Africa has the highest drowning rate in the World and The Gambian volunteers were one of 14 African countries represented at the two week long training.The course entitled ‘Future Leaders in Lifesaving’ is the only one of its kind and is designed and delivered by RNLI staff from the UK who delivered teaching on areas such as - lifesaving skills, setting up a lifeguard service, training recruits, managing people in addition to aquatic survival for children.
Steve Wills, the RNLI’s International Development Manager said: “A staggering 400,000 people drown each year, with a vast proportion of these being in Africa.Drowning is completely preventable.The Future Leaders in Lifesaving Course has the potential to make a huge impact in Africa and I’m delighted Gambian volunteers were amongst those who took part.”
The course was delivered from 22 September to 4 October by RNLI UK, with support from the Royal Life Saving Society Commonwealth and the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.
The RNLI was founded in the UK in 1824 and is estimated to have saved over 140,000 lives since.
It currently has 237 lifeboat stations and 200 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK.
