CORRECTION: A previous version of this article misstated the new name of NDPA's conference. It is now called the National Water Safety Conference.
The National Drowning Prevention Alliance rolled out several new programs and changes at its conference in New Orleans.
Some of these changes are meant to reach professionals from new disciplines. For instance, the organization now offers a free membership category to reach new professionals. Called "basic lifetime membership," his bare-bones plan allows use of the NDPA member logo, a listed in NDPA's member directory, the organization's communications and newsletter, and free access to certain resources. A paid membership category offers further benefits, including free access to webinars.
To learn more, go to ndpa.org and click on the "get involved" tab.
In the same vein, beginning next year, the conference will be called the National Water Safety Conference. Up to this point, it was called the Drowning Prevention Alliance Educational Conference. "Where we have really seen a disconnect is the open water and boating communities," said NDPA Executive Director Adam Katchmarchi. "What we found over time is that the term 'drowning prevention' isn’t common language across all industries. But water safety is more all-encompassing across the different [groups] we work in."
The organization also has introduced the Layers of Protection program, whereby manufacturers can apply to receive a recommendation for their drowning-prevention and safety products. Manufacturers can apply through the organization's website. NDPA will begin actively marketing the program to gain recognition among consumers.
