Beach awareness campaign to ensure safety over season
NELSON Mandela Bay Aquatics, in association with Learn to Swim (LTS), is hosting a beach safety campaign to ensure bathers’ safety this summer.
The programme aims to educate people about the best swimming spots, universal beach rules and general beach safety.
Programme coordinator Shaun Lloyd said it was hoped to decrease – and ultimately prevent – drownings.
“We are in the business of preventing issues from happening. If something is unsafe, you wouldn’t want to get in there in the first place,” Lloyd said.
The organisations have already hosted one session, with three more to follow – this Sunday, on December 25 and on January 1.
Lloyd said about 40 LTS instructors had been trained this year. He said they had to meet certain criteria to join the programme. they have to love water.
“They have to possess a police clearance certificate as well as a level one first aid and CPR qualification,” Lloyd said.
Trainees are then required to complete log hours before being assessed to identify their competence and are then trained by accredited LTS trainers.
Senior LTS instructor Yonwaba Sipeliti has been on the pro-
“Firstly, gramme since 2007. “This programme helps people to become more aware about the dangers of visiting the beach,” he said.
A newcomer to the programme, Vuyolwethu Mabusela, said the programme was fun.
“What I enjoy is helping people on the beach. Just a few minutes ago, I was given the instruction to tell people where the safest place is to swim,” Mabusela said.