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RLSB launches water safety strategy for Bahrain

MANAMA, October 11, 2017

Royal Life Saving Bahrain (RLSB) today launched its Water Safety Strategy for Bahrain with the goals of developing a culture of swimming and enjoyment of water, promoting volunteerism and social cohesion, reducing water-related death and injury, enhancing the appeal of water related tourism and fostering respect for coastlines and marine habitats.

The strategy was launched under the patronage of Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, president of Royal Life Saving Bahrain and chairman of the board of trustees of the Isa bin Salman Educational and Charity Fund.

\The Water Safety Strategy was developed with international expertise and local consultation, knowledge and experience. The local parties that provided valuable input in the development of the strategy included the Bahrain Tourism Exhibition Authority, the Coast Guards, Civil Defense, the Higher Education Council, Ministry of Youth and Sport Affairs, the Drowning Prevention Committee, as well as various hotels and waterparks.

The launch event was attended by Shaikha Nayla bint Hamad bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, chairperson and Founder of Royal Life Saving Bahrain, in the presence of an array of board members and media personnel.

Royal Life Saving Bahrain (RLSB) is a charitable organization launched in October 2016 with the mission to promote safe enjoyment of recreation in water, build cohesive communities, enable economic development and save lives. It is supported by Life Saving Bahrain Management which has been incorporated to undertake commercial activities and secure funding for the mission of RLSB.

Shaikh Isa said: “The launch of the Water Safety Strategy is a crucial step to making the surrounding waters of Bahrain safer for citizens and visitors alike. As an island nation, water is integral to our national heritage. We must embrace this legacy by providing opportunities to learn basic swimming and safety skills, whilst utilising our natural water assets to improve public health, drive tourism and help create employment opportunities for all Bahrainis.”

He added: “As a newly established organisation, Royal Life Saving Bahrain will work to unite our communities, institutions and local leisure industry under a shared objective: to educate and advocate a safer aquatic environment for citizens, residents and tourists in line with international standards. Together, we can – and are committed to – protecting future generations and our environment.”

“Every life is precious and as the Quran teaches us ‘the saving of one life is like the saving of mankind.’ It is with this responsibility in mind that Royal Life Saving Bahrain was founded”, said Shaikha Nayla.

“Our goals will be achieved by working together with the community, government institutions, public and private sectors. After all, the community as a whole is responsible for saving lives. No matter what profession we are in, we can all make a difference as individuals. The Water Safety Strategy was devised in line with international best practice and it outlines the various steps that need to be taken to achieve our goals.”

She highlighted the role of Life Saving Bahrain Management, which will execute all commercial projects on behalf of RLSB with the aim to sustain RLSB and help fund all services benefiting the public in Bahrain. Such activities include but not limited to training lifeguards at beaches and private institutions like hotels, water parks, etc.

To meet the goals set in the Water Safety Strategy, RLSB has identified strategies that are based on a combination of international best practice and local context. There are five independent strategies: 1) teach swimming, 2) provide safe locations, 3) teach first aid, 4) develop lifesaving people and 5) improve boating safety. Three activities that span all strategies include: 1) research and evaluation, 2) policy and regulation and 3) communication. These activities will be implemented in close collaboration with local stakeholders from the government and both public and private sectors.  –TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Bahrain | Water | strategy |

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