Splash of sunshine raises awareness of drowning prevention

With 30 people drowning every hour across the world, the World Health Organisation (WHO) started a global appeal for countries to build a safety culture around water.

2021 was the first annual World Drowning Prevention Day, and a local non-profit organisation started in the Helderberg basin - The Darcey Sunshine Foundation (TDSF) - and it is inviting you to join this global event and add a big splash of winter sunshine across our region.

TDSF is proud to mark World Drowning Prevention Day on Friday July 25 with its Sunshine Civvies Day - a national call to action for all South Africans to help raise awareness and support for water safety through the simple act of wearing a “Splash of Sunshine”.

This meaningful day, recognised by the WHO, shines a light on a sobering reality: anyone can drown, but no one should.

In South Africa, where thousands of preventable drowning incidents occur each year, this call is urgent and deeply personal.

Sunshine Civvies Day honours the life of Darcey Elizabeth Sunshine Doig, a vibrant little girl whose life was tragically cut short in a swimming pool accident.

In the face of unimaginable loss, her mother, Kirsty Doig, founded The Darcey Sunshine Foundation - a movement grounded in courage, compassion and the commitment to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to learn how to survive in water.

Since its inception, the foundation has been working tirelessly to break down barriers to survival swimming in underserved communities - covering not only the cost of 26 structured swimming lessons, but also transport to and from pools, nutritional support, and the provision of a full swim kit - including a costume, cap, towel and bag.

Yet the work of the foundation extends far beyond the pool...

Kirsty explains: “This journey has become about more than swimming. We are also confronting cultural taboos, economic inequalities, and social determinants that impact access and participation in water safety programmes.

"Real change requires community engagement, inclusivity, and sustained advocacy.”

This year, TDSF aims to support 300 children, and invites every South African to be part of this life-saving mission.

Here’s how:

* Wear yellow, gold, or any “splash of sunshine” on Friday July 25 to show your support.

* Host a Sunshine Civvies Day at your school, workplace or club, and collect donations.

* Make a pledge or corporate contribution to help fund more children through the programme.

* Share the message: Talk about drowning prevention. Tell your story. Start a conversation.

Together, we can honour Darcey’s legacy by spreading warmth, safety, and hope - one child, one swim, one act of kindness at a time.

For more information, fundraising ideas or to get involved, contact  saevents@darceysunshine.org or visit www.darceysunshine.org