Adolf Kaure
The founder and owner of Monarch Lifeguard and Emergency Rescue, Marthin Muyenga, says more needs to be done to create awareness of water safety.
He called on policymakers to increase their efforts to make beaches safer.
“With their support, we could integrate water safety education into public schools and community spaces year-round, saving more lives and reaching broader audiences. Water safety awareness and drowning prevention is a shared, collective responsibility,” said Muyenga.
During the festive season, holidaymakers flocked to the coastal towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, which were abuzz with activities. This boom of activities has led to a need for efforts to maintain safety for people along the shores to be increased.
According to Muyenga, there were only minor rescues that his team attended to. He did, however, note that there was one major operation that Monarch had to conduct. This included a double drowning incident in Swakopmund’s rough ocean waters.
The team successfully retrieved both teenagers, but tragically, one was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. He explained some of the causes which lead to drowning.
“Common risks stem from people attempting to swim in the ocean using untrained skills, often mistaking it for calmer pool or river conditions,” he said.
“Parents frequently leave children unattended while distracted by activities like partying or being on the phone. Lack of parental supervision near water remains the leading cause of child drownings, compounded by peer pressure among adolescents,” he added.
Muyenga, added that coastal residents are gradually recognising the critical importance of water safety awareness and drowning prevention.
He advised residents to adhere to water safety standards enforced by on-duty lifeguards to prevent drowning incidents.
“Lifeguard contracts typically activate only in December, so we urge visitors to adhere to water safety standards enforced by on-duty lifeguards. Outside this period, with no lifeguards present, drowning risks skyrocket. We also strongly encourage everyone to learn to swim, float correctly, and adopt these lifesaving practices to protect yourself and your loved ones,” he said.
Monarch Lifeguard and Emergency Rescue is a Namibian-owned company with nine years of service.
The company specialises in water safety awareness education, drowning prevention, lifeguarding, Safety at Sea (STCW requirements), underwater search and recovery, first aid, basic firefighting, flood rescue, and learn-to-swim programmes.
