Disasters, particularly natural disasters such as hurricanes, severe flooding and storm surges, affect millions of people annually. Drowning is a common, yet under reported consequence. In recent years, events such a tropical cyclone Nargis in Myanmar, Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, and Typhoon Morakot across East Asia, have increased focus on disaster reduction strategies. Many scientists forecast increasing activity due the growing impact of climate change.

Transportation disasters are also a common occurrence, with ageing inter-island ferry systems across developing countries posing the greatest concern. Preventing these drowning deaths poses many policy, economic and education challenges.

The Disaster and Climate Change stream will focus on:

• Disaster mitigation, preparation and response
• Transportation related drowning prevention
• Occupational related drowning prevention.
• Climate change and its impact on drowning and water safety.
• Current and future impact of sea level changes

The conference news service will monitor and report on relevant disasters and events in the lead-up to the conference. We are also very keen to hear from disaster networks and agencies with an interest in these events, whether as participants, speakers or conference partners.