Lifesaving South Africa (LSA) said there is an urgent need for drowning prevention education in South Africa.

This comes as the country observed World Drowning Prevention Day on Thursday.

LSA president Dhaya Sewduth said the first quarter of 2024 witnessed the tragic drowning deaths of Latoya Temilton, Sibusiso Sibiya, and Siphamandla Peterson during school excursions.

He said this underscores the critical need for enhanced water safety measures as drowning is a preventable tragedy.

“Through its WaterSmart programme, LSA has reached over a million learners across more than 6,000 schools since its inception. Partnering with the Department of Education and DHL, the WaterSmart programme educates children about the dangers of water, equipping them with essential skills to manage risks and maintain constant vigilance around water bodies,” he said.

In addition, Sewduth said, Lifesaving South Africa has been actively collaborating with municipalities to improve water safety infrastructure and policies.

He noted that LSA’s voluntary lifeguards, who contributed 91 700 duty hours in the 2023/24 season, play a crucial role in saving lives and preventing drownings.

“Their efforts significantly benefit local communities, the sporting industry, and tourism. South Africa, with its extensive coastline and numerous rivers, dams, and pools, is particularly vulnerable to drowning incidents,” he said.

Sewduth said based on World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, Southern Africa is one of the regions, globally, with the highest risk.

“South African mortality statistics estimate approximately 1500 people die from drowning annually in South Africa, an average of 4 people daily,” he said.

Poor municipal planning, unsupervised access to water sources, and the use of alcohol or banned substances exacerbate the risk, said Sewduth.

He said LSA’s initiatives aim to mitigate these risks through comprehensive education and training.

“Lifesaving South Africa invites everyone to join in the World Drowning Prevention Day programme with the motto: Do one thing. Improve one thing and add one thing.

“The organisation urges all to take proactive steps in preventing drownings, whether through community outreach, promoting water safety messages, or ensuring proper supervision of children around water,” said Sewduth.

The Mercury