Summit Info Page AWSS 2025 Update Slido

2025 National Water Safety Summit Program

This is a live agenda that is subject to change. This page will be updated as details become available or are adjusted up to and including during the Summit.

Last updated: 23 July 2025

Day One: Thursday 24 July 2025 

8:00 AM - Registration and Networking Coffee

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Session One - Plenary

Welcome to Country

Introduction and welcoming remarks

Dr Justin Scarr, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Life Saving Australia | Convenor, Australian Water Safety Council

Day One Keynote
Demographic shifts and the future of Australia: implications for society, policy and planning

Professor James Raymer, Australian National University School of Demography

Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 Midpoint Update: Progress, priorities, and the path forward
Dr Will Koon, National Manager - Drowning Prevention Strategy, Royal Life Saving Australia

Panel Discussion ~ Alignment, partnership and accountability for collective drowning prevention action
Adam Weir, Chief Executive Officer, Surf Life Saving Australia
Jenni Rigby, Chief Executive, Emergency Management Victoria
Susan Teerds, Chief Executive Officer, Kidsafe Queensland
Brendon Ward, Chief Executive Officer, SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Morning Tea

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Session 2 - Plenary

Panel Discussion ~ Swimming and water safety education for all
Ennia Jones, Founder and Executive Director, A Splash of Colour Swimming Inc.
Peter Lillywhite, Principal - Swimming and Water Safety, WA Department of Education
Floss Roberts AM, Executive Director, Royal Life Saving Northern Territory

Panel Discussion ~  Multicultural Communities
Stacey Pidgeon, National Manager - Research and Policy, Royal Life Saving Australia
Ashveen Chand, Strategy Lead, The Lote Agency
Dr Harpreet S Kandra, Senior Lecturer, Federation University | Community Volunteer, Officer Sikh Gurdwara
Hamida Sedaqat,  Aqua English Project

Panel Discussion ~  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Dr Bobby Porykali, Senior Research Fellow, Guunu-maana (Heal), The George Institute for Global Health
Markie Richards, Community Program Manager, Kari Foundation
Dr Leanne Lester, Research Manager, Centre for Social Impact - University of Western Australia

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Session 3 - Breakout

Breakout Session 3.A
Education programs

Room: Wattle
Moderator: Penny Larsen

Breakout Session 3.B
drowning prevention policy

Room: Thomas & Broadway
Moderator: Dr Bernadette Matthews

Breakout Session 3.C
Safe environments

Room: Jones
Moderator: Dr Jaz Lawes

Breakout Session 3.D Collaboration for impact
Room: Harris
Moderator: Dr Justine Leavy

Improving water safety through tailored swimming programs for at-risk youth
Dr Hannah Calverley, Manager - Research and Evaluation, Life Saving Victoria
Exploring organisational challenges and opportunities in implementing coroners’ recommendations on drowning in Australia
Dr Bernadette Matthews, Adjunct Associate Professor (Research) | Head of Research, Evaluation and Insights, Life Saving Victoria
Does the beach hazard rating actually reflect the hazards? An analysis of cervical spine injuries, surf rescues and drowning
Dr Ogilvie Thom, James Cook University
June 2023 case study: lessons from a large-scale multi-agency search
Darren Schott, Deputy Commissioner, Maritime Rescue NSW
Evaluating the impact of participatory beach engagements on safer behaviors at unpatrolled beaches
Louise Lambeth OAM, Ocean Beach SLSC
Dr Peter Kamstra, University of Melbourne
Alcohol advertising around waterways: Evidence from young people in Western Australia
Dr Renee Carey, Senior Lecturer, Curtin University
Enhancing insights on beach and boat ramp users with movement data
Michael Clinton, Customer Success Manager, ActiveXchange
Sharing and learning for advancement: results from SLSA Innovation Day
Michael Bonnici, Coastal Safety Manager, Surf Life Saving Australia
Float to Survive with GOswim
Bruce Hopkins, Float to Survive
Sarah Podesta, Product Growth Manager- Aquatics, Belgravia Leisure
Turning IELTS exercises into a lifeline for migrants' water safety education
Dr Masaki Shibata, Lecturer, Monash University
Using visitation data to inform evidence-based visitation profiles to support drowning prevention initiatives
Tony Blunden, Twin Fin Consulting
Reflections on water safety in the Cook Islands
Brent Fisher, President,  Water Safety, Cook Islands
No One Left Behind: Closing the generational gap in swim and water safety in at-risk migrant Communities
Omar Abu-Muhamoud, Swim Brothers
Strengthening water safety in early childhood: Enhancing the role of the early years learning framework
Dr Shayne Baker OAM, Adjunct Lecturer, University of Southern Queensland
Introduction of AI drowning detection systems for additional safety controls:  risk and change management
Jacob Brown, Director, Specialised Engineering Technologies – AngelEye

Safely engaging with water
Dr Harpreet S Kandra, Academic, Federation University | Community Volunteer, Officer Sikh Gurdwara

Generations at risk: inter generational approaches to water safety in new and emerging communities
Ennia Jones, Founder and Executive Director, A Splash of Colour Swimming Inc.
Is NSW Practice Note 15 fit for purpose in 2025 and beyond?
Paul Chivers, Founding Director, Risk Facilitator
Supporting our lifeguards with cutting edge AI drowning prevention technology
Daniel Mulvey, General Manager, Lynxight ANZ
Workshop: Partnership for impact
Dr Justine Leavy, Associate Professor, Curtin University
 Lauren Nimmo, General Manager, Advocacy and Research, Royal Life Saving Western Australia
Level up: Game-based learning for water-savvy kids
Dr Alana Leabeater, Coordinator - Research and Health Promotion
Public Rescue Equipment on New Zealand Beaches
Tom Kearney, National Coastal Safety Manager, Surf Life Saving New Zealand
Dr Juliana Albertoni, Coastal Safety Officer, Surf Life Saving New Zealand
The Inland Waterway Guidelines: Development and implementation
RJ Houston, General Manager - Capability & Industry, Royal Life Saving Australia
The role of water safety programs in the health and wellbeing of children with autism
Jake Culkin, Founder & Director, Inclusive Swim
Strong partnerships, safe water: Accountability, alignment, and action on drowning prevention in Victoria
Brenna Callinan & Martin Hanlon, Australia and New Zealand School of Government
Risks and opportunities amid the revitalisation of inland swim spots
Dr Amy Peden, Senior Research Fellow, University of New South Wales

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Afternoon Tea

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Session 4 - Plenary

Panel Discussion ~ Local water safety strategy and planning
Mark Howie, Senior Sergeant First Class, South Australia Police
Nick Grant-Collins, Coordinator Community Safety and Resilience, Bass Coast Shire Council
Brooke Cherfils, National Manager - Lifesaving Development, Royal Life Saving Australia

Panel Discussion ~  The role of Local Government
Tim Goward, Manager Community Services and Facilities, City of Gold Coast
Amanda Locke, Manager Leisure and Recreation Services, City of Greater Geelong
Brad Sutton, Manager Leisure Services, Lake Macquarie City Council

Panel Discussion ~  Older adults
Sophia Petrov, National Manager - Policy and Engagement, COTA Australia
Professor Rebecca Ivers AM, School of Population Health | Ageing Futures Institute, UNSW Sydney

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Networking Social

Continuing the day’s most important conversations over drinks and light food – catch up with old colleagues, meet new people, and lean in to being part of the Australian water safety community.

Day Two: Friday 25 July 2025 

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Registration and Networking Coffee

8:30 AM - 9:45 AM: Session Five - World Drowning Prevention Day Plenary

Day Two Welcome
Dr Justin Scarr, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Life Saving Australia | Convenor, Australian Water Safety Council

World Drowning Prevention Day Address
The Hon Matt Thistlethwait MP, Assistant Minister for Immigration, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Day Two Keynote
Drowning prevention action in the United States: Strategy, research, and collaboration

Dr Tessa Clemens, Senior Director of Drowning Prevention Initiatives, CDC Foundation (USA)

Panel Discussion ~  Global drowning prevention: Strategy to action
Dr Tessa Clemens, Senior Director of Drowning Prevention Initiatives, CDC Foundation (USA)
Dr Jagnoor Jagnoor, Program Lead - Injury, The George Institute for Global Health

9:45 AM - 10:30 AM: World Drowning Prevention Day Commemoration and Morning Tea

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Session Six - Plenary

Panel Discussion ~ Figuring out unpatrolled locations, optimising campaign messages and education, and managing risk on the sand: what matters most for beach safety?
Dr Jaz Lawes, National Research Manager, Surf Life Saving Australia
Professor Rob Brander AM, UNSW Sydney
Paul Chivers, Founding Director, Risk Facilitator 
Associate Professor Brian Cook, University of Melbourne

Panel Discussion ~  Opening swim sites, understanding new guidelines, and a multisectoral approach: what matters most for safety at rivers and lakes?
RJ Houston, General Manager - Capability & Industry, Royal Life Saving Australia 
David Lawrence, General Manager - Health & Safety, Sunwater
Dr Amy Peden, Senior Research Fellow, UNSW Sydney
Claire Allen, Director Policy and Engagement, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

Panel Discussion ~  Crumbling infrastructure, staffing shortages, and the role of the local pool: what matters most for Aquatic Facilities?
Scott Vanderheyden, Group Health & Safety Manager, Belgravia Group
Georgie Nichol, Executive General Manager, AUSTSWIM
Adam Luscombe,  General Manager, South Australia Aquatic and Leisure Centre
RJ Houston, General Manager - Capability & Industry, Royal Life Saving Australia

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Session 7 - Breakout

Breakout Session 7.A
Workforce Education and Training

Room: Wattle
Moderator: Georgie Nichol

Breakout Session 7.B
drowning prevention Advocacy

Room: Thomas/Broadway
Moderator: Paul Shannon

Breakout Session 7.C
Health and wellbeing: Looking after our people

Room: Jones
Moderator: Marty Moran

Breakout Session 7.D
Research and evaluation

Room: Harris
Moderator: Stacey Pidgeon

Reframing behavioural challenges in aquatics: A Life-Saving Opportunity
Ruth Smith, Owner,  Aquatic Mentors
Evidence-based and best practice ways of achieving change from policymakers
Assistant Professor Brian Cook, University of Melbourne
Increasing participation and ensuring welcoming waters
Pamela Simon, Learning and Development Manager, Surf Life Saving Australia
Sarah Harris, Participation Manager,  Surf Life Saving Australia
The burden of neuropsychological and serious behavioural outcomes due to non-fatal drowning
Elle Shu, Research Fellow, The George Institute for Global Health
The readiness of aquatic professionals to support individuals on the autism spectrum
Tara Berry, Occupational Therapy (Honours) Student, Western Sydney University
'Stop. Look. Stay Alive.': Evaluation of a unified water safety message and campaign
Professor Rob Brander, UNSW Sydney
The health and wellbeing of Australia's aquatic workforce
RJ Houston, General Manager – Capability & Industry, Royal Life Saving Australia
Race, the floating signifier: a conceptual framework for understanding race and ethnicity drowning prevention policy, research and education
Kurt Cordice, Pracademic / PhD Candidate, Enigmatic Global / University of Waikato
Building Cultures of Acceptance with Neuroaffirming Perspectives
Antoinette Spear, General Manager, Autism Swim
Utilising formative research to tailor and evaluate a localised drowning prevention campaign for an inland, regional community
Grace Strugnell, Specialist - Research and Projects, Life Saving Victoria
First nations employment strategy for the water safety sector
Bobby Porykali, Guuna- Maana, The George Institute for Global Health
The water safety implementation project: investigating implementation practice in drowning prevention and water safety efforts in high-income countries
Malena Della Bona, Senior Research Officer & PhD Candidate, Curtin University        
Effectiveness of resuscitations in Queensland
Nat Edwards, Lifesaving Services Manager,
Surf Life Saving Queensland
Swim schools as frontline educators delivering prevention-focused outcomes in local communities
Luke Daly, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Swim Schools Association
Surf Life Saving New Zealand's peer support program
Ari Peach, National Wellbeing Lead, Surf Life Saving New Zealand
The impact of climate change on drowning and aquatic injury
Sean Kelly, PhD Candidate, UNSW Sydney
From policy to practice: Building a child-safe culture in the aquatic industry
Samantha Tantum, Head of State Operations, AUSTSWIM
Evidence-based and best practice ways of achieving change from policymakers Francis Ventura, Chief Executive Officer, KidSafe ACT Mentoring for swim teachers
Dr. Nina Nyitrai, Aquatic Researcher | Trainer/Assessor, Swim 4 Survival

The future of Australian drowning prevention research: Workshop and facilitated discussion

Dr Will Koon, National Manager - Drowning Prevention Strategy, Royal Life Saving Australia

Safe waters, safe children: A national update on child safeguarding in aquatics and the ramifications of recent child abuse incidents in childcare settings
Marco Blanco, CEO, Child Safeguard 
The Last Three Feet
Liz Phillips, Director, The Phillips Foundation
The impact of resuscitation
Prof John Pearn, Medical Advisor, Royal Life Saving Australia
Q&A and Group DiscussionThe social impact of remote pools in regional and remote communities in WA
A/Prof Leanne Lester, Centre for Social Impact, University of Western Australia
Q&A and Group Discussion
 Using the media to effectively advocate for drowning prevention Julie Power, Senior Reporter, Sydney Morning Herald  

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Afternoon Tea

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Session 8 - Closing Plenary

Panel Discussion ~ Reflections from Day 1 Breakout Sessions

Panel Discussion ~ Reflections from Day 2 Breakout Sessions

Panel Discussion ~ Closing comments and next steps