Ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July, Green Corridors reached out to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and Metro Police Search and Rescue for guidance and support. This proactive initiative aimed to educate and empower local tourism guides who operate near water bodies, particularly in communities with limited access to emergency services.
Tragically, drownings are not uncommon in these areas. The training was therefore welcomed with great appreciation by Green Corridors. Leading the session were Siya Mthethwa, Drowning Prevention Coordinator at NSRI, Brendan Latchmiah, Drowning Prevention Instructor, Warrant Officer Lee Bryant from Durban Metro Search and Rescue, and Jonty Hardcastle, a Disaster Management intern currently completing his honours degree in the field.
The training was hosted at eNanda Adventures, situated on the shores of Inanda Dam, and attended by Green Corridors tourism guides Mlu Mthembu (Matata Adventures), Sibusiso Shangase (Mqeku Camp), and Gabi Ngcobo (eNanda Adventure Park). They were joined by children enrolled in the GO!Durban Cycle Academy programme as well as young holidaymakers from the local community.
Under the shade of trees at the eNanda Adventure Park campsite, the experts delivered engaging and practical demonstrations. They explained their roles in supporting communities and provided life-saving knowledge. Emphasis was placed on knowing emergency contact numbers (112 and 10111), especially in areas where mobile signal and access to phones may be limited.
Participants were taught how to assess a person in distress, check for a pulse, perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), and safely assist a drowning victim. One key takeaway was the use of simple, accessible flotation devices — such as a sealed 5-litre plastic container with a rope attached — to throw to someone in danger, offering buoyancy while keeping rescuers at a safe distance.
The hands-on lessons were enthusiastically received, with guides and managers committed to ensuring safety protocols are in place at all Green Corridors sites for visitors who engage in water-based activities such as canoeing.
Green Corridors Water-Based Sites;eNanda Adventures,iSithumba Adventure Camp, Mqeku Picnic Site, Matata Adventures ,and Overock and Lower Molweni
