Through a three-year partnership funded by the Victor Daitz Foundation and World Relief Australia, NSRI instructor Mncedisi Hlalatu is equipping learners across under-resourced Richards Bay schools with free, life-saving water safety and survival swimming skills.
Richards Bay, South Africa (06 November 2026) – KwaZulu-Natal’s warm ocean waters and long beaches draw people into the sea all year round. Yet the province also records some of South Africa’s highest drowning rates, making access to water safety education and survival swimming skills especially important.
To help change this story and give local children the tools to stay safe in and around water, learners from Kati Primary School in Madlanzini Agri Village, Richards Bay, recently joined NSRI Drowning Prevention Instructor Mncedisi Hlalatu for a hands-on water safety and CPR session.
Representatives from the Victor Daitz Foundation and World Relief Australia also joined the visit. Both organisations have committed to funding Mncedisi’s instructor post in Richards Bay for the next three years, ensuring children in under-resourced schools and communities can access free water safety and survival swimming lessons.
The visit gave the partners a firsthand look at their support in action as the children practised CPR techniques and learned how to respond quickly during a water emergency.
“This partnership means we can reach more children in Richards Bay with skills that could save their lives. It’s exciting to see learners getting involved, asking questions and practising how to help in an emergency. Thanks to the Victor Daitz Foundation and World Relief Australia, we have three years to build on that enthusiasm and make water safety part of everyday life in these communities,” said Siyabonga Mthethwa, NSRI Drowning Prevention Manager in KZN.
Kath Kable, CEO of World Relief Australia, said it was inspiring to see this life-saving training in action.
“The instructor’s visible passion inspired the class, and the children were completely engaged in learning skills that could save a life.”
As children develop survival swimming skills, they will also build coordination, strength and confidence. Equally as vital, learning to assess risks, make decisions and work together can help them grow in independence and self-esteem.
The NSRI says that the three-year commitment creates an opportunity to build lasting relationships with schools and communities, reach more children and encourage families to make water safety part of everyday life.
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