The IMRF is pleased to announce that it has joined the Global Alliance for Drowning Prevention (GADP), a World Health Organization‑led initiative that brings together UN agencies, rescue and lifesaving organisations and research institutions to strengthen coordinated action on drowning prevention at global, national and local levels.

As part of its early contribution, the IMRF supported the development of the Alliance’s new Global Strategy for Drowning Prevention, ensuring that maritime search and rescue is recognised as a priority area in the global effort to reduce drowning.

The IMRF’s engagement with the Alliance will be led by Steve Wills, who will serve as the focal point for GADP. Steve is also representing the IMRF in several WHO technical working groups that are developing a comprehensive technical package to guide policymakers as they design and implement national drowning‑prevention policies, including rescue capacity. A further working group is preparing detailed blueprints to help governments and organisations identify the most appropriate interventions for their context and determine how best to deliver them. As part of this, last week Steve joined global experts in Bangkok to contribute to the finalisation of the new technical package, which will be launched in July as part of World Drowning Prevention Day.

Caroline Jupe, IMRF Chief Executive, said “We are delighted to join the Global Alliance for Drowning Prevention. Collaboration is essential if we are to reduce drowning worldwide, and the IMRF is committed to sharing its expertise, strengthening partnerships and supporting the development of evidence‑based approaches that improve rescue capability and save lives.”

Dr David Meddings of the World Health Organization also welcomed the IMRF’s involvement, noting “It is excellent to have the IMRF join the Global Alliance for Drowning Prevention. They bring deep maritime search and rescue expertise to the Alliance, and this perspective will be highly valuable as we work together to strengthen global efforts to prevent drowning.”

The IMRF looks forward to continuing its contributions to the Alliance, deepening relationships across the network, and supporting the global effort to reduce drowning.

To learn more about the Global Alliance for Drowning Prevention and explore its strategy, visit the WHO’s GADP webpage.