NSRI call to action – ‘it’s time to teach our children water safety at school’
Drowning is a leading cause of child mortality, with about a third of the fatal drownings being children under the age of 14
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has called on the Department of Basic Education to include water safety, swimming and first aid lessons as part of the school curriculum.
This after the United Nations declared drowning as an international issue which requires serious attention.
In South Africa, it is reported that there are approximately 1 500 fatal drownings annually, of which 450 are children.
Drowning is a leading cause of child mortality, with about a third of the fatal drownings being children under the age of 14.
The NSRI, however, believes that the vast majority of these deaths could and should have been prevented.
Ahead of the first United Nation’s World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July, the institute is urging all South Africans, and in particular parents and caregivers, to sign an online call for government to make the water safety education programme for children an urgent priority.
‘The entire responsibility lies on parents and caregivers to ensure children are safe around water. ‘But the reality is that for many families, swimming lessons and water safety education are not accessible due to cost, locality and lack of education,’ said Jill Fortuin, NSRI Director of Drowning Prevention.
Support the NSRI’s call to action by signing the submission here.
