Building Safer Waters: Steve Wills’ Journey from RNLI to International Drowning Prevention Ep. 13.

In this episode of Beyond the Surface, host Debbie Anne Turnbull MBE speaks with water safety expert Steve Wills about the evolution of drowning prevention and the impact of real-life stories. Discover how education, advocacy, and collaboration are shaping the future of water safety.

• The origins and growth of beach safety programs in the UK
• Global efforts in drowning prevention, including work with the UN and WHO
• Challenges in funding, access, and inequality in swimming education
• The power of personal storytelling in raising awareness and driving change
• Upcoming conferences, initiatives, and the ongoing journey to keep communities safe

Chapters

0:00 Drowning Prevention and Beach Safety

05:36 Global Drowning Prevention Efforts

07:22 Freelance Consultant in Global Initiatives

10:34 "Advocating Swim Safety Education"

14:06 Rescued Stories: Lessons Learned

18:13 "Education Requires Follow-Up Engagement"

21:18 Reviving Youth Safety Programs

26:26 Mental Health, Safety, and Engagement

28:10 Global Maritime Search & Rescue Review

31:34 Global Conference for Shared Learning

35:14 "Progress in Drowning Data Sharing"

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Connect with Debbie and find out more about her work here:

W: www.riverandseasense.com

E: debbie@riverandseasense.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riverandseasense

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-anne-turnbull-mbe-33190510/