Conference programme
Main Thematic Areas
The WCDP2027 programme will be developed around nine complementary areas spanning prevention, rescue, education, data, clinical care and resilience.
01
Sport Lifesaving and Water Safety: From Competition to Prevention
Exploring the relationship between competitive lifesaving and real-world water safety. The theme will examine how skills, techniques, physical preparation, equipment and innovations developed in sport lifesaving can contribute to drowning prevention, professional lifeguarding and effective rescue.
From sport to safety, from performance to prevention.
02
Technology and Innovation in Drowning Prevention
Exploring how new technologies can improve prevention, surveillance and rescue. Topics may include artificial intelligence, drones, computer vision, wearable devices, sensors, early-warning systems, geolocation, robotics and other emerging technologies applied to aquatic safety.
Smarter technology. Stronger prevention.
03
Beach Safety and Lifeguarding Systems
Focusing on how safety and lifeguarding services are organised and delivered on beaches and coastlines. The theme includes surveillance models, lifeguard deployment, rescue stations, flags and signage, risk assessment, professional qualifications, operational protocols and coordination with emergency services and public authorities.
Every Beach. A Safe Beach.
04
Safety in Small and Private Swimming Pools
Addressing drowning prevention in hotels, campsites, holiday resorts, agritourism facilities, residential complexes and domestic swimming pools. Particular attention will be given to supervision, child access, barriers, staff training, emergency planning, safety standards, responsibilities and preventive technologies.
Small pools. Serious safety.
05
Migration, Inclusion and Water Safety
Examining how to build water-safety culture and aquatic competence among migrant, refugee and newly established communities. The theme will address cultural and language barriers, access to swimming education, family engagement and inclusive programmes for populations with limited experience of aquatic environments.
Water safety has no borders.
06
The Drowning Patient: Resuscitation, Oxygenation and Neurological Outcome
Focusing specifically on the clinical management of the drowning patient, from rescue to hospital care. Topics include ventilation and oxygenation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, advanced life support, hypothermia, extracorporeal life support, neurological prognostication and factors associated with survival and favourable neurological outcome.
Every breath matters. Every minute matters.
07
Swimming for Survival: Water Competence in Education
Considering swimming not only as a sport, but as an essential life and survival skill. The theme will explore water competence, survival swimming, aquatic safety education, school-based programmes, minimum competency standards and the integration of swimming and water safety into formal education.
Swimming for All. Swimming for Life.
08
Drowning Data: Measuring the Problem to Prevent It
Improving the collection, quality, standardisation and international comparability of drowning data. The theme includes fatal and non-fatal drowning, national registries, epidemiological surveillance, emergency and hospital data, risk-factor identification, common definitions and the use of evidence to develop and evaluate prevention policies.
We cannot prevent what we do not measure.
09
Climate Change and Flooding: Preparedness, Rescue and Resilience
Examining the growing relationship between climate change, extreme weather events and drowning risk. Topics include floods, flash floods, coastal flooding and storm surges, early-warning systems, community preparedness, evacuation, swift-water and flood rescue, responder safety, emergency coordination and strategies for building more resilient communities.
When waters rise, preparedness saves lives.