Ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day (25 July), Green Corridors requested support and advice from the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and Metro Police Search & Rescue as a proactive effort to educate and empower tourism guides who operate near water and work in communities with little or no access to emergency services.
Tragedies are not uncommon in areas with water, and it was with much appreciation that Siya Mthethwa, Drowning Prevention Coordinator at the NSRI, Brendan Latchmiah, Drowning Prevention Instructor, Warrant Officer Lee Bryant of Durban Metro Search and Rescue, and Disaster Management Technician intern Jonty Hardcastle, visited the eNanda Adventures site on Inanda Dam to provide valuable insights to Green Corridors guides working in the Valley of 1000 Hills.
Children enrolled in the GO!Durban Cycle Academy programme, along with children from the community enjoying their school holidays, joined Green Corridors guides Mlu Mthembu (Amatata Adventures), Sibusiso Shangase (Mqeku Camp), and Gabi Ngcobo (eNanda Adventure Park) for the session.
Under the shade of the eNanda Adventure Park campsite trees, the experts explained their roles in community support and gave practical advice and demonstrations to both children and adults. They highlighted the importance of emergency numbers (112 and 10111) and shared steps to take when emergency services are delayed or unavailable. This included how to prevent drowning and resuscitate unconscious individuals.
Attendees were shown how to check for a pulse, apply CPR, safely approach a drowning person, and use flotation devices like a torpedo buoy. One of the most practical tips shared was to keep a tightly sealed 5-litre plastic container with a rope attached nearby. This simple device can be thrown to someone in distress to help keep them afloat while being pulled to safety.
The lessons were well received, and the guides and site managers expressed confidence in being better prepared to ensure the safety of visitors participating in water-based activities at Green Corridors sites.
These sites include:
eNanda Adventures – Located on the shores of Inanda Dam, ideal for canoeing, fishing, trail running, mountain biking, camping, or day events.
iSithumba Adventure Camp – Situated in a small village in the Valley of 1000 Hills, this site offers authentic Zulu experiences, event facilities, and cultural and outdoor activities through iSithumba Travels.
Mqeku Picnic Site – Set on the confluence of the uMngeni and Mqueku Rivers, this site features picnic spots, camping, bird watching, 4×4 and hiking trails, and the famous Mqeku Bum Slide.
Matata Adventures – Positioned in the scenic mountains overlooking Durban, this location offers forest and waterfall hiking trails, educational excursions, and breathtaking camping opportunities.
Overock and Lower Molweni – Near Hillcrest, these sites offer nature trails, waterfalls, cliffs, and a deep dive into local nature and Rastafarian culture.
For more information, visit https://greencorridors.org/
Email: frontdesk@greencorridors.africa
Call: 069 823 0559
