MILO and Philippine Red Cross celebrate World Drowning Prevention Day with SAFE Swim program
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To mark World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, MILO and the Philippine Red Cross held the biggest MILO SAFE Swim event yet on July 27 at Lourdes School of Mandaluyong, equipping participants with vital water safety and first aid skills to help curb rising child drowning cases in the Philippines.
Why MILO® SAFE Swim matters
According to the World Health Organization (2019), drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in the Philippines, accounting for 31 percent of such cases among children under 14 years old.
Launched in 2024 as a nationwide initiative, MILO SAFE Swim has reached communities in Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Ilocos Sur, Cavite, Cebu, Bacolod, Pampanga, and Pasig, spreading awareness and equipping families with life-saving knowledge.
“Let’s make a commitment today—to protect each other, to raise awareness, and to give every child the chance to enjoy water safely,” said Dr. Gwendolyn Pang, general manager of the Philippine Red Cross. “Let’s make sure our kids know how to swim, how to stay safe, and how to help others, because no one should lose their life to something we can prevent. Remember: SAFE water is fun water.”
Carlo Sampan, assistant vice president for MILO and head of MILO Sports, added: “Drowning continues to be one of the leading causes of death among children in the Philippines. That’s why we knew we had to act—and that’s how MILO SAFE Swim came to life. At MILO, we’ve always believed that sports build champions not just in the field, but in life. Today, we’re proud to expand that mission into the water with a program that saves lives, builds courage, and strengthens families.”
Building on this call for awareness, former Olympian and now swimming coach Jenny Guerrero shared, “Swimming is more than just a sport. Hindi porket competitive swimmer ako, I can save myself and save others in times of emergencies. Hindi ‘yon automatic, natututunan po ‘yan.”
From safety to confidence: Teaching kids to swim the SAFE way
More than just swim lessons, MILO SAFE Swim underscores that swimming is an essential life skill—especially in a country prone to typhoons and flooding. Through practical and accessible sessions, the program empowers families to stay safe and respond effectively to water-related emergencies, whether in pools, rivers, lakes, or during calamities.
Certified PRC instructors, together with Bert Lozada Learn-to-Swim coaches, led three core sessions:
- Life-saving skills seminar covering CPR and first aid
- Introduction to water safety with swim assessments
- Hands-on water safety demonstrations
To make water safety clear and memorable, MILO introduced the SAFE method—their version of the ABCs of swimming. These simple yet vital steps are designed to prevent drowning and empower individuals to respond confidently in water emergencies.
A movement toward widespread water safety awareness
MILO SAFE Swim is a long-term advocacy that envisions water safety, especially the SAFE method, becoming as second nature as “duck, cover, and hold” in earthquake drills.
By reaching communities nationwide, the program aims to make swimming not just a recreational activity but also a life-saving skill—critical in a country like the Philippines, where water-related emergencies are common.
To learn more about MILO SAFE Swim and its upcoming legs, visit MILO Philippines on Facebook and join the MILO Champ Club.
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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by MILO Philippines.
