RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
August 6, 2002
WATER INDUSTRY MUST DO MORE TO PREVENT DROWNINGS
A new spate of high-profile drownings has underlined the need for people with responsibility for water safety to share ideas so that tragedies can be prevented in future, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said today.
RoSPA is staging its second national water safety congress in Plymouth in September to bring together experts who can show the way forward.
Strategy for Success – Water Safety Solutions is sponsored by BSPF (the British Swimming Pool Federation) and will be held at the Plymouth Hoe Moathouse Hotel, September 30-October 1.
Peter Cornall, RoSPA Water Safety Manager, said: “This year the spotlight has been placed on water safety following a string of highly-publicised incidents. There have been deaths on school trips, at activity centres and in swimming pools, as well as the more common accidents in rivers, lakes and gardens.
“Questions are being raised about supervision and the safety measures being taken at all types of water. Unfortunately, many water site operators are still confused about their responsibilities and do not even carry out risk assessments.
“We believe our conference will provide the answers to most of the problems by exploring best practice in management and site operation, along with how water safety will be regulated in future.
“Water safety professionals dealing with inland and coastal sites and swimming pools will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and play their part in preventing drownings.”
Speakers include experts on water recreation management, water sports, water safety education, water edge protection, spas and pools, the EU Bathing Directive, water accident claims, landscaping and the responsibilities of local authorities.
There will be workshops on swimming pool safety issues, planning for emergencies, craft registration schemes, coping with blue/green algae and the water safety signs standard.
The conference will be of interest to leisure, tourism, recreation, lifeguard, outdoor education, water sports and beach managers, health and safety professionals, leisure centre principals, architects, landscape engineers, environmental health officers, water safety and leisure product manufacturers and safety teachers.
More details are available from the congress hotline 0121 248 2120, events@rospa.com or on the RoSPA website www.rospa.com/water
