Recognizing the importance of building early awareness among children about marine safety concepts and introducing them to the proper behaviors to follow while at the beach, in a way that helps protect lives, reduce risks, and foster a sense of responsibility among community members from a young age, Abu Dhabi City Municipality organized the “Little Lifeguard” event at “A’l Bahar” Beach on Abu Dhabi Corniche. The event was attended by 50 children and school students visiting the beach, and was organized in collaboration with Tornado Total Landscape LLC.
The event forms part of an awareness initiative through which the Municipality aims to introduce younger generations to the beach environment, reinforce the importance of learning the basics of rescue and first aid, and highlight the vital role played by lifeguards in maintaining the safety and security of beachgoers.
The event featured a number of awareness workshops delivered in a simplified and interactive manner suited to the targeted age group. One of the workshops addressed the duties of lifeguards and nurses, introducing participants to their essential role in protecting beachgoers, responding swiftly to emergency situations, and serving as a first line of defense in maintaining public safety.
The event also included an awareness workshop on guidance flags and signs used to regulate swimming. The meanings and indications of the flags were explained in a simple way, helping children understand the warning and regulatory messages related to sea conditions, as well as the importance of following the instructions and guidance displayed at the beach to ensure their safety.
In addition, an awareness workshop on essential first aid was conducted, during which children were introduced to some of the risks that beachgoers may face, such as changing sea conditions or certain emergency situations. They were also provided with simplified information on proper responses and basic first aid measures that can contribute to the initial handling of cases until specialists arrive.
Among the important humanitarian aspects highlighted during the event was the introduction of the floating wheelchair, known as the Tiralo, which is used at the beach to serve People of Determination. Its role in facilitating their safe and comfortable access to the sea and enjoyment of beach facilities was explained, reflecting the values of inclusivity and commitment to providing services that ensure quality of life for all segments of society.
To add an interactive and motivational dimension, the event included questions for participants about the awareness workshops presented, which helped reinforce children’s understanding of the information provided. Prizes were also distributed to participants as part of an effort to instill awareness concepts in an engaging and appealing manner.