National Sea Rescue Institute lights the beaches blue this World Drowning Prevention Day

WORLD Drowning Prevention Day (WDPD), declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) in 2021, takes place today, July 25.

This advocacy event serves to raise awareness of drowning as a global public health concern. To emphasise the ongoing importance of global commitment to implementing preventive measures, it is essential to remind people that ‘anyone can drown but no one should’.

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Executive director of Drowning Prevention Services at the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Dr Jill Fortuin, said the NSRI supports the WHO’s call for action as this call is one of the major contributors that embody the work done by the Drowning Prevention Department at the NSRI.

The focus of the campaign in 2023 is to put the spotlight on drowning prevention, in that anyone can drown but no one should.

On average, 1 477 people drown in South Africa every year – most of these fatal drownings occur among males, children under 14 years and in inland waters.

WDPD calls for doing one thing, improving one thing, and adding one thing to help prevent drownings.

“As one of the leading bodies in South Africa operating in the drowning prevention discipline, we are urging South Africans to help us commemorate the day by wearing blue on July 25. This colour symbolises the urgent need for action to reduce drownings,” adds Fortuin.

In addition, the colour blue is about remembering people who have drowned, creating awareness, and increasing knowledge about drowning.

Additionally, the NSRI has designated several prominent locations to be illuminated in blue, serving as a tribute to those who have tragically lost their lives to drowning and as a visible commitment to preventing future incidents.

The Durban landmark is the Whalebone Pier in uMhlanga Rocks where a water-safety campaign will also take place today.

“We are forever dedicated to enhancing water-safety education across the country, and NSRI Drowning Prevention instructors will be conducting water-safety education lessons in different regions,” said Fortuin.

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