Lifesaver Training Initiative

The Buntwani Beach Youth Group is proud to launch the Life-Saving Training Initiative, a first-of-its-kind grassroots program designed to:

•  Prevent drowning and water-related accidents along the Malindi shoreline.
•  Provide professional training and sustainable employment for local youth.
• Establish a long-term beach safety system run by the community, for the community.

This initiative is more than just rescue training. It’s about creating a new model for coastal safety, economic opportunity, and community pride.

The Buntwani Beach Youth Group is proud to launch the Life-Saving Training Initiative, a first-of-its-kind grassroots program designed to:

•  Prevent drowning and water-related accidents along the Malindi shoreline.
• Provide professional training and sustainable employment for local youth.
• Establish a long-term beach safety system run by the community, for the community.

This initiative is more than just rescue training. It’s about creating a new model for coastal safety, economic opportunity, and community pride.

We will identify, recruit, and train at least 30 young men and women from the beachside communities of Malindi. The training covers:

•       Water rescue techniques
•       First Aid and CPR
•       Public safety communication
•       Emergency response planning

The program will be facilitated by certified lifesaving instructors and aligned with internationally recognized water safety standards.

To ensure proper deployment and visibility of trained lifeguards, we plan to:

•      Construct two observation towers for monitoring the beach.
•      Install a mobile beachfront office (converted container HQ)
•      Procure essential lifesaving tools including floaters, radios, and uniforms.
•      Set up signage and educational boards to raise public awareness.

• Graduates of the training program will be offered paid contracts to work as professional lifeguards on designated patrol shifts. This not only creates jobs but also builds a culture of safety that benefits all beachgoers—locals and tourists alike.

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drowning claims over 236,000 lives every year globally, with the vast majority occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Most victims are children and young adults.

  In Kenya, coastal towns like Malindi experience year-round swimming and fishing activity, yet many beaches remain unsupervised. Our project is a local solution to a global problem, with the potential to serve as a model for other coastal towns across East Africa.

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      By the end of this pilot phase, we aim to:

•     Train and certify 30+ lifeguards
•     Build a lifesaving HQ and two watch tower
•     Launch monthly public water safety demos
•     Establish a permanent patrol and response unit
•     Attract long-term partnerships to expand the program

This initiative is not a government project. It is a youth-led, community-owned response to an urgent need. We have already:

• Cleared and secured a piece of land beside the old jetty

• Installed a water tank and solar panels

• Completed initial fencing of the project site

• Registered the group legally with relevant authorities

Now, we are calling on corporate sponsors, government agencies, NGOs, and individual well-wishers to help us bring this vision to life.

You can be a vital part of this mission by:

• Sponsoring equipment or training sessions

• Donating funds or in-kind support

• Offering technical assistance

• Spreading awareness through your networks

Every shilling, every tool, every share counts.