Programme
25 October 2006
Drowning is a major cause of death by injury, this according to the Medical
Research Council of South Africa. The graphs peak in the age groups one - four
and again in 10 - 14. In the teen category the majority of deaths are from
disadvantaged communities. There is also more drowning inland than along the
coastline.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is a public service organization
which reactively saves lives on South African seas and dams. They have
established an educational arm to proactively reduce the prevalence of
drowning.
WaterWise is an educational initiative aimed at raising a generation of
sensible water users. Targeting those most likely to drown, WaterWise focuses
on disadvantaged youth aged 9-14 who live near the sea or farm dams. WaterWise
is not a learn-to-swim project - instead it teaches kids what to do in an
emergency. Modules include Preparation, Observation, Communication, Navigation,
and Resuscitation. Each child leaves the workshop knowing how to cope in an
emergency and being able to perform basic CPR (cardio-pulmonary
resuscitation).
Minister Cobus Dowry, the Western Cape Minister for Agriculture, will attend
this event:
Date: 27 October 2006
Venue: Quaggaskloof Water-ski Club, Quaggaskloof Dam (Brandvlei Dam
complex)
Time: 15h00
Enquiries:
Meriel Bartlett
Cell: 084 985 8078
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Provincial
Government
25 October 2006
Source: Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za)
