Worldwide drowning mortality rates alarming
Sri Lanka Lifeguard Association President Asanka Nanayakkara said the death rate in drowning in the sea had increased in large proportions worldwide, and that more than 1,200 people drowned in the sea every year. He said the need for lifeguard movement had been felt more than ever in view of the increasing rate of accidents in the sea.
Addressing a lifeguard training programme held recently at the Mount Lavinia beach, Mr. Nanayakkara said lifeguard associations had been established in every country and that the training programme was organised for the seventh consecutive year to form a team of skilled lifeguards. The programme was organised by the Sri Lanka Lifeguard Association under the patronage of the World Lifeguard Association, Victoria Lifeguard Association in Australia, Lifeguard Societies of Ananda, Nalanda, Richmond and Mahinda Colleges, the Police, Sri Lanka Air Force and the Sri Lanka Army.
“The objective of the programme is to provide formal and practical training to lifeguard teams and to hone their skills. We selected the Mount Lavinia beach because it is a popular tourist attraction visited by thousands of merrymakers daily. The practical training on how to save a drowning person is the most important part of the programme. We have called members of the Sri Lanka Lifeguard Association and several other representative bodies including school lifeguard societies to attend the programme. The Victoria Lifeguard Association has imparted its expertise. Originally, the programme comprised only first aid training, but with the help of international lifeguard associations that donated boats and other equipment, we expanded it to include practical training to all lifeguard societies in the country,” he said.
He further said that the Australian High Commission and the Sports Ministry were instrumental in organising the programme. Meanwhile, Consultant of the Victoria Lifeguard Association, Sheela Langley said they undertook to provide expertise to the programme which was a resounding success. She was hopeful that Sri Lanka would have well-trained and skilful lifeguard teams.
Training Instructor of the Victoria Lifeguard Association, Isaac Newcomb also addressed the gathering. His Sri Lankan counterpart Sanath Wijeratne and Chief Executive of the Victoria Lifeguard Association, Mevan Jayawardene were also present at the occasion.
The objective of the programme is to provide formal and practical training to lifeguard teams and to hone their skills