and beaches, and a tour of the Cardiff bay took place with the harbourmaster. RNLI and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) volunteers also braved the cold waters in a demonstration about lifejacket features.
The second day of congress proved no less scintillating with an incredible amount of information squeezed into the morning session, closed by Peter Cardy, chief executive of the MCA.
Informal Networking
In line with RoSPA's other residential Congresses, break times offered a chance to meet with industry suppliers in the event exhibition area. On the adjoining night, an evening dinner also provided a good chance to network more informally, with arctic explorer Jim Mayer providing an excellent after dinner speech with tales of escaping polar bears!
Attendee Feedback
"New to the industry found it insightful to get a view of other stakeholders and how partnerships are formed."
"The congress was excellent, one of the best I have attended. Presentations interesting and informative and a really good opportunity to network and make contacts. Thank you."
"..An excellent job in making arrangements.. ..nothing was too much trouble. Thank you."
Event Delivery Notes
The Congress was wholly managed from concept to delivery by RoSPA's in house events team, who worked with a large number of internal and external stakeholders in managing the event programme and delegate bookings.
RoSPA's events team offer a highly professional event management service to external organisations who's aims fall in line with RoSPA's own mission: To save lives and reduce injuries.
For more information on our inclusive event solutions, please contact Julia Rolinson Events Manager on +44 (0)121 248 2036 or jrolinson@rospa.com.
Get involved by attending the 2012 Water Safety Seminar
This year’s national event for the water safety community will be a one-day seminar, taking place in Birmingham on April 26, 2012. Click here for full info and online booking.
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