“Safe Elafonisos”: Successful drowning prevention project for kids
Elafonisos, Greece August 2023. The project “Safe Elafonisos” taught successfully water safety, thanks to the collaboration of 4 organizations.
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INTRODUCTION
The Island of Elafonisos was chosen because of its
natural beauties and remote location to offer educational water safety
opportunities to children. The project will take place at two stages. At the
first, the children from the island and a team of scouts, received practical
and theoretical education. At the second, more children will be educated online
and onsite by primary school teachers and GLSA instructors.
PROGRAM
The syllabus included water safety, personal survival, water rescues, lifesaving sport, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and action for chocking in various lessons. The educational material included the International Water Safety Program “Charlie the savior” and the “Safe Swim for Aquatic Injury Prevention” that are approved and taught within the Greek primary school education. Several adults, parents and tourists were amused while observing the lessons.
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ORGANIZATIONS
The project was supported by 4 organizations. The
Municipality of Elafonisos, provided the facilities and the beneficiaries,
thanks to the efforts of the tireless Mayor, Mrs. Efi Liarou. The Princess
Charlene of Monaco Foundation, provided the resources, thanks to the vision of
HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco that strives to reduce drowning among children
around the world. The Greek Lifesaving Sports Association (GLSA) was represented
by its President, Dr. Stathis Avramidis who was accompanied by the Physical
Education Teacher Helena Kirikou, that both provided the training. Lastly, the
Elafonisos Eco, an ecological organization that was founded by the visionary entrepreneur
Enrico Toja, to advance the ecological impact on the Island, provided some facilities.
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COMMENTS
The leadership of the four involved organizations, highly appraised the project.
Dr. Avramidis commented: “Drowning is a serious killer
worldwide. Elafonisos is a remote island with no opportunities for water safety
awareness. The collaboration of everyone involved brought fruitful results. The
sounding smiles of the children will echo forever!”
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The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation commented:
“HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco says that together we will save lives. One
person, one family, one community at the time! We are pleased to support such
educational initiatives as part of our vision to support Greece.”
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Efi Liarou commented: “We are grateful because this initiative
helped us feel and become safer in and around the water. Despite that the
project took place in the high touristic season, the children warmly
participated and enjoyed it. Thank you PCMF, Elafonisos Eco and GLSA for your
input to our citizens.”
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Enrico Toja commented: “The program will have a fantastic impact on the islanders. Along with our effort to raise the ecological standards, this educational experience was profound and well received by everyone. We are proud to play our part to serve the local community in such elegant way!”
The participants received an elegant commemorative Certificate of Attendance. The local authority, the participants and the organizers were extremely pleased with the learning outcome of the 1st stage of the project. The project will end in December with the teaching of water safety to the same and more children. It is expected that it will benefit about 224 children and adults.
The project was screened by Ionian TV (more). The GLSA thanks all the contributing organizations and the individuals that made this possible (Elena Kirikou, Katerina Kokkinaki, Andy Pappas, Fotis Zias, Katerina Kolotourou, Efi Liarou, Enrico Toja, Pascal Granero, Xavier Archimbault). Photos: GLSA.
