Changing water safety education in Israel - advocacy in the Knesset

Israel Life Saving Federation representatives are a regular presence in Israel's Knesset committee discussions relating to coastal drownings, beach safety and water safety education.

ILSF representatives participated in three committee discussions on children's rights, Israel's forum for coastal municipalities and drowning prevention at the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, in early May.

Among the ILSF recommendations put forth during committee discussions to reduce drownings in Israel and make Israel's beaches safer:

• A beach safe campaign for the summer

• Cooperation with the Education Department and councils to introduce water safety lessons in schools and compulsory swimming classes for 1st graders and up

• Support for the surfing community and their crucial role as first responders in drowning cases

• Permitting ILSF volunteers to help in reducing drowning on beaches

Children's Rights Committee chairman MK Eliyahu Revivo summarized several important water-safety related recommendations at the conclusion of the panel discussion:

• Increasing the number of patrolled beaches in Israel and expanding number of hours lifeguards are on duty, as well as integrating electronic warning systems to alert when people are swimming outside patrolled areas

• Enabling teens to assist lifeguards

• Calling on local authorities to respond on a proposal to have ILSF instruct teachers about water safety education