WESTERN CAPE NEWS - The Western Cape experiences an average of 200 drownings a year – about five deaths for every 100 000 people, with children under five years old being most at risk.
To tackle these statistics, the Western Cape government commissioned the SA Medical Research Council (SAMRC) to develop a drowning prevention and water safety framework for the province – the first of its kind in the country.
The framework included input from many water safety stakeholders in the Western Cape and was launched mid-November in Yzerfontein just north of Cape Town.
Provincial minister of local government, environmental affairs and development planning Anton Bredell said funds totalling R242 000 were provided for the project.
“This framework determines and assesses high-risk areas and seeks to develop mitigation strategies to decrease the drowning in targeted population groups and areas," he said.
Professor Ashley van Niekerk, who led the collaborative team, said the major focus of this initiative was to identify priority drowning risks, high-risk activities, equipment and the communities most affected.
“The framework then highlights prevention efforts that are currently being implemented and others that may be considered appropriate for the prevention of drowning in the province," he added.
Dr Colleen Saunders, who coordinated the water safety task team, said the key to the success of the project is its collaborative nature.
"Many stakeholders including Lifesaving South Africa, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Western Cape government, and the academic community were key contributors," she said.
In addition to launching the framework, the department handed over its annual cheques to the Lifesaving Western Cape and the NSRI.
One of the new boats handed over to the NSRI to be based at Yzerfontein. The boat was named Sonja. From left to right: Local government head of department Graham Paulse with Sonja chinnian, Jacqui Pandaram, Colin Deiner and Ferdie Julies (all from the provincial disaster management centre). Photo: Supplied
“For years now the Department of Local Government through its provincial disaster management centre has financially supported these entities that are so critical to water safety in our province, and to help to ensure that this province can respond proactively to water-related incidents in the Western Cape.
"Both Lifesaving WC and the NSRI are NPOs that depend and operate purely on donations and sponsorships. They are a vital stakeholder in our province,” said Bredell.
The amount for 2017/18 that the department allocated to these organisations is R414 000 each.
“An additional amount of R585 000 was provided as a once-off to the NSRI in 2016/17 for the procurement of three new vessels based at Yzerfontein, Wilderness and Langebaan.
"This represents the ongoing support of entities that are protecting the public in our waters,” said Bredell.
The first of these vessels, named Sonja, was launched in Yzerfontein during the second weekend of November.
'We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Klein Karoo news'
