Exploring Flood Response Challenges, Training Needs, and the Impact of Online Flood Training for Lifeguards and Water Safety Professionals in South Africa

Amy E. Peden (), Adrian Mayhew, Shayne D. Baker, Mziwoxolo Mayedwa and Colleen J. Saunders
Additional contact information
Amy E. Peden: School of Population Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
Adrian Mayhew: Surf Life Saving Great Britain, Buckland House, Park 5, Harrier Way, Sowton, Exeter EX2 7HU, UK
Shayne D. Baker: International Life Saving Federation—Rescue Commission, 3010 Leuven, Belgium
Mziwoxolo Mayedwa: Department of Information Systems, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
Colleen J. Saunders: Drowning Prevention Committee, Lifesaving South Africa, Durban 4001, South Africa

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 16, 1-13

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 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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