Conference Code of Conduct
Drowning prevention is more ‘community’ than ‘field’. It is a community that includes many crowds, each with overlapping interests, perspectives, and professional disciplines. Drowning prevention can be equal parts passion and expertise. That is what makes World Conference on Drowning Prevention (WCDP) such an enjoyable experience.
So, we don’t really think a code of conduct will be used, but it is needed. We have all been to conferences where questions get out of line, or where the session chair steps into commentary, or a speaker marginalises some attendees, or where the speeches are off colour, out of date or worse.
The co-hosts of WCDP 2023 have a deep commitment to inclusion. While passionate about our perspectives on problems and solutions to drowning, our goal is for an inspiring, collegiate, and respectful conference in debate, all meetings and social functions.
Please help by reviewing and committing to the following code of conduct.
Code of Conduct
WCDP2023 is committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all attendees, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin or other protected characteristics.
We expect all attendees: delegates, media, presenters, volunteers, organisers, venue staff, contractors, guests, sponsors and exhibitors to help us ensure a safe and positive conference experience for everyone.
We expect all participants at WCDP2023 to abide by this Code of Conduct in all venues, including ancillary events and all social gatherings:
- Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.
- Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory or harassing behaviour and speech.
- Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants.
- Alert the WCDP2023 Organising Team if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct.
Unacceptable behaviours include:
- Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions by any participant.
- Harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments or visual images related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability or other personal characteristics.
- Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces (including presentation slides).
- Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following.
- Harassing photography.
- Photographing slides of oral presentations and posters without the express permission of the presenter/author.
- Video/audio/photographic recording of scientific and other sessions without the express permission of the participants.
- Sustained disruption of a presentation or event(s).
- Unwelcome and uninvited attention or physical/electronic contact.
- Physical assault (including unwelcome touch or groping).
- Real or implied threat of physical harm.
- Real or implied threat of professional or financial damage or harm.
What to do if you witness or experience conduct that violates the code:
The WCDP 2023 Organising Team will assist participants and take the necessary steps and contact appropriate authorities, to enable participants to feel safe for the duration of the conference.
Need to file a complaint?
All reports will be confidential and a brief written account of any breach of this code should be made to the following WCDP2023 co-hosts:
Justin Scarr Chief Executive Officer, Royal Life Saving Society – Australia Email: jscarr@rlssa.org.au | Adam Weir Chief Executive Officer, Surf Life Saving Australia Email: AWeir@slsa.asn.au |
Consequences of unacceptable behaviour
Unacceptable behaviour from any participant at the WCDP 2023, including delegates, media, presenters, volunteers, organisers, venue staff, contractors, guests, sponsors and exhibitors will not be tolerated. Anyone asked to stop unacceptable behaviour is expected to comply immediately.
If a participant engages in unacceptable behaviour, the WCDP 2023 organising team/committee may take any action they deem appropriate, including removal from the conference, without refund, and/or future WCDP conferences and/or the possibility of reporting to local law enforcement.