Written By Daniel Karlmax; Edited By Godwin Duru
As the world marks International Drowning Prevention Day 2026, the United Nations International Interfaith Week and Harmony Award recipient, Pastor Yohanna Buru, has honoured three of Kaduna State’s best volunteer water rescuers for their years of dedication to saving lives.
The award recognises their outstanding efforts in rescuing flood victims during the rainy season and preventing suicide attempts by people battling depression and high cost of living.
During a visit to the Kaduna River, Pastor Buru commended the volunteer divers for their selfless service to humanity, especially during periods of heavy rainfall while promoting practical, life-saving measures to prevent drowning incidents
Dr. Buru called on charitable and humanitarian organisations to support volunteer water rescuers divers for their commitment to saving flood victims and rescuing individuals attempting suicide by the river.
According to him, World Drowning Prevention Day, observed annually on 25 July, was established through the United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/75/273, “Global Drowning Prevention,” adopted in April 2021.
He explained that the global observance highlights the devastating impact of drowning on families and communities while promoting practical, life-saving measures to prevent drowning incidents.
Pastor Dr. Buru noted that an estimated 236,000 people die from drowning each year worldwide, making drowning one of the ten leading causes of death among children aged 5 to 14 years.
He added that more than 90 percent of drowning deaths occur in rivers, lakes, wells, domestic water storage facilities, and swimming pools in low- and middle-income countries, with children and adolescents in rural communities being the most affected.
He said the theme for World Drowning Prevention Day 2026 focuses on promoting the Global Strategy for Drowning Prevention which is been celebrated on 25th July every year
Pastor Buru called on charitable and humanitarian organisations to support volunteer water rescuers by providing essential rescue equipment, particularly during the flooding season.
“We came here specifically to honour these divers and let the world know that we appreciate their exceptional service and commitment to saving lives in Kaduna State,” he said.
“We sincerely appreciate your dedication to rescuing flood victims and protecting vulnerable members of society.”
Responding on behalf of the recipients, one of Kaduna’s most respected volunteer divers, Dattijon-Gada, expressed gratitude for the honour.
He thanked Pastor Buru and his delegation for recognising their humanitarian efforts.
According to him, the volunteer divers have continued to provide rescue services to victims of floods and other natural disasters while also saving the lives of individuals attempting suicide by entering the river.
He said the award would encourage them to remain committed to protecting lives despite the challenges they face.
Dattijon-Gada appealed to well-meaning individuals, government agencies, and humanitarian organisations to support the volunteer divers with life jackets, rescue boats, ropes, and other essential rescue equipment.
