Foundation
Was established as scientific network devoted to all aspects of the use of quantitative and technical methods in drowning research to promote safety in and around water environments.
It is a permanent body of internationally renowned experts dedicated to drowning research. The team of founding members coordinate the permanent committees of the alliance, and the working groups created to develop and implement each project. These working groups are constituted by members and anyone interested in dedicated their time, skills, and resources to specific drowning prevention projects or tasks. Within the alliance, each party retains its independence, and cooperates on a limited basis, contributing only the resources necessary to meet a specific need.
There is currently no similar professional association of drowning prevention researchers. Therefore, IDRA will continue to provide a vital link between researchers and those involved in the management and prevention of drowning.
Founders
Ana Catarina Queiroga
Catarina is a Microbiologist with a PhD in Biology and has since 2006 been engaged in several lifesaving projects as well as teaching. She has a special interest in drowning research and prevention issues and in promoting water safety in developing...
David Szpilman
Graduated in medicine in 1982, worked from 1990 to 2010, as a doctor with lifeguards at the Drowning Resuscitation Centre (Fire Department of Rio de Janeiro). This Centre is a pre-hospital emergency facility at the Rio de Janeiro Beaches, specially...
Jonathon Webber
Jonathon Webber is an Advanced Qualified Lifeguard, and Life Member of the Piha Surf Life Saving Club and Surf Life Saving Northern Region (New Zealand). An Honorary Lecturer in the Department of Anaesthesiology at the University of Auckland...
Joost Bierens
Dr. Joost Bierens, MD, PhD MCDM, MCPM, was trained as anesthesiologist in Leiden (NL) and emergency physician in Leuven (Belgium). After he completed these trainings, he worked as anesthesiologist and Intensive Care physician (Venlo, NL) and head of ...
Michael Tipton
Educated at the Universities of Keele and London, Professor Tipton joined the University of Surrey in 1986. After 12 years at the Robens Institute and European Institute of Health and Medical Science he moved to the University of Portsmouth in 1998...
Justin Sempsrott
Justin has been an Ocean Lifeguard since 1996 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. While attending medical school at the University of South Florida in Tampa, he had the opportunity to see firsthand the immense need for lifeguard and drowning education in ...
Roberto Barcala Furelos
Professor Barcala-Furelos has a Ph.D. in Sports Sciences (University of Vigo, Spain). He has a Bachelor in Sport Sciences (PE) and Bachelor in Nursing (RN). Professor Barcala-Furelos is a lifeguard and lifeguard instructor. Currently is a professor ...