How the NSRI and Stellenbosch University are teaming up to prevent drownings

Drowning is a serious concern in South Africa, with an estimated 2 000 fatalities annually.

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has partnered with Stellenbosch University’s Division of Emergency Medicine to tackle this issue, creating a powerful alliance focused on saving lives through research, education, and community engagement.

This collaboration, formalised through a memorandum of agreement, merges academic expertise with hands-on rescue experience. Together, they are conducting vital research into drowning patterns, allowing them to develop and test effective prevention strategies.

This research is key to understanding who is most at risk and ensuring that emergency responders are equipped with the latest resuscitation techniques tailored specifically to drowning incidents.

Education plays a central role in this partnership. Stellenbosch University has integrated drowning prevention into its emergency medicine curriculum, preparing future healthcare professionals to handle aquatic emergencies.

Beyond the classroom, students gain practical experience working alongside NSRI rescuers, learning first-hand the skills needed to manage real-life drowning situations. This hands-on training, including advanced life support in simulated scenarios, ensures they are ready to act when it matters most.

Community outreach is another crucial element. In 2023, the NSRI’s water safety programmes reached over 900 000 children and taught nearly 18 000 Survival Swimming lessons. This year, the drowning prevention team has already reached the half a million mark for teaching children between January and July 2024 (505 242). Their aim is to reach over 1 million in 2024. With the university’s support, these efforts are being expanded, making a significant impact on water safety across the country.

As Prof. Sa’ad Lahri from Stellenbosch University emphasises, “Every life saved from drowning is a testament to the power of education and teamwork.” This partnership is not only reducing drownings today but also laying the foundation for a safer future.