Marine Police Push for Water Safety Skills to Curb Drowning in Uganda

The Marine Police in Uganda have launched an urgent public awareness campaign, encouraging citizens to learn basic swimming and water safety skills. This initiative comes in response to hundreds of preventable fatalities reported annually across the nation’s lakes, rivers, and swimming pools.

Speaking on the matter, Bashir Sibira, the National Coordinator of the National Drowning Programme, highlighted that limited swimming ability and a lack of water safety knowledge are the primary hurdles in preventing these tragedies. He stressed that understanding water hazards and knowing how to respond during emergencies can dramatically improve survival rates.

Tragic incidents, ranging from major boat accidents like the MV Templar disaster to children drowning in school swimming facilities, have underscored the urgent need for better preparedness. Percy Mwamba, a parent who lost a child in a school pool accident, called for stricter safety protocols, constant supervision, and proper emergency training at all educational institutions.

Collaborating with organizations like Swim Safe Uganda, the authorities are working to dismantle cultural myths and dangerous normalization of drowning within lakeside communities. Moses Kalanzi, Executive Director of Swim Safe Uganda, emphasized that changing community mindsets through ongoing education is critical. Stakeholders are also appealing to development partners for essential life-saving equipment, such as life jackets, particularly to protect vulnerable populations in remote areas like Buvuma District.

Read the full story on Nile Post.