On 25th July, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) rallied its staff, volunteers, and caring individuals nationwide to wear blue and raise awareness on World Drowning Prevention Day. The campaign aimed to underscore the urgency of reducing drownings and emphasize that anyone can drown, but nobody should. Says the report from nsri.org.
- NSRI mobilizes South Africans on World Drowning Prevention Day, advocating for drowning prevention through blue clothing and symbolic displays of blue lights.
- A day-long webinar with experts sheds light on the urgency of drowning prevention and global efforts to save lives.
- NSRI introduces the Māori Bell tradition to celebrate every life saved, emphasizing the importance of collective action in water safety.
Lighting up the Night in Remembrance
The eve of World Drowning Prevention Day saw striking displays of blue lights illuminating iconic locations like East London City, Whalebone Pier in KwaZulu-Natal, and the NSRI Volunteer Support Centre in Cape Town. The spectacle served as a solemn tribute to those who lost their lives to drowning and reinforced the message that drowning prevention is a global imperative.
A Day of Learning and Insights
The NSRI hosted a day-long webinar on the 25th, featuring esteemed experts from various organizations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Panelists shared their research, insights, and knowledge on drowning prevention, shedding light on the pressing public health concern and the efforts being made to prevent drownings.
Ringing the Bell for Lives Saved
As a powerful symbol of hope and life-saving efforts, the NSRI inaugurated a new tradition: the ringing of the Māori Bell for every life saved. The historic bell, rediscovered after years of searching, will now reside at the Volunteer Support Centre. Its resonant sound will serve as a celebration of each successful rescue carried out by the NSRI.
A Day of Global Significance
World Drowning Prevention Day holds special importance as it is recognized by prominent organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations. With drowning incidents, especially among children, prevalent in middle- to low-income countries like South Africa, the day serves as a global call-to-action to prioritize drowning prevention measures and spread awareness on water safety.
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Source-nsri.org
