ABW Sept 2023-1

Asia Unites
Drowning Pr P
Words by BARRY DAWSON
Photographs as Credited
A
sia is planning to unite on Drowning Prevention
and awareness through a unified Lifeguard training
and Lifesaving sports program.
There is currently a movement underway for major lifeguard
training and Aquatic safety organizations to form an
alliance to establish standards of training and lifesaving
sports throughout Asia. Possibly to be known as the Asian
Lifesaving Alliance.
Spearheaded by Mr. Dollah Said of Aqua Putra, Malaysia
(www.aquaputra.com.my) and supported by Surf Lifesaving
Bangladesh, MD. Saifullah Sifat, (www.surflifesaving.org.
bd) Phuket Lifesaving, Ms. Vitanya Chuyauan, (www.
phuketlifeguard.com) Waterworld India, Mr.Vijay Kumar Sah,
(www.water-world.in), National Institute of Swimming, India.
Mr. Jaiprakash Duble (www.nationalinstitoteofswimming.
com) and Zambales Lifesaving Inc., Philippines. Mr. Roger
Bound. (www.zambaleslifesaving.org) Initial discussions
were held last Sunday during a webinar with the above
organizations, which included the following:
Sharing of Lifeguard training systems and techniques to
improve training and increase the standards of lifesavers
throughout Asia.
Sharing of standards used in assessing the ability of
Lifeguards, so that all Asian countries’ certifications are
acceptable throughout Asia.
Sharing of information on Drowning Awareness and
prevention to lower the current alarming drowning incidents
throughout Asia.
The possibility of Lifesaving organizations assisting
Government bodies to identify beach dangers during bad
90
weather and allow local Government Officials to close
beaches when conditions are too dangerous.
A unified Lifesaving Sports program, with the possibility
of each member country hosting a lifesaving sports
competition, with the view of forming an overall Asian
Lifesaving Championship, with the end goal of Asian
representation at the World Lifesaving Championships.
Implementation of Junior Lifesaver programs for under
18-year-olds.
This could be a major step forward, not just in water safety, but
also in advancing training techniques, enlisting International
assistance for training and also employment opportunities.
Should other organizations be interested in joining this
alliance, please contact any of the above organizations that
are already committed.
If things transpire quickly, this may also see additional
International interest in organizations sending
representatives to this November 25th Philippine National
Lifesaving Challenge, being organized by Zambales
Lifesaving Inc. who have since 2010 run an annual Lifesaving
Sports Event previously known as the Zambales Lifeguard
Challenge. Although it was interrupted for 2019 - 2021
years by the Covid-19 pandemic, so 2023 will be the tenth
running of the event. The major reason for the change of
name is that some thought it was open only to competitors
from Zambales; however, that was never the case and
previous events had seen entries from Manila, Cebu,
Dumaguete, and in 2018, from Malaysia and Singapore. On
the other hand, Zambales Lifesaving Inc. has sent teams to
the Phuket Lifesaving Championships in Thailand on three
occasions prior to the pandemic.