World Water Safety

INTERNATIONAL LIFE SAVING FEDERATION
Gemeenteplein 26 – 3010 Leuven – Belgium
Tel: +32/16896060 - Email: ils.hq@telenet.be - Web: www.ilsf.org

ILS POLICY – POL 11

AQUATIC ENVIRONMENTAL POLICYPOLICY STATEMENTThe ILS Member Federations/Organisations are active participants in the cooperative world
network of community organisations that promote environmental stewardship in the protectionof the ecologically sensitive aquatic environments (coastal and inland waterways, swimming
pool and aquatic facilities) in conjunction with their primary role of water safety and drowning
prevention.
The ILS is committed to the ecologically sustainable use of the aquatic environment andenvironmental best practice in the management of natural and developed recreation andsporting facilities for safe and healthy recreational activity. It will demonstrate this commitment
through the promotion of environmentally friendly practices, education and awarenesspromotion of environmental issues to ensure the ecologically sustainable use of the naturaland developed aquatic environments.
The ILS actively encourages all member Federations/Organisations to apply this policy to all
the lifesaving activities in the aquatic environment.
DEFINITION
For clarity, this “Aquatic Environmental Policy” relates to all natural coastal and inland
waterways used for recreational use as well as developed recreational and sports facilities
such as swimming pools, recreational water parks and other aquatic facilities used forrecreational purposes.
Coastal and inland waterways mean all ocean and open water environments, lakes, rivers,estuaries, ponds, dams and similar natural and manmade aquatic features.
Developed facilities incorporate all-purpose designed, built and managed swimming pools,
water parks and aquatic facilities incorporated in the built environment of establishedcommunities.

International Life Saving FederationILS Policy - POL-11. Aquatic Environmental Policy

Page 2PURPOSE
Beaches, waterways and aquatic facilities are important resources and provide an importantfeature for recreational use in countries around the world. Of equal or greater importance isthe role that the natural waterways play in a country or regions economic development throughensuring a clean water supply, agriculture, transportation, eliminating threats to survival andenergy generation.
The coastal zone and waterways often embody important social, cultural and indigenous
values, including coastal landscapes, amenity and access. With some societies giving
increased value to lifestyle choices in the aquatic environment, a cooperative approach toecologically sustainable use and development of those zones is important.
Climate change will certainly have an effect over the aquatic environment. Although the exact
nature of this impact on both the environment and society is still largely unknown, it isincreasingly the object of research activities. Weather related hazards such as flooding andstorm surges not only effect the immediate environment, but have longer term implications forusers, managers and owners of these waterways.
Coastal and inland waterways, and developed swimming pools and aquatic facilities aredependent on healthy environments, and the capacity to ensure ecologically sustainable use,development and management of that environment is imperative for all.
The ILS commits as an active partner with all Member Federations/Organisations andgovernments in a cooperative approach in the care, protection and management of all aquaticenvironments.
The ILS advocates in support of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, andspecifically Goal 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability where targets such as those relating
to the integration of sustainable development, and increasing access to safe drinking wateralign with this policy.
In establishing this policy, it must be recognised that the ILS’s primary mission is drowning
prevention and saving lives in the aquatic environment.
POLICY
A global cooperative approach to protecting aquatic environment features used for economic
and/or recreational purposes, from environmental damage will benefit all lifesavers andassociated communities. These benefits include:
Environmental• Protection of the aquatic environment ensures future sustainability.
• Reducing waste and pollution of all aquatic environments.
• Reducing environmental impacts on eco-systems.
• Conserving use of natural resources.
• Improving water quality.
Social• Community enjoyment of lifestyle choices within a healthy environment.
• Protection of all recreational aquatic areas in support of important social, cultural andindigenous values.

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Improved the image of ILS Member Federations/Organisations throughout the community(including positive media and corporate coverage).
Improved relationships with the community, business and government as a proactive
contributor to environmental sustainability.
Education of ILS Member Federations/Organisations (or nations of ILS MemberOrganisations).

Economical• Savings to organisations because of more efficient use of energy and water.
• Effective waste management.
• Reduced environmental liability.
Governance• Cooperative approach to the management and sustainable use of aquatic recreationalareas.
• Interdependency of coastal user and management groups.
• Maintaining sustainable and resilient water ways and facilities.
• Adopting best practice management of recreational aquatic facilities.
• Enhanced knowledge base for developing institutional capacity.
SPECIFIC POLICY AREAS
Caring for the aquatic environment
The ILS is committed to reducing and preventing anthropogenic impacts (e.g. pollution) on
coastal and inland waterways, marine systems and aquatic recreational facilities byencouraging the ILS Member Federations/Organisations to review and manage lifesaving
practices within the aquatic environment through the education of its members and the wider
community. Youth work structures can play an important role in environmental education ofcommunities and ILS Member Federations/Organisations human resources.
Developing community networks
The ILS is committed in conjunction with Member Federations/Organisations to establish
cooperative relationships with community and government organisations to support lifesaving
initiatives and promote member and public education activities relating to the responsible useof the environment.
Encouraging Member Organisations
The ILS is committed to caring for our environment by encouraging Member Federations/
Organisations to adopt environmentally sustainable practices.
Protecting coastal, Inland and wildlife habitats
The ILS is committed to protecting the diversity of natural coastal and inland habitats, Marine
Protected Areas (MPA’s) and other aquatic environments through education andenvironmentally sustainable practices, procedures and management.
PROCEDURES
The International Life Saving will support the implementation of this policy by:•Minimising the environmental impact of ILS activities through careful management of alllifesaving events and services.

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Page 4Raising Member Federation/Organisation and community awareness of aquatic
environmental management issues.
Encouraging greater participation by all Member Federations/Organisations in thegovernance and protection of the aquatic environment.
Encouraging Member Federations/Organisations to work with community networks/
partners to initiate environmental improvements.
Proactively promoting that any adverse environmental impact from lifesaving activity is
minimised through the provision of effective education in the use of lifesaving equipment
and the management of lifesaving activities.
Establishing guidelines to ensure environmental protection is a key objective in theeffective management of lifesaving events and activities.
Using risk management principles and techniques to underpin coastal and waterway
development, regeneration and renewal priorities.
Encouraging Member Federations/Organisations to adopt environmentally friendly andecologically sustainable practices in facility development and resource recovery, including
water and energy conservation and waste management.
Setting an example through use and promotion of environmentally friendly printed
information as well as goods and services.
Recognising and rewarding sustained commitment to good environmental practice.
Working cooperatively with national and international organisations committed toresponsible environmental impact management in the aquatic environments.

Policy approved by the Board of Directors on 26/09/2009 and on 03/09/2016 and on 24/09/2022.