The government, in collaboration with the Agness Swimming Foundation, has rolled out a large-scale campaign to equip students in Dar es Salaam with essential swimming and water rescue skills, as part of national efforts to curb deaths linked to water-related accidents.
The initiative targets schoolchildren and youth, focusing on building practical life-saving skills while promoting safety awareness in communities that are increasingly exposed to water environments.
One of the foundation’s directors, Geofrey Kimimba Mwakabende, said the programme is designed to strengthen community safety, particularly among young people, while aligning with national policy priorities, World Health Organization guidelines, and constitutional provisions that guarantee the right to life under the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania of 1977.
He commended the government, through TAMISEMI, for entrusting the foundation with implementing the initiative, describing it as a critical step toward safeguarding lives.
Beyond safety, the programme is also aimed at identifying and nurturing swimming talent, creating employment opportunities for youth, and improving public health outcomes, ensuring that communities benefit sustainably from water resources.
Training Coordinator Patrick Geofrey Kimimba said more than 1,265 students from four secondary schools Tungi Secondary School, Makonda Secondary School, Vijibweni Secondary School and Minazini Secondary School have already benefited from the programme.
He noted that the campaign is progressing well and is expected to expand to all district councils across the region, with a focus on improving swimming proficiency, enhancing self-rescue skills and reducing preventable drowning incidents.
However, Director of Finance and Administration Lugano Jonson Mwailunga said financial constraints remain a challenge, particularly in the procurement of training equipment, transportation and operational support for instructors, and payment of trainer allowances.
He called on stakeholders including government institutions, the private sector, non-governmental organisations and individuals to support the initiative to ensure wider coverage and greater impact.
Students who have participated in the programme say it is already making a difference. Shayith Masoud, a Form Three student at Vijibweni Secondary School, said the training has helped her overcome fear of water and gain confidence.
“Before the training, I was afraid of water, but now I can float and help myself in water. This training has given me confidence and can save my life or the life of someone else,” she said.
Head teacher of Makonda Secondary School, Moshi H Malilo, said the programme is vital for both student safety and development, especially for communities located near water bodies.
“These are very important life skills for our students. The programme not only enhances safety but also builds confidence and awareness in their daily lives,” he said.
