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In commemoration of World Drowning Prevention Day, the Environmental Management and Economic Development Organization (EMEDO), through its Lake Victoria Drowning Prevention Project (LVDPP), conducted an educational campaign at Ukwamani Primary School in Dar es Salaam to raise awareness on lifesaving skills and water safety precautions.
Speaking during the event, Mary Francis, EMEDO’s Advocacy Officer and National Coordinator for the Drowning Prevention Network in Tanzania, emphasized the significance of this year’s theme: “Your Story Can Save a Life.”
She explained that sharing personal experiences related to water-related incidents could serve as a powerful tool to help others understand how to stay safe.
“To all Tanzanians and even beyond our borders, I urge you to learn how to swim, keep children away from unsupervised water sources, and always wear life jackets when traveling on water,” Mary said.
According to global statistics, approximately 300,000 people die from drowning annually, with 90% of incidents occurring in countries with low and middle incomes.
Statistical report indicates that Children aged 1 to 15 are the most vulnerable, particularly across Asia and Africa.
On her part, Helen Lucas Gasper, EMEDO’s Gender and Protection Officer, stated that the organization prioritizes children in its outreach due to their openness to learning and early-stage curiosity.
“We’ve established student safety clubs in schools to promote water safety messages. Children are effective change agents, and schools near coastal communities, like those in Kawe, are ideal starting points,” she added.
Ukwamani Primary School’s Head Teacher, Regina Cyrillo, acknowledged the ongoing challenge of students sneaking off to the beach, especially due to the school’s proximity to coastal areas.
“Some Standard Seven students have had disciplinary issues, sneaking away to swim or engage in other risky behaviors, including drug use. However, this education has helped, and we appreciate the collaboration between the school, local community, and security officers,” she said.
She also called on parents to ensure children receive proper nutrition, noting that malnutrition negatively affects both academic and physical development.
“Malnourished children struggle to concentrate in class. We encourage parents to contribute to school feeding programs and ensure safety, particularly for children living near popular beaches like Kawe and Mbezi,” Regina added.
Kawe Ward's Executive Officer, Husna Nondo, commended EMEDO for its continued efforts in raising awareness about drowning prevention in oceans, pools, and other water bodies.
She emphasized the importance of proper nutrition in combating child stunting, highlighting the need for balanced meals to achieve better learning and growth outcomes.
"As leaders, we are committed to ensuring access to meals in nursery, primary, and secondary schools.”
She urged the need for parents to prioritize nutritious meals and support school feeding programs to enhance children's mental health and general well-being.
“We must also recognize the risks that coastal wards face. Children leave school or home unsupervised to visit these beaches. I remind parents and guardians: the beach is not a playground. Children should not go to the ocean without adult supervision. This is essential to prevent drowning incidents,” she stressed.
EMEDO concluded by advocating for lifesaving education to be integrated into school curricula, including Physical Education or extracurricular sessions, into theoretical learning, where practical lessons are not feasible.
Overall, the commemoration aimed to raise awareness and promote preventive measures to reduce drowning deaths, especially among children and vulnerable communities.