THE SAFE HARBOUR INITIATIVE

Every 2 minutes someone in the world dies from drowning. Drowning is a global public health issue, claiming the lives of over 236,000 people annually worldwide. 90% of these deaths occur in low and middle income countries. It's not just a statistic; it's a tragedy that profoundly affects families and communities. However, many drowning incidents are preventable through education, awareness, and proactive measures. The Safe Harbour Initiative aims to address this pressing issue by implementing comprehensive drowning prevention strategies.

Objectives:

Swimming and Water Safety Programs: Provide access to swimming lessons and water safety training for children and adults, particularly in countries and communities with limited access to swim lessons. Learning to swim decreases a person’s chance of drowning by 88%.
Education and Awareness: Develop educational materials about water safety and drowning prevention targeted at different age groups and demographics. Collaborate with schools, community centers, and other organizations to conduct workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns.
Advocate for Lifeguard Presence in Recreational Swimming Areas: Promote the importance of constant supervision in and around water bodies by encouraging lifeguard training programs and the presence of qualified personnel at swimming pools, beaches, and other aquatic facilities that have a high volume of recreational swimming.
Safety Equipment Distribution: Distribute personal flotation devices (PFDs) and other safety equipment in areas prone to drowning incidents. Collaborate with donors and sponsors to make PFDs as accessible as possible.
Community Engagement: Foster partnerships to integrate drowning awareness into communities while empowering them with the tools and education to take ownership of water safety and implement local solutions.

Implementation:

Partnerships: Collaborate with programs and people who want to make an impact in water safety through donations, volunteer opportunities, and hosting events.
Targeted Interventions: Identify high-risk populations and tailor interventions to address their specific needs and challenges.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish mechanisms to monitor the effectiveness of drowning prevention initiatives, collect data on drowning incidents, and evaluate the impact of interventions over time. Use this information to refine strategies and allocate resources efficiently.
Sustainability: Develop long-term sustainability plans to ensure the continuity of drowning prevention efforts beyond the initial implementation phase. Build local capacity, empower communities, and integrate water safety into broader development agendas.

Outcomes:

Reduced Drowning Incidents: Decrease the number of drowning incidents through proactive prevention measures, including education, training, and access to safety equipment.
Increased Awareness: Raise awareness about water safety and drowning prevention among individuals, families, and communities, leading to behavior change and safer practices around water bodies.
Empowered Communities: Empower communities to take ownership of water safety initiatives, mobilize resources, and increase access to lifesaving skills.
Improved Resilience: Build resilience against drowning by strengthening swimming skills, water safety knowledge, and emergency response capabilities at the individual, community, and institutional levels.
Lives Saved: Ultimately, save lives by preventing drowning incidents and fostering a culture of safety and vigilance in and around aquatic environments.

The Safe Harbour Initiative is a comprehensive approach to drowning prevention that addresses the multifaceted nature of this public health challenge. By combining education, training, community engagement, and advocacy, we can work towards a future where all people can enjoy the water without fear. Join us in making a difference and saving lives.

Abby Harbour and Jack Burgess

Founders

The Safe Harbour International Drowning Prevention Foundation