25 Nov 13 - 16:29
Drowning is a major public health issue that can be better addressed through closer collaboration
Worldwide,
drowning is claiming and affecting millions of lives every year. To
help combat this problem the International Maritime Rescue Federation
(IMRF) and the International Lifesaving Federation (ILS) have agreed and
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The IMRF brings the world's maritime search and rescue (SAR)
organisations together, whilst the ILS is the world authority for
drowning prevention, lifesaving and lifesaving sport. Both organisations
already support and collaborate with national and international
organisations engaged in drowning prevention, water safety, water
rescue, lifesaving and lifeguarding.
The MoU recognises that drowning is a major public health issue that
can be better addressed through closer collaboration. Mutual respect and
the recognition of each other's contribution and unique global status
underpin the working relationship between the two organisations. And the
principal aim for both is their common goal of reducing drowning on all
continents and in all waters.
With this common purpose in mind both the IMRF and the ILS have
agreed that closer collaboration will ensure that all the available
resources are applied in a productive and more efficient manner to
prevent drowning.
There are more nations and at-risk populations in the world needing
drowning prevention assistance than there are lead organisations to
provide it and both the ILS and IMRF have valuable assistance to offer.
To succeed, the global drowning prevention mission also needs
collaboration from all national, regional, international organisations
and governments.
Source: ILS
