Story By Motshwari Mofokeng
As South Africa prepares to mark World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July, dozens of children from disadvantaged communities took an important step towards a safer future by learning essential swimming and water safety skills in Durban.
The eThekwini Municipality hosted an interactive water safety programme at the Rachel Finlayson Swimming Pool, where learners joined lifeguards, emergency personnel and community members for practical demonstrations on how to stay safe in and around water.
For many children, the event was more than just a day at the pool. It was an opportunity to overcome fear, build confidence and gain skills that could one day save their lives or someone else’s.
Municipal lifeguards impressed participants with rescue demonstrations, first aid techniques and emergency response drills, highlighting the vital work they do at Durban’s beaches and public pools.
Director of Recreation and Parks, Dr Simphiwe Ndlovu, said every life lost to drowning is one too many and stressed that water safety is everyone’s responsibility. He encouraged parents to supervise children closely and urged residents to swim only where trained lifeguards are on duty.
With an estimated 1,500 drowning deaths recorded annually in South Africa, the Municipality hopes its Learn to Swim Programme will help create a new generation of confident swimmers and reduce preventable tragedies.
Email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
