Survival Program

What better way to help children retain life-saving knowledge than through the magic of storytelling? A powerful story can stay with them for life. That’s why we created Sunny the Seal Pup and Sipho Starfish, two engaging characters who guide our Sunshine Kids through the fundamentals of water safety in a fun, interactive way.

Crucially, this learning happens before children ever set foot near the water. Through a full term of water safety education, they build a strong foundation of understanding, grasping not just what to do, but why it matters. By the time they reach the water, they already carry the awareness, confidence, and decision-making skills needed for increased safety.

Once each child has learned the basics of water safety, we introduce them to the water.  Over a 13 week period each child attends twice weekly lessons, focusing on learning to float, and move themselves to safety.  In this position a child can breathe and shout for help, whilst remaining at the surface of the water.  Floating also helps the child to relax and conserve energy, further reducing the chances of drowning from physical fatigue.  

We also focus on peer rescue, empowering each child with skills to use in an emergency, whilst keeping themselves safe…too many lives are lost through trying to jump in to save a friend, we teach how to be a hero in the right way.

We rely on strong partnerships between local private swim schools and early childhood development centers to provide this lifesaving education. Each child receives the means to learn, including swim pack with costume, cap and towel, workbook, a qualified instructor in a safe body of water and transport to and from each lesson.  For R2500/£120 you could sponsor a child’s entire water safety journey!

With rip currents taking many lives each year (even those of confident swimmers) it is essential that every child is taught how to play safely at the beach.

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Following our survival swim lessons, we take every child for a day at the beach.  In partnership with other life saving organisations, we ensure every child leaves with an understanding of the risks associated with the ocean, where to find a lifeguard, and what to do in an emergency situation.  RELAX, FLOAT, PUT ONE HAND IN THE AIR AND CALL FOR HELP!