National Water Safety Conference

Event Background

The RoSPA National Water Safety Conference is recognised as the key annual multi-discipline update event for UK water safety professionals.

The RoSPA Water Safety Conference 2017 was held in October at M Shed, Bristol and focussed on how to best deliver the UK's drowning prevention target of a 50% reduction in fatalities by 2026.

Over 100 delegates attended the event, which included updates from the water safety industry, best practice sharing and discussions on the implementation of initiatives.

The water Safety Conference also looked at key challenges such as maintaining heritage, principles of access and the ability to take risks. All whilst focusing on the overarching aim of improving water safety.

Who's it for?

The Water Safety Conference is suitable for anyone with responsibility for water safety, or managing sites or locations that feature water hazards.

Highlights of the event

The 2017 RoSPA National Water Safety Conference featured expert speakers from RoSPA, as well as institutions such as RNLI, Swim England, South Wales Fire & Rescue Service and The Royal Life Saving Society.

Highlights of the water safety event included:

• Learning how your efforts are vital in achieving a reduction in drowning
• Hearing how national and local governments are tackling the challenges and making the best use of limited budgets
• Getting involved with key campaigns, make new contacts, and learn new guidance
• Gaining attendance certification provided to log against your CPD scheme

There were also workshops aimed at giving on-the-ground insights into drowning prevention initiatives. In one, Matt Peskett, group manager from Avon Fire and Rescue Service, spoke on Bristol Water Safety Partnership, and the service showed attendees some of the life-saving equipment it has available.

In the other, Nathan Davies, RoSPA's head of consultancy, demonstrated some of the challenges of people moving in and around the water spaces in Bristol, and talked about relative risks and establishing controls.