Tanzania Beach Lifeguard launches swimming for survival training

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Beach Lifeguard has decided to conduct special training for students with disabilities in collaboration with the Tanzania Para Swimming Association.

The purpose of the training is to teach Tanzanians on survival techniques when encountering the danger of drowning.

TBEL Executive Director Amina Mfaume said there have been a number of incidents of people drowning and losing their lives due to a lack of self-rescue skills.

Apart from Para swimming, Mfaume said the training will also involve other people, especially the young, who often face the problem.

Owing to the persistent nature of the problem in the country, she said they have decided to offer free training sessions for young participants, numbering 37 so far.

She noted that training for para swimmers will take place every Sunday from 10am to 12pm at the Shaaban Robert swimming pool (Champions Rise), while lifeguard training for others is conducted every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the same pool from 6pm to 8.30pm.

Aside from swimming, she explained that the young participants will be taught about water rescue techniques, with some trained having already started work at Coco Beach.

"As you know, Tanzania is surrounded by water bodies, and many beach areas lack people with the knowledge of performing rescue operations.

TBEL with experienced swimming coaches has initiated special training for various youths whose main job will be to save lives on beaches such as Coco Beach, Ununio, Msasani, and other locations in the city," said Mfaume.

Those interested in receiving the training are advised to visit the Champion Rise offices in the Shaaban Robert area of Upanga in Dar es Salaam, and register. The training is free fo charge,” said Mfaume.

She named the coaches as Adam Kitururu, Mohammed Abubakar, Elisha Makwala, Christopher Nondo, and head trainer John Belela, popularly known as JB.

Amina said that with support from the Go Campaign in the United States, the graduates of this training will volunteer and receive allowances.

“All graduates will be assigned work areas, such as Coco Beach, Ununio, and other locations. We sign contracts with them to provide this service. Our goal is to save lives,” she said.

She added that they are currently working with Tanzania Life Saving and are in the process of expanding their reach by collaborating with various other institutions while conducting swimming and rescue training.