Program Available Now

Not sure which of the conference themes best suit your organisation’s interests? The full conference program is now available online, so you can choose from the diverse array of speakers with specific expertise. There’s no need to register for these sessions. As you’ll see on the program, each of the conference themes has been allocated a meeting space so all you need to do is turn up. Delegates are welcome to move between sessions.

The Program can be downloaded in Word format from the Conference site here: 
http://www.worldconferenceondrowningprevention2011.org/content_common/pg-Program.seo  

Creation of the Conference Statement: Your Chance to Comment

The International Life Saving Federation and organisers of the World Conference on Drowning Prevention 2011 have set some significant targets in terms of leveraging participation and interest in the event to initiate, influence and promote action to save lives. Perhaps the most ambitious target is the creation of an insightful, meaningful and strategic conference statement that can be built and owned by the 400 conference participants.

It is anticipated that this statement will be used by the International Life Saving Federation and drowning prevention partners across the globe to inform country, regional and global strategies to reduce drowning. We want conference delegates to play an active role in building a global platform to reduce drowning. Of course this will be a long term project, but we are committed to making the most of this opportunity to capture the science, the expertise, and the commitments of those attending this conference.

In the first instance, we need to identify and define the problem. We have drafted a 15-point statement which will be available in the coming week for your review and feedback.

All those who have registered for the conference will get an email in the next few days with details of how to access the statement and provide feedback.

Once we have feedback on this first element of the statement, we will seek your input on Step 2 – Framing the Response. Please take the time to actively engage in this process with us; we look forward to your responses.

Registrations Closing Soon: Don’t Miss Out

We’re just a week away from the closing of registrations on Thursday 21 April. Whatever your area of specialty, this is a unique opportunity to interact with fellow experts from around the world. Program speakers include leading researchers from countries as diverse as Canada, Japan, Bangladesh, Thailand and the United States.

To register, go to http://www.worldconferenceondrowningprevention2011.org/content_common/pg-Registration.seo and follow the links. Note there are discounts available for full-time students and Vietnamese residents.

Accommodation Filling Fast

We have been delighted with the overwhelming response to the conference from participants around the world. With participants from nearly 50 countries already registered, as at 9am AEST on Thursday there was just three rooms left at the conference venue, the Furama Resort and Convention Centre. With this area of DaNang particularly attractive to tourists, the feedback to us has been that all quality hotels in the area are getting close to capacity. We encourage you to get online and book accommodation today. The guaranteed room rates closed on 6 April 2011, so you’ll need to be quick to secure a good deal. http://www.worldconferenceondrowningprevention2011.org/content_common/pg-accommodation.seo

Information for Presenters

Important information for presenters will be forwarded via email next week; so please make sure you check your inbox before the Easter break. 

Interactive Tours

There has been a great response from delegates expressing interest in attending the Interactive Tours on Thursday 12 May. These tours will give conference participants a firsthand look at current drowning prevention strategies, and the water hazards and risks associated with everyday Vietnamese life. All delegates will be emailed their delegate information pack next week, which includes an online registration form for the interactive tours. Tour numbers are limited, so make sure you complete the online form promptly.

There are eight options available:
(1) Cycle Tour – Water Hazards and risks in Asia – Urban Tour
(2) Cycle Tour – Water Hazards and risks in Asia – Rural Tour
(3) Traditional Fishing and Coracles
(4) Lifeguarding – Beach
(5) SwimSafe – Survival Swimming Program – Ngu Hanh Son District
(6) SwimSafe – Survival Swimming Program – Son Tra District
(7) Disaster Management
(8) River Cruise

Want more details on the tours? Go to http://www.worldconferenceondrowningprevention2011.org/content_common/pg-InteractiveTours.seo

Swing... to Swim – Charity Golf Day to Raise Funds for Child Drowning In Asia

Enjoy a relaxing 18 holes at the spectacular Montgomerie Links golf course on the day following the conference and contribute to the prevention of child drowning in Asia.

The Swing... to Swim Charity Golf Day will be held at the exclusive Montgomerie Links golf course in Danang—voted the best golf course in Vietnam. Held in conjunction with the Vietnam Swans Australian Rules Football Club, proceeds from Swing... to Swim will be donated to SwimSafe Vietnam and Swim Vietnam programs.

Drowning is a leading killer of children in Vietnam with approximately 30 children drowning every day. SwimSafe (supported by Royal Life Saving Society – Australia and TASC) and Swim Vietnam (financially supported by the Vietnam Swans in Hoi An), conduct swimming programs for Vietnamese children teaching them vital swimming and survival skills.

Swing... to Swim will begin with a clinic and exhibition with PGA professional Lee Marshall, followed by a light lunch and a shotgun start at 12.00pm. A Kids’ Clinic featuring Swim Vietnam students will begin at 2.00pm. A cocktail reception, awards ceremony and auction will end an exceptional day.

Prizes will be awarded for:
• Hole in one
• Nearest the pin
• Longest drive
• Beat the Pro
• Par 3 ‘Circle of Hope’

The event will be held on Saturday 14 May 2011 and is open to all comers. World Conference on Drowning Prevention delegates will receive a 10% discount on the USD$178 entry fee. For more information and for reservations, please contact Ms Donna Tan at: reservations@montgomerielinks.com 

Where in the World?

One of the most exciting things about the conference is that it gives experts the chance to share information with their colleagues from across the globe. We’re excited to announce that delegates representing the following countries have already registered: Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Portugal, Republic of China, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, The Democratic Republic Of Congo, Uganda, United Kingdom, USA, Vietnam.