Tofo Life Saver Association
Donation protected
Praia do Tofo, one of Mozambique’s hidden treasures, is a small fishing village in the province of Inhambane with a vibrant local and international community. The town retains an unblemished charm, fostering a daily discovery of the beauty that is Mozambique. Diverse as it is beautiful and known for its relaxed vibe, endless sandy beaches, and electric nightlife, Tofo’s waters offers unforgettable experiences above and below the surf.
However, its waters also produce unforgettable experiences in far less idyllic ways. Every year people lose their lives in the surf, the vast majority local Bitongan people unable to swim. That was until the local and expat community joined forces and trained three local-lifeguards to patrol the main swimming area. Since the Lifeguard Association’s inception in september 2016 (a non-profit community-based organization founded and led by local Inhambane residents), over 50 people have been pulled from the surf.
But we need money to pay salaries. Each lifeguard receives 6,500.00 MZN a month, less than €100. Until now the community has been funding the project based on tourist donations and fundraising efforts by the Lifeguard Association’s committee, but we need help.
Much of our local-funding has been redirected to cyclone relief. Our beach was hit by cyclone Dineo in February 2017 and the town and community are still recovering. We’re hoping to raise a year’s worth of salary totaling €5,000. We’ll do our part by continuing to train local-lifeguards to international lifeguarding standards and local fundraising for equipment etc.
This program saves lives. Help us keep it afloat.
However, its waters also produce unforgettable experiences in far less idyllic ways. Every year people lose their lives in the surf, the vast majority local Bitongan people unable to swim. That was until the local and expat community joined forces and trained three local-lifeguards to patrol the main swimming area. Since the Lifeguard Association’s inception in september 2016 (a non-profit community-based organization founded and led by local Inhambane residents), over 50 people have been pulled from the surf.
But we need money to pay salaries. Each lifeguard receives 6,500.00 MZN a month, less than €100. Until now the community has been funding the project based on tourist donations and fundraising efforts by the Lifeguard Association’s committee, but we need help.
Much of our local-funding has been redirected to cyclone relief. Our beach was hit by cyclone Dineo in February 2017 and the town and community are still recovering. We’re hoping to raise a year’s worth of salary totaling €5,000. We’ll do our part by continuing to train local-lifeguards to international lifeguarding standards and local fundraising for equipment etc.
This program saves lives. Help us keep it afloat.
Organizer
Yannick Rtm
Organizer
