Managing Director, AquaSafe New Zealand.

Dr Jonathon Webber is an advanced qualified lifeguard (ret.), and life member of the Piha Surf Life Saving Club, Surf Life Saving Northern Region and Surf Life Saving New Zealand. A senior lecturer in the Department of Anaesthesiology and director of the Simulation Centre for Patient Safety at the University of Auckland, he is a co-founder of the International Drowning Researchers’ Alliance (IDRA) and corresponding member of the International Life Saving Federation Medical Committee. 

Jonathon holds a Doctorate in Professional Studies by Public Works through Middlesex University and has authored and co-authored several texts on lifeguarding, water safety, first aid, and resuscitation, as well as national surf lifesaving policies and guidelines for CPR in drowning. He has presented and published work on drowning detection and response by lifeguards, leisure-related injuries at NZ beaches, lifeguard perception and performance of CPR, bystander rescue, body recovery times on the NZ coastline, human factors in lifeguarding, airway management in drowning, and first aid training and resuscitation in the aquatic environment. 

Jonathon regularly fronts New Zealand’s print, television, radio, and online media on drowning and resuscitation-related matters, and since 2002, has been trying to educate reporters on the importance of using correct terminology. As an expert witness to the coroner’s court, he has recently been working with an investigative journalist to review the evidence in an inquest where testimony from a specialist in drowning had not been sought.

Deputy CEO and Marketing Manager of Water Safety Ireland (WSI)

Roger is the Deputy CEO and Marketing Manager of Water Safety Ireland (WSI), a statutory body, voluntary organisation, and registered charity dedicated to preventing drownings and promoting safe enjoyment of Ireland’s waterways.

With extensive experience in public awareness and behaviour change campaigns, Roger leads national initiatives that foster a culture of safety across aquatic environments. He also serves on the Marine Safety Communications Working Group, collaborating with statutory, search and rescue, and community partners to enhance water safety communication and response.

An advocate for innovation and collaboration in public service, Roger holds an MSc in Innovation Management in the Public Service and a Diploma in Community Development from the University of Galway. He has previously served on the boards of The Wheel and the Marketing Institute of Ireland (West Chapter).

Media Coordinator, Uganda | Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI)

Onyum Charles Okao serves as the Media Coordinator for the Global Health Advocacy Incubator's (GHAI) Drowning Prevention and Data for Health programs in Uganda. In this role, he partners with government agencies, civil society organizations, and media to design and execute strategic communications that drive health policy reforms.

Charles has been instrumental in fostering multi-stakeholder dialogues, amplifying the use of health data in advocacy, and equipping partners with tools to tackle drowning prevention and CRVS challenges. His work emphasizes community-driven approaches to policy advocacy, ensuring lasting impact.

Before joining GHAI, Charles gained extensive experience in strategic communications, advancing initiatives in health promotion, education, road safety, and alcohol control legislation. He is dedicated to harnessing the power of media to transform public health and improve lives.