Following the death of three people including a 12-year-old girl who went missing when the fibreglass boat they were travelling in capsized in Tuvuca waters in the Lau Group last week, Minister for Woman, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya is calling on the Ministry of Education for the possible inclusion of survival swimming skills as part of the education curriculum.
While conveying her condolences to the family members of the young victims, Tabuya is calling on all parents and community leaders, especially Turaga Ni Koro of villages in rural and maritime areas, to ensure that boats operating in their respective communities are regularly checked to ensure these vessels have relevant marine safety equipment such as life jackets, emergency VHF and flares which can be useful during incidents such as this.
She is also calling on all parents and guardians to be vigilant and ensure that their children or wards know water safety rules and are taught how to swim.
Tabuya says with 2 weeks remaining before the 1st school term begins, she is urging all parents, guardians, community leaders and boat operators to please be vigilant of children’s whereabouts and activities.
She says ensure children are under adult supervision when going for picnics or travelling by boat with relevant safety equipment on board.
