The Sierra Leone Life Saving Society (SLLS) is set to roll out basic lifesaving skills training for over 40 primary and secondary schools in Freetown as part of its Safe School Initiative.

The program aims to equip students with essential skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), water safety, and drowning prevention.

SLLS Chairman Patrick Olumide Campbell announced that the initiative would target both government and private schools in the Western Area and involve the training of 30 personnel from organizations such as the National Tourist Board and Sierra Leone Maritime. The training, developed in partnership with the International Life Saving Federation (ILS), will provide participants with lifeguard certification.

“This initiative is a voluntary service to the nation, driven by a commitment to equity,” Campbell said in an interview with Pan African Visions. “Training students early in these vital lifesaving skills can save lives during emergencies and empower communities through shared knowledge and preparedness.”

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The SLLS has partnered with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education to identify schools for the training. Campbell emphasized the importance of grassroots outreach, stating, “Our future as a nation depends on equipping young people with the skills to protect themselves and others in emergencies.”

The organization is calling for support from stakeholders, including the Ministries of Health and Sports, to expand the program nationwide.

In 2023, the SLLS trained over 50 participants in lifesaving skills in collaboration with Change Up Sports, a U.S.-based organization. The upcoming initiative underscores SLLS’s commitment to enhancing safety and preparedness across Sierra Leone.

“This training can make a significant difference in saving lives and fostering a culture of safety and readiness across communities,” Campbell concluded.

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