MWANZA: AUTHORITIES and development partners are expanding water safety measures around Lake Victoria as fishing communities face continued risks from drowning, with efforts focusing on prevention, emergency response and better access to safety information.
The renewed push comes as drowning remains a significant public safety challenge, particularly among fishing communities whose livelihoods depend on one of Africa’s largest lakes.
According to figures cited by the Environmental Management and Economic Development Organisation (EMEDO), about 2,500 people were estimated to have died from drowning nationwide in 2021, highlighting the need for stronger prevention measures.
EMEDO Advocacy Officer Mary Francis said drowning remains a major global health concern, with the World Health Organization estimating about 300,000 drowning deaths annually worldwide, most occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
She said drowning remains among the leading causes of death for children aged between five and 14 years, despite global deaths from drowning declining between 2000 and 2021.
Studies cited by EMEDO indicate that between 84 and 87 per cent of adult drowning deaths on Lake Victoria occur during fishing activities involving boats.
The lake supports the livelihoods of more than 109,000 fishers, making water safety an important issue not only for public health but also for the local economy and communities that depend on fishing.
Ms Francis said risks are being compounded by changing weather patterns, with floods and extreme weather events increasing exposure to water-related accidents.
The Lake Victoria Drowning Prevention Project, implemented by EMEDO in partnership with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), has been working with seven fishing communities since 2022 to improve safety awareness, strengthen emergency response systems and expand access to weather information.
The programme has also focused on training fishing communities on safer practices and supporting families affected by drowning incidents.
Tanzania strengthens life-saving rescue services on Lake Victoria
EMEDO Vice-Chairperson Donald Kasongi said progress in reducing drowning risks depends on cooperation between government institutions, local authorities, communities and development partners.
He recognised the contribution of the Fire and Rescue Force, Fisheries Education and Training Agency (FETA), Marine Police Unit and Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) in providing technical support and safety training.
The Mwanza Regional Administration said it would continue supporting efforts to reduce drowning through public awareness campaigns, stakeholder cooperation and implementation of the National Drowning Prevention Strategic Plan (2026–2030).
Assistant Administrative Secretary for Planning and Coordination Henry Mwaijega, who represented the Regional Administrative Secretary, said reducing drowning requires coordinated action among institutions responsible for safety, transport, fisheries and community development.
For fishing communities, safety challenges remain closely linked to daily economic activities. Stakeholders say improved access to life-saving equipment, reliable weather information, emergency services and continued public education will be critical in reducing preventable deaths on the lake.
EMEDO Executive Director Edithrudith Lukanga said sustained cooperation among government, communities, development partners and the private sector would be essential to building safer water environments.