Exploring Flood Response Challenges, Training Needs, and the Impact of Online Flood Training for Lifeguards and Water Safety Professionals in South Africa
Article
Article Title | Exploring Flood Response Challenges, Training Needs, and the Impact of Online Flood Training for Lifeguards and Water Safety Professionals in South Africa |
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ERA Journal ID | 44293 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Peden, Amy E., Mayhew, Adrian, Baker, Shayne D., Mayedwa, Mziwoxolo and Saunders, Colleen J. |
Journal Title | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health |
Journal Citation | 20 |
Number of Pages | 13 |
Year | 2023 |
Publisher | MDPI AG |
Place of Publication | Switzerland |
ISSN | 1660-4601 |
1661-7827 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20166573 |
Web Address (URL) | https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/16/6573 |
Abstract | Flooding is a significant cause of human and economic loss in the African region, including in South Africa. Flood mitigation and response in South Africa is challenging due to a range of environmental, infrastructure, and policy constraints. Lifeguards represent a potential additional workforce to bolster flood mitigation and response. This study aimed to explore the feasibility and acceptability of online flood safety training for water safety professionals in South Africa, as well as assess the current flood response capacity and future needs of this group. Online surveys were completed by a convenience sample of South African water safety professionals (including lifeguards) pre-and post a series of four online flood training workshops. Free text responses were thematically coded and flood knowledge was compared between the pre-and post-workshop survey respondents. Sixty-eight responses were analysed (64.7% pre-workshop phase; 63.2% male, 29.4% aged 50–59 years). A range of challenges in flood mitigation and response were identified including equipment, training, and a lack of government support. However, positives were also identified including respondents’ willingness to assist in flood emergencies and good cooperation with neighbouring countries and across the region. Opportunities for better cross-municipal and government communication were discussed. In times of crisis, or in resource poor settings, water safety professionals can bolster traditional flood mitigation and response capacity. Opportunities exist to harness this willingness, but also improve cross-governmental and municipal knowledge sharing to improve future flood mitigation and response efforts in South Africa. |
Keywords | drowning; disaster; risk reduction; emergency response; safety; injury; education; emergency; first responder; interoperability |
Contains Sensitive Content | Does not contain sensitive content |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 4206. Public health |
Byline Affiliations | University of New South Wales |
James Cook University | |
Surf Life Saving Great Britain, United Kingdom | |
International Life Saving Federation, Belgium | |
School of Education | |
University of the Western Cape, South Africa | |
Lifesaving South Africa, South Africa | |
University of Cape Town, South Africa |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/z0398/exploring-flood-response-challenges-training-needs-and-the-impact-of-online-flood-training-for-lifeguards-and-water-safety-professionals-in-south-africa
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