(Bandar Seri Begawan, 25th) The Brunei Aquatics Sports Association, in collaboration with curriculum partner Blue Whale Water Safety Centre, will launch the "Every Child, Water Safety" program on July 25, 2026. The launch ceremony will be held at the National Stadium Community Centre Theatre, in conjunction with World Drowning Prevention Day.
The program aims to teach basic water survival and safety skills to children aged 5 to 8. Since drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death among children, the plan hopes to reduce the risk of drowning while strengthening children's self-confidence, knowledge of water safety, and risk awareness.
The course is based on the Blue Whale Water Safety Framework, revolving around the four steps of "Pause, Stay Calm, Observe, Respond," enabling children to identify hazards before entering the pool and master the correct way to handle the crucial first seconds of a water emergency.
This course also lays the foundation for the World Aquatics' "Explore Water" program, allowing children to first learn to think calmly before further acquiring swimming skills.
The program has received support from the Brunei Ministry of Education and will be promoted through the Department of Schools, Department of Co-curricular Activities, and the Health, Safety and Environment Department.
Prior to the launch event, 25 teachers from 13 schools nationwide completed a two-day training course. The course was conducted by Blue Whale Water Safety founder and CEO, as well as the author of "Mary and the Blue Whale," Narishan, equipping teachers with the skills to carry out water safety awareness classes at their respective schools, further expanding the program's impact.
The Brunei Ministry of Health has also confirmed its support for the program. This launch ceremony is in line with the World Health Organization's 2017 "Preventing Drowning: Implementation Guide" and the United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/75/273 on global drowning prevention.
Acting Permanent Secretary Rafidah from the Ministry of Health attended the launch ceremony.
Brunei Aquatics Sports Association Honorary Secretary and Brunei Country Lead for the World Aquatics’ “Explore Water” project, Hong Ming Xiangxiong, noted that many children are unable to think clearly during drowning incidents, often panicking before even mastering swimming skills and therefore meeting with accidents.
He said, the goal of the "Every Child, Water Safety" program is to teach children how to respond in an emergency before they go into the water. With the support of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health, this program will extend water safety education to even more children nationwide, not just those already enrolled in swimming lessons.
At the launch event, School Department Special Task Officer Mohammad Danni from the Ministry of Education presented water safety certificates to education professionals; while Umi Khartum, Director of the Youth and Sports Bureau of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, presented Brunei Aquatics Sports Association certificates to coaches and instructors.
The course is based on the Blue Whale Water Safety Framework, revolving around the four steps of "Pause, Stay Calm, Observe, Respond," enabling children to identify hazards before entering the pool and master the correct way to handle the crucial first seconds of a water emergency.
This course also lays the foundation for the World Aquatics' "Explore Water" program, allowing children to first learn to think calmly before further acquiring swimming skills.
The program has received support from the Brunei Ministry of Education and will be promoted through the Department of Schools, Department of Co-curricular Activities, and the Health, Safety and Environment Department.
Prior to the launch event, 25 teachers from 13 schools nationwide completed a two-day training course. The course was conducted by Blue Whale Water Safety founder and CEO, as well as the author of "Mary and the Blue Whale," Narishan, equipping teachers with the skills to carry out water safety awareness classes at their respective schools, further expanding the program's impact.
The Brunei Ministry of Health has also confirmed its support for the program. This launch ceremony is in line with the World Health Organization's 2017 "Preventing Drowning: Implementation Guide" and the United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/75/273 on global drowning prevention.
Acting Permanent Secretary Rafidah from the Ministry of Health attended the launch ceremony.
Brunei Aquatics Sports Association Honorary Secretary and Brunei Country Lead for the World Aquatics’ “Explore Water” project, Hong Ming Xiangxiong, noted that many children are unable to think clearly during drowning incidents, often panicking before even mastering swimming skills and therefore meeting with accidents.
He said, the goal of the "Every Child, Water Safety" program is to teach children how to respond in an emergency before they go into the water. With the support of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health, this program will extend water safety education to even more children nationwide, not just those already enrolled in swimming lessons.
At the launch event, School Department Special Task Officer Mohammad Danni from the Ministry of Education presented water safety certificates to education professionals; while Umi Khartum, Director of the Youth and Sports Bureau of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, presented Brunei Aquatics Sports Association certificates to coaches and instructors.