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

Author

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  • Amy E. Peden

    (School of Population Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
    College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia)

  • Adrian Mayhew

    (Surf Life Saving Great Britain, Buckland House, Park 5, Harrier Way, Sowton, Exeter EX2 7HU, UK
    International Life Saving Federation—Rescue Commission, 3010 Leuven, Belgium)

  • Shayne D. Baker

    (International Life Saving Federation—Rescue Commission, 3010 Leuven, Belgium
    School of Education, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia)

  • Mziwoxolo Mayedwa

    (Department of Information Systems, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
    Drowning Prevention Committee, Lifesaving South Africa, Durban 4001, South Africa)

  • Colleen J. Saunders

    (Drowning Prevention Committee, Lifesaving South Africa, Durban 4001, South Africa
    Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Amy E. Peden & Adrian Mayhew & Shayne D. Baker & Mziwoxolo Mayedwa & Colleen J. Saunders, 2023. "Exploring Flood Response Challenges, Training Needs, and the Impact of Online Flood Training for Lifeguards and Water Safety Professionals in South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(16), pages 1-13, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:16:p:6573-:d:1216395
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gina Ziervogel & Mark New & Emma Archer van Garderen & Guy Midgley & Anna Taylor & Ralph Hamann & Sabine Stuart‐Hill & Jonny Myers & Michele Warburton, 2014. "Climate change impacts and adaptation in South Africa," Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 5(5), pages 605-620, September.
    2. Maxx Dilley, 2000. "Reducing Vulnerability to Climate Variability in Southern Africa: The Growing Role of Climate Information," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 45(1), pages 63-73, April.
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