It is estimated that seven children under the age of eighteen die by drowning each day in Thailand, more than two thousand five hundred deaths each year, the majority of which could have been prevented if the victim had received swimming lessons at an early age. Earlier this year the students at the Fr. Ray Day Care Center started swimming classes after one of their classmates tragically drowned. During the long summer holidays the younger residents from the Fr. Ray Children Home are receiving not just swimming lessons, but also skills which one day may save their own lives or help save others.

Members from the Thai Life Saving Society are making sure that the children, some as young as five, are confident in the water and that they are aware of the dangers that can occur. The children are learning to recognise the signs of someone in danger, the proper use of life-belts and floats, and how to make their own floats by using plastic bottles half filled with water. They are made aware of not putting themselves in danger or at risk, and the importance of getting help and assistance.

Of the total number of under eighteen year olds who drown in Thailand, half of them are under the age of four. Many families do not have the finances to send their child to

swimming lessons, or there may not be facilities available, however, if schools and local authorities follow the example of the Fr. Ray Foundation, and train children to swim and teach them life saving skills, this can only be for the benefit of society and will hopefully save more young lives.    For can find more information on the work of the Fr. Ray Foundation on their website www.fr-ray.org or email them at info@fr-ray.org