NSRI brings water safety education to Leentjiesklip Holiday Resort

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) played a vital role in promoting water safety during two eventful weekends at Leentjiesklip Holiday Resort in Langebaan.

Held from 21 - 23 February and again from 28 February - 2 March, the initiative saw NSRI lifeguards engaging with up to 250 children each weekend, ensuring that fun and education went hand in hand.

As part of the NSRI's ongoing commitment to water safety, lifeguards conducted rescue demonstrations, allowing children to participate in buoy rescues with friends in the shallow waters. The sessions also included an informative water safety talk, interactive games, and a chance for the children to ask questions. The NSRI distributed stickers as a fun memento of their experience to further encourage engagement.

Lifeguard Manager Mthetheleli Kweyama oversaw the sessions and was pleased with the initiative's success. Reflecting on the experience, he noted the importance of thorough preparation and collaboration. "Fortunately, we had no challenges but received very good support from parents and Leentjiesklip Holiday Resort, and the team at VSC worked very hard in terms of logistics, communication with school representatives, and organising a sufficient number of lifeguards," he said.

The children's enthusiasm was evident throughout the sessions. "The children responded very positively; they were engaging, asking questions and answering our questions correctly after the presentation, and they were excited to perform the rescue techniques with their friends after our demonstrations," Mthetheleli shared. Their keen interest in learning and participating in water safety techniques highlighted the importance of such outreach programs.

With safety as the top priority, Mthetheleli and his team implemented strategic measures to maintain order and engagement. "I led each session from water safety education to demonstration. I had two lifeguards deployed in the water with rescue boards for water patrol to ensure safety. Others had rescue torpedo buoys at all times and stood on either side of the bathing area. We utilised a loud hailer for announcements and its siren to catch children's attention in the water. We also encouraged parents to be close and assist with following safety instructions, such as staying in shallow water and swimming between the bathing area flags," he explained.

Reflecting on the event's success, Mthetheleli emphasised the value of building strong relationships with local stakeholders, including resorts, municipalities, communities, and schools. "It begins with creating and retaining good relationships with stakeholders. Keeping these good relationships is the core of everything. One was also reminded that the younger age group is the future. It is crucial that we deliver content that attracts kids to be part of the NSRI when they grow up, and to help them to always remember what to do when in danger in the water, or how to avoid it in the first place," he stated.

The NSRI's efforts at Leentjiesklip demonstrated the power of proactive water safety education. Through teamwork, engagement, and well-planned demonstrations, the organisation continues to inspire young minds while instilling essential life-saving knowledge.