461 Possibilities for introducing survival swimming skills training program in rural areas of Bangladesh

<h3>Background</h3> Every hour in Bangladesh, approximately 1.66 children lose their lives to drowning, totaling an estimated 14,500 deaths annually. Given the widespread exposure of children to water in their daily lives, the mortality rate from drowning surpasses that of any other cause. Bangladesh’s open water bodies, including ponds, ditches, rivers, canals, and lakes, contribute to this elevated risk. To address this issue, the SwimSafe program, initiated in 2006, has gradually been implemented in 30 districts across various geographical locations in Bangladesh. Through this program, over 600,000 children aged 4 to 10 years have received training on survival swimming skills. <h3>Objective</h3> This research aims to outline the feasibility of introducing a community-based program for imparting survival swimming skills training in Bangladesh. <h3>Methodology</h3> This study involved the analysis of project reports, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), In-Depth Interviews, and Workshop reports. <h3>Result</h3> Nationwide, successful implementation of survival swimming skill training programs for children is facilitated by ample essential resources and logistics, including instructors, water reservoirs, and materials for pond modifications. Community members contribute generously, offering ponds and bamboo for modifications, along with physical labor. Government stakeholders actively engage community leaders, fostering a smooth implementation process. To optimize effectiveness, a manual for children’s survival swimming skills, along with monitoring tools, has been developed. The program is cost-effective, allocating $100 for venue development and paying instructors $1.20 per child upon successful completion. Quality control is ensured through skilled human resources in Bangladesh. <h3>Conclusion</h3> To mitigate drowning mortality in Bangladesh, the implementation of a survival swimming skill training program is highly recommended. The effectiveness of such programs is evident, with a 90% success rate in preventing drowning incidents. Across the country, the essential logistics and facilities required for this initiative are readily accessible. Additionally, there is a widespread availability of volunteers, particularly adolescents, who can actively participate in and contribute to survival swimming skills training programs throughout Bangladesh.