It was encouraging to note that an educational one-day water safety fair drew 146 children to Suva’s Damodar Aquatic Centre yesterday.
The event was organised as an immediate response to the recent drowning cases around the country.
The first of its kind, the initiative, targeting children between the ages of five and 18 years, was led by the Babale, Dolphins, Orca and Tritons swim clubs.
Babale Swim Club coach William Domonatani said headlines on the drowning cases prompted the clubs to work together and promote the message of water safety.
The drowning toll, he said, had affected many people.
The program was aimed at introducing participants to water safety protocols, including how to behave around water.
Mr Domonatani said the program also honoured drowning victims.
This is what it is all about. When there is trouble, there are those who will make an effort to be part of the solution.
They will make it their business to provide a way out of trouble.
They will walk the talk so to speak. When we stare at a blankwall, it helps to take stock of where we are, understand our limitations, and embrace our strengths.
Faced with a growing number of drowning cases, we are left to rue our misfortunes, and make tough decisions.
We can’t sit on our laurels and hope this is all just a bad dream. It won’t go away.
Not unless we unite to ensure water safety matters are treated with the respect and attention they deserve.
The water safety fair yesterday is a big step in the right direction.
It was encouraging to note the enthusiasm and commitment on show.
Far from being swept away by the overwhelming number of drowning cases, it was good to see parents and guardians bringing out their children to understand water safety and be part of the solution.
But this shouldn’t be the end of it though.
We must make water safety our business. We must understand the implications of not following good advice, and we must be proactive and vigilant.
As parents and guardians, we also have the added responsibility of being aware of where our young charges are at all times. The key word here is responsibility.
We cannot afford to be lax about this. Complacency can sometimes change lives in a matter of seconds. We learn, become aware of and appreciate advice, and we adhere to safety tips.
These are crucial factors that can save a life. Acknowledgement is due to all those who continue to push water safety tips.
