Over 2000 children die from drowning each year in Cambodia – that’s approximately 5 children every day. SWIM/Safety When It Matters need your help to start saving lives this year.
Safety When It Matters (SWIM) are a new charity on Givey who are aiming to reduce child drowning deaths by teaching children and communities the following skills: Water Safety Education, CPR, Rescue Skills and Swimming.
The aim of Safety When It Matters is to establish a drowning prevention project in Cambodia that will prevent drowning:
Swimming instruction
A team of Cambodian swimming instructors will be recruited. All will be assessed for swimming competency and will be trained in delivery of the Aquatic Survival Program.
SWIM teachers will teach children and young people how to swim from the age of 4 years old. Students will learn how to swim confidently and competently in water within a typical natural environment to give increased protection from drowning. Once graduated, SWIM students will be able to train as a volunteer SWIM leader. Risk management will include regular supervision and re-certification of teachers, observed monitoring of teachers and students and long-term follow-up of graduates.
Water Safety
SWIM teachers will educate children and communities most at risk from drowning. The students’ knowledge will be tested and those with the highest attainment will have the opportunity to become a peer educator. Students will identify local hazards as well as raising awareness on the most common drowning hazards. Peer education will extend the reach of water safety awareness, which may include organization of hazard signs.
Rescue & Response Skills
Rescue attempts by peers, frequently lead to both dying and so awareness of this issue is essential. Safe rescue methods appropriate to age and environment will be taught. Students will learn First Responder Skills including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), which will give confidence to save a life.
Written by Emma Barnett
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