Strengthen water safety measures to prevent drowning, ZDMC urges
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR’s Disaster Management Commission (ZDMC) has been urged to enhance water safety education and strengthen emergency rescue systems, particularly to protect vulnerable communities from drowning incidents.
Deputy Minister for Health, Hassan Khamis Hafidh said during the commemoration of World Drowning Prevention Day at Forodhani, Unguja that there is need for intensified public education, upgraded rescue infrastructure and stricter enforcement of beach safety regulations.
He represented the Minister of State in the Second Vice-President’s Office, Hamza Hassan Juma.
“Many people in our communities cannot swim and even those who can often lack basic lifesaving skills,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration with the Navy (KMKM) and the Fire and Rescue Force to promote awareness, particularly among women, youth and children involved in marine-related activities.
Observed annually on July 25, World Drowning Prevention Day aims to raise awareness about the global drowning crisis and promote effective prevention strategies.
This year’s theme, “Your Story Can Save a Life,” encourages individuals to share personal experiences to inspire community action and lifesaving interventions.
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Permanent Secretary in the Second Vice-President’s Office, Dr Islam Seif Salum said that the government is finalising its 2025 National Disaster Policy to improve disaster response and reduce fatalities caused by drowning. Mr Makame Khatib Makame, Executive Director of the Disaster Management Commission, explained that between January 2024 and June 2025, 29 drowning incidents involving 101 individuals were recorded.
Of these, 78 survived, two remain missing and 21 died, many of them children aged 1–18. To increase awareness, the Commission partnered with local stakeholders to educate seaweed farmers, students, journalists and island communities in Uzi, Kizimkazi, Uvinje and Kisiwa Panza.
Recommendations included installing protective barriers around water bodies, assigning lifeguards to hotel beaches and integrating swimming and rescue education into school curriculums.
Representatives from WHO and UNICEF echoed the sentiments, calling for comprehensive community involvement and emphasising that most drowning deaths are preventable through education and preparedness.
WHO official, Dr Ali Omar reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Zanzibar in building water safety capacity, noting that several countries have significantly reduced drowning deaths by adopting preventive strategies.
UNICEF’s Zanzibar representative, Mr Marco Msambazi said the agency would continue supporting government efforts, particularly to protect children who see water activities as a part of daily life.
The Director of the Zanzibar Rescue Training Institute, Mr Lukman Saidi Issa listed major drowning risk factors, including poor child supervision, overcrowded boats, fishing in storms and illegal maritime migration.
The event concluded with public demonstrations of rescue and survival techniques, including swimming competitions, even among people with disabilities to promote inclusive water safety awareness.
