The ILS World Conference on Drowning Prevention (WCDP) is one of the most important events on the calendar of the International Life Saving Federation (ILS). The World Conference on Drowning Prevention is a global conference offered by the ILS.
The purpose is to bring together the world’s foremost experts, research, systems and information on drowning prevention, rescue, lifesaving and water safety for exchange, debate and further development that will lead to reduction of death and injury in all aquatic environments worldwide.
Upcoming WCDP Conference
The Invitation to Bid for the rights to host the World Conference on Drowning Prevention 2029 (WCDP 2029) is open. Please note that 15 June 2026 is the final date for bid submission. Detailed instructions on the requirements for submitting a bid are included in the Bid Notice letter
The attached Bid Notice letter provides:
- General information about the event
- Bid timing and deadlines
- Key considerations for evaluation
- An overview of the five appendices included in the bidding documents
- AA WCDP 2029 Bid Notice Letter
- APP 1 – WCDP 2029 Procedural Overview
- APP 2 – WCDP 2029 Bid Application Form
- APP 3 – WCDP 2029 Bid Rules of Conduct
- APP 4 – WCDP 2029 Host Agreement
- APP 5 – WCDP 2029 Financial Plan
Previous WCDP Conferences
- WCDP 2025: Sharm El Sheikh – Egypt, organised by the Egyptian Diving and Lifesaving Federation.
- WCDP 2023: Perth – Australia, Organised by Surf and Royal Lifesaving Australia.
- WCDP 2019: Durban – South Africa, organised by Lifesaving South Africa.
- WCDP 2017: Vancouver – Canada, organised by Lifesaving Society Canada.
- WCDP 2015: Penang – Malaysia was organised by Life Saving Society Malaysia.
- WCDP 2013: Potsdam – Germany was organised by the German Life Saving Federation (DLRG).
- WCDP 2011: Da Nang – Vietnam was organised by the Royal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA).
- World Water Safety 2007: Porto – Portugal was organised by ASNASA in collaboration with ISN. The Conference was called “World Water Safety Conference”.
- World Medical & Rescue Conference 1997: San-Diego – USA : The first ILS World Conference took place in 1997 in San Diego – USA. The Conference was organised by the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA).