Nairobi County boosts water rescuer training for better emergency response

To improve its response to floods, drownings, and other water-related emergencies, City Hall has recruited 21 water rescue personnel.

This after a successful pass-out in Mombasa where they had undergone a four-week intensive training.

The team consists of 21 members; five firewomen and sixteen firemen.

Bram Simiyu, County Chief Officer, Disaster Management and Coordination told The Eastleigh Voice on Monday that the training was comprehensive and rigorous.

"The training entailed swimming and water rescue lessons, First Aid for water accident victims, life-saving techniques, rescue boat operations, and basic deep diving and rescue techniques," he explained.

The Chief Officer emphasised the critical role of the water rescue team in ensuring the safety of water users and responding to emergencies.

"The role of the water rescue team will be to ensure safety for water users, respond to emergencies involving water accidents, especially floods, and whenever evacuation is needed. The team ensures water safety by educating members of the public on safe ways of handling water, especially in recreational areas with swimming pools and even those who live near water bodies," Simiyu added.

He said that the lessons learned during the intense four-week programme would be invaluable whenever water-based disaster incidents occur in the city and its environs.

"The training they received has equipped them with the skills necessary to handle any water-related emergencies efficiently, enhancing Nairobi's preparedness and resident safety," Simiyu concluded.

March and April were devastating months, with severe rainfall causing flooding throughout the country.

As of April 30, 2024, at least 16 individuals had died as a result of the devastating floods.

The heavy rains also affected 60,000 residents, where 13,000 sought refuge in the camps set up by the National and County governments.

The Chief officer said that from the floodings, City Hall had resulted to train some of its staff in the disaster department in case of similar future occurrences.