Swimming South Africa launches Rural Splash Programme to curb drowning incidents
The country has experienced extreme weather conditions and flooding recently, leaving hundreds displaced and in some cases resulting in loss of life.
Swimming South Africa teaches children to swim as part of their Rural Splash Program in Bergville at the Woodstock Dam. Picture: Supplied.
JOHANNESBURG - Swimming South Africa (SSA) has launched the Rural Splash Programme, an initiative aimed at curbing the number of drowning incidents across the country.
Speaking to EWN, the organisation's operations manager, Mafata Modutoane, said their focus was on teaching essential swimming skills, promoting water safety awareness and encouraging community participation in aquatic activities.
"The National Drowning Prevention Programme (also called Rural Splash Programme) is a strategic initiative aimed at eliminating drowning incidents across the country and reinforcing the vision of making 'every South African a swimmer,'" he said.
"We introduce engaging water activities such as splash polo and diving to drive participation. We also identify and nurture young talent for advanced swimming and aquatic sports development, emphasising swimming as a critical life skill, ensuring accessibility for all demographics."
The country has experienced extreme weather conditions and flooding recently, leaving hundreds displaced and, in some cases, resulting in loss of life.
People who live in areas surrounded by rivers, lakes, dams and coastal waters are mostly affected as flooding at times cuts them off from essential services such as healthcare.
According to Modutoane, the program also targets such areas.
"Locations are strategically identified by provincial affiliates who conduct thorough assessments to evaluate local needs, risk factors, and available resources. The nationwide rollout ensures that both urban and rural communities benefit from this life-saving initiative, addressing the specific challenges posed by each environment and maximizing impact."
So far, the programme has been rolled out in areas such as Bergville (KZN), Mokopane (Limpopo) and Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape.
AREAS THE PROGRAMME HAS BEEN ROLLED OUT:
KwaZulu-Natal
Bergville (Woodstock Dam)
Midmar Dam
Kwa Maphumulo (Tugela River)
Umgababa (Umgababa River)
Mpumalanga
Nelspruit (Umkomasi River)
Witbank
Limpopo
Mokopane
Venda – Dididi Village (Nandoni Dam)
Eastern Cape
Umtata - Port St Johns
Coffee Bay
Lusikisiki
Ndantsane
Northern Cape
Hartswater
Port Nolloth
Upington
Free State
Qwaqwa - Bolata River
Mogalakwane
Bethleham
Gauteng
Magaliesburg
Siyabuswa