The fundraising efforts of swimmers braving the icy waters of the North Sea on Boxing Day is now helping save lives in the rather warmer waters of the River Nile.

Dan with one of the new throwbags

The Nile Swimmers project in the Sudan aims to reduce the huge number of drownings along the world's longest river by taking potential community leaders and training them in swimming, lifesaving, and river rescue techniques.  These young men then go back to their villages to act as village "lifeguards" and also train other villagers in vital lifesaving skills.

The money from NSVL has purchased 20 professional rescue throwbags, supplied by Nookie Xtreme Sports Equipment, which are a simple and effective rescue aid which can be used without putting the rescuer in danger.

Dan Graham, NSVL member and lead instructor for the Nile Swimmers project, said: "These throwbags will be going directly into the hands of the course participants. They will train with them during the course, and then take them home with them so that they can be deployed as rescue equipment. The durable nature of these professional quality throwbags means that they will last in the harsh African environment, and can also be used as a design model for the course participants to make their own throwbags from local materials."

"The importance of basic water safety knowledge cannot be underestimated anywhere in the world, but particularly in developing countries. The Nile Swimmers project attempts to address this huge issue in a lasting, long-term way. The knowledge and skills are passed down from the course participants to their local community members. This generous donation from NSVL will help increase the effectiveness of the project by providing participants with professional grade rescue equipment."

For more information on the Nile swimmers project, read Dan's report.