Our lands are host to some of the most beautiful waterways in the world to enjoy, recreate and socialise in. However, Inland waterways are also the leading location for drowning incidents with over 940 lives lost in the last 10 years.

Royal Life Saving is committed to working with our communities to reduce these numbers significantly. As part of this commitment, Royal Life Saving will host an Inland Waterway Swimposium later this month on 27-28 July 2023 in Penrith.

The Swimposium has been constructed around 7 critical Inland Waterway themes:

• Framing The Inland Waterway Challenge

• The Legal and Policy Framework for Inland Waters

• Drowning Prevention Strategy

• Changing Behaviour in Aquatic Users

• Enjoying our Inland Waterways

• Building Better and Safer Aquatic Environments

• Improving Inland Waterway Response

Who should attend?

We are seeking representation and collaboration from the following key personnel:

• Senior representatives from Land and Water Management agencies.

• Senior Risk, Insurance and Emergency Service personnel.

• Senior local and state government representatives with remit for water safety, community development, environmental management and asset management.

• Leading academics with an interest in these topics.

• Leaders from Regional, Diverse communities.

• Senior Leaders from Outdoor recreation, Tourism and management groups.

Swimposium Objectives

• Provide a forum for Land Managers, Recreation and Tourism Operators, Government, Emergency Services, Water Management Agencies, Community Leaders, and academia to collaborate, discuss and investigate the issues and solutions surrounding:

  • Participation – How do we increase the benefits of outdoor recreation, promote greater participation while maintaining safe aquatic activity.

  • Risk Management – Complex problems require an adaptive and systematic approach within the support of a strong legal framework.

  • Behavioural Change – Motivating individuals and communities to change their behaviour through context appropriate information.

• Present research, policy and practice that aim to provide insights and address the issues.

• Facilitate setting a collective agenda and action state for Inland Waterways in NSW.

• Engage, collaborate, and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders.

Featuring expert speakers in their respective fields including Dr Amy Peden, a drowning prevention researcher and a Senior Research Fellow in the School of Population Health at the University of New South Wales. Dr Peden will present on two key topics: Developing Drowning Prevention Strategies for Rivers; and Examining the Role of Alcohol in Inland Drowning Deaths.

The full agenda and overview of presentations can be viewed here:

Time is running out to be part of the Swimposium. Registrations close this Monday 17 July 2023. Follow the link to RSVP Inland Waterways Safety Swimposium | Royal Life Saving (drowningprevention.org.au). Or email events@royalnsw.com.au if you have further questions about this event.

*The event is free to join with food and refreshments provided.