Muizenberg-Based Non-Profit 'EcoActive' Honoured with Lifesaving Award for Drowning Prevention Initiative

In a momentous recognition of its work in the field of water safety and education, Muizenberg-based 'EcoActive', a non-profit organization focused on ecological awareness and prevention of incidents in aquatic environments, has won the prestigious Bayo Verheyden Award. Awarded by Lifesaving South Africa, the accolade acknowledges the Best Drowning Prevention Initiative, a testament to the organization's commitment to reducing drowning incidents among children.

EcoActive's roots stretch back to 2014 when founder Belinda Minter saw the dire need for water safety education in the resource-scarce areas of the Cape Flats. Driven by a vision to equip at-risk youth with life-saving skills, the organization has since played a pivotal role in averting tragedies linked to unsafe water practices.

The Bayo Verheyden Award commemorates the tragic loss of 21-year-old Bavo Verheyden, a Belgian who succumbed to the deceptive tides of the River Mouth near Port St Johns in 2011. It serves not only as a remembrance of the young soul but as a call to action to prevent such misfortunes from reoccurring. The lack of adequate signage and warnings at the stretch of beach where Verheyden drowned highlights the critical nature of EcoActive's mission.

Expressing her sentiments, Minter shared with DailyVoice her motivation for founding EcoActive and her view of the award as a profound endorsement of the hard work and passion poured into the cause. This program has indeed engineered a wave of change, reaching deep into the community it aims to protect.

The accolade was presented during an annual charity beach run, an event that drew volunteers, supporters, and learners alike, all united to honor this significant achievement. Under the banner of EcoActive, initiatives such as water safety awareness campaigns have raised the level of consciousness in the community concerning the inherent dangers of aquatic environments.

The entity’s impact is further augmented by practical solutions, including providing free swimming lessons to Grade 4 learners at five primary schools. Conducted at local swimming pools like the one in Retreat, these lessons transcend mere physical activity, instilling potentially life-saving skills and confidence in young participants.

In tandem with its focus on water safety, EcoActive's Dropout Prevention Program addresses broader needs by fostering skill development and academic support. It is this comprehensive approach that has not only won them the Bayo Verheyden Award but also solidified their position as a beacon of hope and safety in the Cape Flats.

The ripple effect of EcoActive's dedication to drowning prevention and youth education continues to expand, embodying the spirit of community resilience and empowerment. As the organization celebrates its reward, the true prize lays in the lives safeguarded and the confidence instilled in the children, the future custodians of their watery surroundings.