International Life Saving Federation

The wearing of PFDs is alleged to have played a pivotal role in the survival of 238 people, victims of the recent ferry disaster in Paua New Guinea.

The ferry, which sunk early on Thursday morning, has left more than 100 people missing and rescue efforts are continuing in the hope of finding the missing passengers.

Global Drowning

Good news: drowning is falling in most nations with effective lifesaving associations. In fact the lowest drowning rates are in nations with the most mature lifesaving associations. Every nation needs a national lifesaving association and all of them should be members of ILS.

Bad news: drowning remains a leading cause of death among children and the leading single cause of child mortality (age 1-17) in low resource, densely populated Asian nations.

The International Life Saving Federation (ILS) President Dr Steve Beerman sends his sincerest condolences on behalf of the ILS Board and Member Associations to the people of Mindanao, the members of the Philippine Life Saving Society and all communities who have been impacted by the flash flooding on the island of Mindanao. Coastal communities were devastated early on Saturday in flash floods triggered by a tropical storm Washi. According to the Philippine Government more than 900 people died in the disaster, many from drowning.

At its last General Assembly, Surf Life Saving New-Zealand elected a new Board of Directors.

ILS wishes Michael Bassett-Foss, the newly elected Chairman and the new Board all the best in their endeavours. ILS wishes to thank the outgoing Chairman, Graeme Cullen and the outgoing Board for their outstanding work and their endless support of ILS.

http://www.slsnz.org.nz