Swimming isa life skill.
Our initiative is about helping more children, families and adults in Zimbabwe feel safe and confident around water — at the pool, at home and on holiday.
Stronger swimmers.Safer families.
The World Health Organization lists drowning as a leading cause of death for children and young people worldwide, and it is preventable. Knowing how to float, how to get out of trouble and how to help others safely changes outcomes.
Through the OneLifeZW Water Safety Initiative we teach water safety alongside every lesson, share practical advice with parents, and work with schools and community groups who want to give more young people those skills.
Three thingswe're working on.
Teach
Floating, breathing, getting to the edge and calling for help — built into lessons for every age.
Inform
Simple, practical water safety advice for parents, carers and anyone with a pool at home.
Reach
Partnering with schools, churches and community groups to bring water safety to more young people.
Six habitsthat save lives.
Watch, always
Keep young children within arm's reach in and around water. Put the phone away.
Fence and cover
Fence home pools on all sides with a self-closing gate. Empty buckets and baths after use.
Never swim alone
Use the buddy system, even for strong swimmers, and especially in dams, rivers and the sea.
Learn to float
Floating on your back buys time to breathe and call for help. It's the first skill we teach.
Reach or throw, don't go
Help someone in trouble with a pole, rope or floating object instead of jumping in.
Know the water
Check depth before you jump and stay out of the water after alcohol or in storms.
Bring water safetyto your community.
Are you a school, community group or business that wants to support the initiative? We'd love to hear from you.