The first batch of 15 Bahraini lifeguards completed their training as part of an initiative by the kingdom’s pioneering water safety body.
The Future Lifeguard Training Programme was organised by the Royal Life Saving Bahrain (RSLB) in co-operation with the Tamkeen (Labour Fund).
It aims to encourage more nationals to become lifeguards, or use the experience to branch out into related fields such as health and education.
The GDN previously reported that out of the around 160 lifeguards in the country, less than 10 per cent are Bahraini.
RLSB founder and chairwoman Shaikha Nayla bint Hamad Al Khalifa yesterday honoured the first batch of graduates at the Art Hotel and Resort in Amwaj Islands for their efforts that will help in promoting water safety, just in time for the start of the swimming season.
Shaikha Nayla
“Community awareness on water safety and rescue (drowning incident) is a national responsibility,” she said.
“RLSB is committed to adopt and implement various rehabilitation and awareness programmes for all segments of society, which will help contribute to building a qualified cadre of professionals.”
Shaikha Nayla honoured the Bahraini graduates during a ceremony, noting that the programme provided essential skills to deal with drowning and other emergencies.
“This will help support efforts to save lives and promote water safety in society.”
The RLSB has previously stated that it hoped to extend its lifeguard services to beaches across Bahrain, while recruiting more trained volunteers to work alongside lifeguards, to boost the safety of the facilities.
RLSB general manager Sam Rahman sent his heartfelt congratulations to the graduates and encouraged them to do their best in the coming months and years.
“We hope that you carry this achievement with pride,” he said.
“Continue to learn, grow and lead. Stay vigilant, stay humble, and remember – every time you show up to work, someone’s life may depend on your presence, your skill and your courage.
“Congratulations, Future Lifeguards. You are ready. You are capable. And you are needed.”
The Future Lifeguard Training Programme features a number of training workshops including first aid, swimming, leadership and more.
It is being held five times a week for three months.
Those interested in signing up must be job-seekers aged between 18 and 25, and must be capable of swimming at least 50 metres.
Those interested in registering can do so by visiting the RLSB’s Instagram page @rlsbahrain.
RLSB currently employs 38 full-time lifeguards working at six beaches; they work 365 days a year to ensure the safety of beach visitors.
Last year, RLSB registered more than 400,000 beach visitors to these locations and completed more than 13,000 preventative actions, treated 236 first-aid injuries and performed 35 water rescues.
A nationwide survey by RLSB in 2019 revealed that more than 47 per cent of children in Bahrain do not know how to swim.
The Water Safety Benchmarking Survey also revealed that 95pc of children do not currently learn swimming in primary schools.
The survey covered a representational sample of the population with 573 people taking part, 88pc of whom were Bahrainis.
If a person is submerged after breathing in water for four to six minutes without resuscitation, it will result in brain damage and eventually death by drowning.
&uuid=(email))