World Conference on Drowning Prevention, Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt

Posted By: Romy Lipszyc 3 December 2025

The International Lifesaving Federation’s Medical Committee (ILS-MC) was proud to play an active role in the World Conference on Drowning Prevention (WCDP) 2025, held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. The conference brought together global leaders in drowning prevention, research, medicine, and operational practice – and the Medical Committee was strongly represented throughout the program. 

Several members of the Committee attended, presented, and chaired sessions across the three day conference, including: Dr Leonardo Manino, Peter George, Dr David Szpilman, Dr Joost Bierens, Dr Niklas Breindahl, Dr Roberto Barcala-Furelos, Dr Justin Sempsrott, Dr Ana Catarina Queiroga, Dr Natalie Hood and Dr Romy Lipszyc .

Their contributions spanned clinical care, resuscitation science, surf lifesaving practice, medical risk management, and the latest evidence informing global drowning prevention and water safety strategies. The Medical Committee’s presence highlighted the essential role of medical expertise in shaping lifesaving practice and ensuring that prevention, rescue, and resuscitation are grounded in the best available evidence. A highlight was the debates on spinal management and CPR for the drowned person. The sessions on mental health (wellness) of our frontline lifesavers and lifeguards was also a highlight. This is the first conference where research on mental health has been presented.

The ILS-MC extends its thanks and congratulations to its members whose leadership, presentations, and session chairing helped strengthen international collaboration and knowledge exchange. Their involvement underscores the Medical Committee’s ongoing commitment to improving drowning outcomes worldwide.

Looking ahead:

  • The Committee encourages lifesavers, lifeguards, practitioners, researchers, and clinicians to engage with new evidence presented at WCDP 2025 and integrate relevant updates into local protocols.
  • Members and associates are invited to collaborate with the ILS-MC on position statements and research initiatives.
  • The Committee welcomes expressions of interest from those wishing to contribute to future ILS guidance, joint projects, and global capacity-building efforts.

The ILS-MC remains dedicated to supporting the international lifesaving community through evidence-based practice, global cooperation, and the continued advancement of drowning prevention science.