Background
Every few years, the International Life Saving Federation (ILS) brings together its member organisations and the world's leading researchers, practitioners and policy makers to present and discuss the latest research and thinking in life saving practice, sport, prevention, rescue and related fields.

ILS understands that it is through the sharing of knowledge and the collaboration of partners, including with those traditionally outside the sector, that great and positive change can come and that by working together, the best standards can be adopted and adapted by all. In short, it is how the most lives can be saved.

The World Conference on Drowning Prevention 2011 followed on from the success of the ILS’ World Conference on Drowning Prevention 2007 (WCDP2007) held in Matosinhos and Porto, Portugal in September 2007. And it was here, with the emerging research and presented studies where it was realised that the next conference needed to focus on, and bring world attention to, the epidemic of drowning deaths in developing countries.

Those who attended included:
• Policy makers
• Researchers
• Medical professionals
• Drowning prevention practitioners
• Swimming and water safety instructors
• Lifesavers and lifeguards
• Lifesaving Sport Leaders
• Lifesaving agencies
• NGO’s and Development Agencies
• Disaster reduction professionals
• Existing and potential donors
• Business partners