New partnership brings life-saving water skills to Richards Bay schools

Learning how to stay safe around water and help someone in an emergency were some of the key skills learnt at Kati Primary School in Madlanzini Agri Village, Richards Bay.

Learners joined NSRI Drowning Prevention Instructor Mncedisi Hlalatu, affectionately known to them as Tata, for an interactive Water Safety lesson and hands-on CPR session. Watching the lessons in action were representatives of the Victor Daitz Foundation and World Relief Australia, whose support is bringing these vital skills to more children in KwaZulu-Natal.

The two organisations are funding a dedicated NSRI Drowning Prevention Instructor in Richards Bay for three years. With Mncedisi in the post, children in under-resourced schools and communities can access free Water Safety Education and Survival Swimming lessons, building skills and confidence that could one day save a life.

The visit gave the partners an opportunity to see their generosity at work as learners practised CPR and learnt how to respond in an emergency.

KwaZulu-Natal’s warm Indian Ocean waters and long beaches draw people into the water throughout the year. Yet the province also records some of South Africa’s highest drowning rates, making access to water safety education and survival swimming skills especially important.

“This partnership means we can reach more children in Richards Bay with skills that could save their lives. It’s exciting to see learners getting involved, asking questions and practising how to help in an emergency. Thanks to the Victor Daitz Foundation and World Relief Australia, we have three years to build on that enthusiasm and make water safety part of everyday life in these communities,” said Siyabonga Mthethwa, NSRI Drowning Prevention Manager in KZN.

"It was inspiring to see this life-saving training in action. The instructor’s visible passion inspired the class, and the children were completely engaged in learning skills that could save a life,"  said Kath Kable, CEO, World Relief Australia.

The benefits extend beyond the water. As children develop survival swimming skills, they also build coordination, strength and confidence. Learning to assess risks, make decisions and work together can help them grow in independence and self-esteem.

The three-year commitment creates an opportunity to build lasting relationships with schools and communities, reach more children and encourage families to make water safety part of everyday life.