The International Life Saving Federation (ILS) has accepted an invitation from the World Health Organization (WHO) to join the WHO Global Alliance for Drowning Prevention.

This step recognises and strengthens a longstanding collaboration between ILS and WHO, reflecting both organizations’ shared commitment to reducing drowning worldwide and advancing coordinated global action.

ILS President Graham Ford AO will take up the position on behalf of the organization, representing the global lifesaving movement dedicated to drowning prevention, frontline lifesaving operations, and saving lives.

The WHO Global Alliance for Drowning Prevention brings together United Nations agencies and key non‑state actors – including Bloomberg Philanthropies and the George Institute for Global Health – to strengthen, enhance, and expand global efforts to prevent drowning deaths.

Mr Ford said the invitation underscores the strong alignment between the organizations.

“ILS and WHO have worked hand in hand for many years towards the shared goal of preventing drowning. This invitation marks a positive step forward for the global drowning-prevention movement,” Ford said. 

“We are honoured to join the Alliance and look forward to contributing to the collective, collaborative work ahead. With the strength of our global membership, ILS is committed to supporting WHO and its partners’ strategic goals.”

The announcement comes as ILS confirms that the next World Conference on Drowning Prevention (WCDP) will be held in Rome, Italy, in 2027, following the success of the WHO-sponsored 2025 conference. This strengthened alignment reinforces both organizations’ shared mission to advance effective, evidence-based drowning prevention efforts worldwide.

Further details about the 2027 World Conference on Drowning Prevention will be released in the coming months.