A MAJOR commercial bank has joined national efforts to increase youngsters' knowledge of water safety.
The Bank of South Pacific partnered with the Fiji Water Safety Council steering committee to mark Water Safety Day last Friday in which about 200 students took part in awareness activities.
In a statement BSP's general manager-human resources, Ravindra Singh said teaching children basic life skills of water safety through live demonstrations was timely given the recent rise in drowning fatalities.
"We are committed to funding for determined efforts made by the council including the National Fire Authority, Police, Red Cross and the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji to protect our children who are the most at risk," said Mr Singh.
Fiji Water Safety Councils' education and planning officer, Bronwyn Soko acknowledged BSP for funding the awareness program that was designed to accommodate up to eight schools in the awareness program.
BSP is a pro-life bank and it gives $200,000 annually to community-driven initiatives that build and safeguard the people.
The theme for this year's program was "Never Swim Alone".