Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube and Ryan Sibanda, Zimpapers Writers
BULAWAYO will on Saturday host its inaugural World Drowning Prevention Day commemorations as stakeholders intensify efforts to raise awareness about water safety amid global statistics showing that more than 300 000 people die from drowning every year.
The awareness campaign, to be held at Hillside Dams Conservancy, will bring together emergency response agencies, water rescue experts and community organisations to equip members of the public with practical skills that can help prevent drowning-related deaths.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), drowning is among the leading causes of death for children and young people aged between five and 14 years.
More than 90 percent of drowning deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, with Africa bearing a disproportionate share of the burden due to limited access to swimming skills, water safety education and emergency rescue services.
The United Nations General Assembly designated July 25 as World Drowning Prevention Day in 2021 to highlight the devastating impact of drowning and promote evidence-based interventions that can save lives.
The Bulawayo event will feature demonstrations and educational sessions by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Sub-Aqua Unit, the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) emergency services, emergency medical personnel and other stakeholders involved in water rescue and disaster preparedness.
Event organiser and rescue diver Mr Khumbulani Moyo, who represents Floric Roots Park, said the programme seeks to empower communities with life-saving knowledge and practical skills.
“We have invited emergency medical services that will educate members of the public on first aid and other life-saving interventions related to drowning incidents,” he said.
“The ZRP Sub-Aqua Unit will demonstrate rescue operations and body retrieval procedures used during drowning incidents, while emergency medical personnel will conduct practical training on first aid and other emergency response techniques.”
Mr Moyo said the initiative was not intended to be a once-off event but the beginning of a sustained community awareness campaign targeting schools and the wider public.
“Our vision is to conscientise communities through free training programmes in schools and during community events. We want people to understand practical ways of preventing drowning before tragedy strikes,” he said.
“We teach swimming basics, safe bystander rescue techniques, first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other essential life-saving skills that can make the difference between life and death during water-related emergencies.”
Mr Moyo urged families, teachers and community leaders to attend the event, saying everyone has a role to play in reducing preventable drowning deaths.
The programme includes recreational activities such as canoeing and zip-lining, to promote safe enjoyment of water-based activities under the guidance of trained professionals.
Zimbabwe has witnessed several drowning incidents in recent years involving children, artisanal miners and people attempting to cross flooded rivers during the rainy season. Safety experts say many of these deaths could be prevented through greater public awareness, swimming instruction, the use of life jackets where appropriate and timely emergency response.
The commemorations come as Zimbabwe continues strengthening disaster risk reduction and public safety awareness in line with the Government’s civil protection and community resilience agenda which dovetails with Vision 2030.
