Swimming pool attendant survives drowning

PIC: Kule Gelazio sits by the pool side after being saved from drowning during a lifesavers course at Hotel La Grande in Bwaise, Kampala. (Credit: David Namunyala)

A swimming pool attendant has survived drowning during a water safety and life guarding training course at a hotel in a Kampala suburb.

"I have never swum before," admitted Kule Gelazio after he was pulled out of the pool.

"Whenever there is a case of drowning at my work place, I use a pool leaf skimmer to pull the victims out of the pool," he added.

Later, he disclosed that he is a mere pool attendant who sometimes acts as a ‘lifesaver' at Madhvani in Kakira, Lugazi.

His employer had recommended him to take the course, alongside other participants.

His experience at the pool however shed more light on the dangers surrounding Ugandan waters.

Gelazio appeared clearly dazed and disoriented - but thankful to be pulled out of the water alive - in front onlookers at Hotel la Grande pool in Bwaise.

Training in session. Here, a participant swims while carrying a brick. (Credit: David Namunyala)

Swimming instructor AIP Fred Serwanga (right) guiding participants during the lifesavers course. (Credit: David Namunyala)

The episode revealed just how much there still needs to be done if Uganda is to reduce cases of water deaths reported year in year out.

Meanwhile, police lifeguard instructor AIP Fred Serwanga said beach and hotel owners should hire people after practically testing their potential.

This, he said, would save the nation from calamities like what happened during the festive season last year where about 20 revelers drowned at various beaches.

"Our beaches are some of the riskiest places but I am surprised none of the participants has come from there [for the training," said Serwanga.

The course attracted as many as 22 participants.

"Beach owners should employ experts to watch over the revelers especially as we approach the festive season rather than plant warning signs everywhere," said Serwanga.

Dr. Olive Kobusingye from Makerere University School of Public Health was the other instructor during the course.

The annual event is organised by Swim Safe Uganda in their quest to try and reduce cases of drowning in the country.