Author: Dan

Filling the #DisasterGap in Bangladesh

30th June 202030th June 2020Dan

The Rohingya refugee and Bangladeshi host community population in Cox’s Bazar district are extremely vulnerable to the impact of natural hazards such as floods and cyclones. A small storm-surge could inundate large areas of land, and impact tens of thousands of people. Despite the incredible power of the super-cyclone in the Bay of Bengal on the 18th & 19th of May, the power dissipated, and the track moved over 150km further west. The people in Cox’s Bazar certainly experienced rough weather, but it was very minor compared to the impact further north in Khulna and West B...

World Conference on Drowning 2019

14th November 201914th November 2019Dan

At the World Conference on Drowning Prevention in Durban, Dan co-delivered the following workshop: Community based Disaster Risk Reduction Prior to the conference, Dan was the Chair of the review panel for the Rescue stream, and chaired one of the Rescue sessions during the conference. As the Chair of the review panel, Dan was also required to speak during the closing plenary to summarise the learning that had taken place during the conference.

World Conference on Drowning Prevention 2017

14th November 201914th November 2019Dan

At the World Conference on Drowning Prevention in Vancouver, Dan co-presented oral presentations entitled: Drowning Prevention and the SDGsDesigning evidence based flood safety interventions Prior to the conference, Dan was the Chair of the review panel for the Rescue stream, and chaired one of the Rescue sessions during the conference. As the Chair of the review panel, Dan was also required to speak during the closing plenary to summarise the learning that had taken place during the conference.

Warming cold swimmers (not hypothermia)

25th May 201622nd August 2020Dan

This article is written for rescuers/helpers when a swim has not gone to plan and the swimmer has got a little colder and needs a little more help than expected. As an experienced Adventure Racer – Dan has looked after himself in a variety of states of (dis)repair. As a WEMSI Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician, and former Mountain Rescue team member – he has also looked after others in a variety of states of disrepair too. Indeed, once or twice he has had hypothermia. Generally, a newbie swimmer's biggest concern is the cold, and getting people warm again – I often hear about peopl...

Open Water Lifeguard

25th May 201625th May 2016Dan

As a consultant for the Royal Life Saving Society UK, Dan was tasked with developing the concept and resources for an Open Water Lifeguard training course that could build upon the existing National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ). With Dan driving the development, this resource went from concept to completion in less than 18 months - a record for RLSS UK. What the day involves The course consists of a one-day "bolt-on" module which trains swimming pool lifeguards how to use their existing skills in an open water environment. There is no recap of existing NPLQ skills, and instead the c...

World Conference on Drowning Prevention 2015

25th May 201625th May 2016Dan

At the World Conference on Drowning Prevention in Penang, Dan presented the following papers: As a representative of Royal Life Saving Society Commonwealth - A low resource pool lifeguard programme for LMICs As a representative of Nile Swimmers - The challenges & successes of mixed-gender training in a conservative muslim society. Prior to the conference, Dan was the Chair of the review panel for the Rescue stream, and chaired one of the Rescue sessions during the conference. Dan was also invited to take part in an active symposium discussing the challenges of CPR train...

World Conference on Drowning Prevention 2013

25th May 201625th May 2016Dan

At the World Conference on Drowning Prevention in 2013, Dan presented the following papers whilst representing Nile Swimmers: Breath-hold freediving - another name for competitive drowning? In denial - exploring the real risks of drowning in LICs From reactive to proactive - building capacity within the Sudanese Civil Defence Disasters in developing countries - international rescue vs local resilience Swimming across borders - international collaboration (in partnership with Lifeguards Without Borders) Please contact me for further information.

Handbook on Drowning

25th May 201626th May 2016Dan

Since the seminal first edition of the Handbook on Drowning published in 2005, many epidemiological data have confirmed the burden of drowning in several parts of the world. Studies have increased the understanding of effective drowning prevention strategies, rescue techniques and treatment options. More has been learnt about hypothermia, the life-saving preparations of water-related disasters and how to deal with forensic investigations. In the updated second edition, published in 2015, experts from around the world provide a wide overview of research data, expert opinions, and consensus...

Aquatic Risk Management

25th May 201626th May 2016Dan

Dan is used to working with clients of all sizes, and developing reasonably appropriate solutions to aquatic risk management. Starting from the principle that it is possible to do your activity in a safe way, and working to develop systems that encourage your staff & clients to engage with the water in positive way. Experience In the UK, the 90's culture of health and safety meant huge restrictions on aquatic activity, particularly open water. For years, Dan has championed the push-back against over zealous risk managers, and sought to educate people that it is possible for aquatic act...

Occupational Water Safety

25th May 201625th May 2016Dan

Dan has years of operational experience of occupational water safety in industrial settings. From providing safety cover for bridge inspections, access for engineering works, or flood safety work in emergency situations. Dan brings a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to your tasks, and he is able to offer practical solutions to manage your occupational water risk. Who is this useful for? Dan has operational understanding of and experience with pontoons, powerboats, jetskis, scaffolding, and workboats. He has worked with TV companies, film crews, civil engineers, scaffolders, pa...