The International Life Saving Federation is the world authority in the global effort to prevent drowning. ILS is in official relations with the World Health Organization. This is the ILS link to the humanitarian initiatives of the United Nations.
The UN Millennium Goals provide the action plan for global poverty reduction. Poverty is a risk factor for drowning mortality in all nations. Child mortality reduction is an important goal that relates directly to ILS strategies for drowning prevention. G8 governments have committed more than $40 Billion to mother and child mortality reduction.
The International Life Saving Federation is the world authority in the global effort to prevent drowning. ILS is in official relations with the World Health Organization. This is the ILS link to the humanitarian initiatives of the United Nations.
The UN Millennium Goals provide the action plan for global poverty reduction. Poverty is a risk factor for drowning mortality in all nations. Child mortality reduction is an important goal that relates directly to ILS strategies for drowning prevention. G8 governments have committed more than $40 Billion to mother and child mortality reduction.
Global child drowning mortality is more than 7.2/100,000. There is more than 500,000 child drowning deaths per year. The Child Mortality UN Millennium Goal will not be achieved without significant and effective drowning mortality reduction in low and middle income nations. If the drowning prevention initiatives could receive 1% of this available G8 resources, more than $400,000 Million would support evidence based, effective drowning prevention strategies. This would significantly reduce global child drowning.
The ILS World Conference on Drowning Prevention will highlight the global drowning prevention strategies and the global drowning burden. The World Conference on Drowning Prevention will be in Danang, Vietnam May 10-13, 2011. There will be a large number of LMIC nations participants thanks to more than 50 LMIC scholarships and more than 20 Vietnam scholarships. This conference will significantly advance our knowledge in drowning prevention, lifesaving and lifesaving sport. see: http://www.worldconferenceondrowningprevention.org/
The UN identifies calendar days that support important global issues. The world has experienced March 8th as International Women’s Day. ILS placed acknowledgement and activity on the ILS website to provide a tribute to the contribution of women to drowning prevention, lifesaving and lifesaving sport. Thanks to the ILS Equity and Diversity Chair, Rob Bradley for this contribution.
March 22nd will be World Water Day.
World Water Day
World Water Day (22 March) this year aims to encourage governments, organizations, communities, and individuals to actively engage in addressing the challenge of urban water management. Under the theme of “Water for Cities,” events around the world will spotlight the impact of rapid urban population growth, industrialization and uncertainties caused by climate change, conflicts and natural disasters on urban water systems.
ILS Member Federations and ILS Commissions and Committees and Working Groups are encouraged to consider how to highlight drowning prevention, lifesaving and/or lifesaving sport issues. consistent with UN World Water Day. Recognition and alignment with the UN World Water Day is encouraged. Please advise the ILS Headquarters of your activities for World Water Day.