The innovative South African programme marks two years of success this World Drowning Prevention Day.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (25 July 2023) – Venturing out to sea in a small fishing boat may seem like a dreamy weekend getaway for some, but for many brave souls, it’s a formidable and unpredictable way of making a living.
South Africa’s rugged coastline, notorious for its ever-changing conditions, poses significant dangers to small-scale fishers. These resilient individuals, who rely on the sea to feed their families and sell their catch, often lack proper safety equipment aboard their vessels. What’s more, many have little or no first-aid training and find themselves ill-prepared to face emergencies, with some even unable to swim. The risks these courageous fishers face are no exaggeration. Fishing ranks among the most hazardous occupations globally, according to the FISH Safety Foundation, an international non-profit striving to promote a positive safety culture in the industry.
On this World Drowning Prevention Day (25 July), we celebrate an innovative program that has been transforming the lives of local small-scale fishers, equipping them with essential knowledge and skills to earn a better living, all while staying safe on the waves.
Introducing Cooperative Sense, a unique collaboration involving Africa’s largest fishing company, Oceana, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment (DFFE), and Dyna. Together, they’ve been conducting a series of nationwide training workshops for fishing cooperatives.
The heart of these workshops lies in sea-safety training and first aid, expertly presented by the NSRI. The goal? To empower fishers with a deep understanding of safety protocols, helping them navigate potential dangers before setting sail, while at sea, and in handling emergencies.
But that’s not all this remarkable program has to offer. Cooperative Sense also provides invaluable guidance on how to run a successful and financially stable fishing cooperative. This holistic approach ensures that these courageous fishers not only have the skills to stay safe but also the know-how to make their cooperative thrive.
Zodwa Velleman, Oceana’s Corporate & Regulatory Affairs Executive, highlights how these different aspects come together to uplift those who earn their living from the sea: “Safety at sea and running a financially successful cooperative are intertwined. The workshops not only equip participants to tackle safety challenges head-on but also ensure that fishers, earning a reasonable living through a sustainable cooperative, are less likely to take reckless risks in dangerous conditions out of desperation.”
The impact of Cooperative Sense has been profound, with over 800 small-scale fishers from the Eastern and Northern Cape and KwaZulu Natal having already participated in these workshops. Delivered in their preferred languages, be it isiZulu, isiXhosa, English, or Afrikaans, the program ensures that critical information reaches those who need it most.
Building on its success, the program will soon reach the Western Cape, following the conclusion of the small-scale fishing right process. By expanding its reach, Cooperative Sense aims to empower even more fishers with the tools they need to thrive.
But Oceana’s commitment to coastal communities doesn’t stop there. Their longstanding partnership with the NSRI extends over two decades, with both financial support and advocacy for maritime safety. In line with this commitment, Oceana is exploring the initiation of a water-safety education program for vulnerable children in several West Coast communities.
As we commemorate World Drowning Prevention Day, let us celebrate the profound impact of Cooperative Sense and similar initiatives, as they serve as beacons of hope and change for those whose livelihoods are tied to the whims of the sea. Through empowerment and education, we can create safer seas and brighter futures for all.
Together, we are making waves of change!
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