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 1-4 and again in 10-14. In the teen category the majority of deaths are from disadvantaged communities. There are also more drownings inland than along the coastline.

The 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, Resuscitation. Each child leaves the workshop knowing how to cope in an emergency and being able to perform basic CPR.

Minister Cobus Dowry the Western Cape Minister for Agriculture will Attend this Event:

Date: Friday 27 October
Venue: Quaggerskloof Water-ski Club, Quaggerskloof Dam (Brandvlei Dam complex)
Time: 15:00
Enquiries: Meriel Bartlett (NSRI) - 084 985 8078

Directions on request.

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Enquiries:
Alie van Jaarsveld
Spokesperson
Ministry of Agriculture: Western Cape
Tel: 021 483 4930
Fax: 021 483 3890
Email: avjaarsv@pgwc.gov.za