EDUCATION UNDER THE BANNER OF "SAFE WATER SPORTS"

Almost 2,300 pupils of primary, middle and high schools of the Świętkorzyskie province have joined the training sessions. They are provided with practical and theoretical knowledge about first aid and instructions on safe riparian holidays. Targi Kielce in conjunction with the Świętokrzyskie Association - Volunteer Water Rescue Service WOPR hokd the consecutive edition of the "Safe water sport" project.

 Drowning risk in Poland is twice higher than all EU member states average.  The National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene analysis is alarming. Every year the police statistics inform about increases in the number of fatalities, children and adolescents account for a large number of casualties. The number water-related, fatal accidents rises during summer.

 - Holiday is on the horizon - this is a difficult time for the emergency services. Adults are often involved in accidents; if only they knew the first-aid basics, unnecessary deaths would be avoided.  - says Piotr Molasy of the Świętokrzyskie Association - Volunteer Water Rescue Service WOPR.  - In conjunction with Targi Kielce, our association invests in the education of children and youth. We're working now so that in a few years' time, when these young people become adults, they will be more aware. And thanks this statistics may become less frightening  - he adds.

 The Association's life-guards use the theoretical part to present water-associated dangers, what reckless behaviour may lead to. They also teach children and youth how to cope with life-threatening situations. The practical will be the culmination - it includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation practice.

 In addition to the workshops, the organizers have prepared artistic part. Young Świętokrzyskie residents have had the opportunity to meet representatives of the VIVE Tauron Kielce, Effector Kielce Korona Kielce, as well as famous sportsmen - Krystian Herba and artists - Ania Wileńska who had taken part on Little Giants, Agnieszka Marczak and Step by Step.

 This is the third time when Targi Kielce hosts this large-scale training campaign on first aid and safe water holiday.  The first edition of "Safe water sports" programme brought together 455 pupils. Organizers plan to hold annual projects: "Safe water sport" (April-May) and "Ice-skating Safety" (November-December).The initiative is aimed at education and mobilization of children and youth; they are to learn first aid and proper use of the rescue measures.

(mb)