Building safer communities

Building
safer communities
Malaysia

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CASE STUDY

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Overview

In Malaysia, community pools and water safety programmes are becoming critical tools for reducing drowning rates and promoting health and safety. However, a prevalent focus on pools designed for competitive swimming - often with depths ranging from 1.4m to 2.0m - presents accessibility and safety challenges, particularly for non-swimmers. Recognizing these challenges, the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) has launched targeted water safety programmes, focusing on rural and lower-income communities, where drowning risks are highest. By promoting water safety awareness, teaching survival skills and increasing accessibility to swimming education, these initiatives aim to build a culture of safety and inclusivity.

“I never thought I would learn to swim. Now, I feel confident in the water and can teach my younger siblings about safety.”

Programme participant, B40 Community

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Points 
of interest

Community-designed pools with variable depths cater to diverse users, from children and beginners to advanced swimmers.
The KBS water safety initiative focuses on communities in rural areas near rivers, lakes and beaches, where drowning incidents are more frequent.
The programmes emphasize swimming lessons, water survival skills and safe behaviour around water, empowering participants to protect themselves and others.
These efforts align with national health and safety goals, demonstrating a commitment to equitable resource distribution and public wellbeing.

“With 50% of Malaysians unable to swim, facilities often exclude beginners and families. It is important we continue to provide opportunities for everyone to learn how to swim as we continue to work towards International Swim Schools Association’s (ISSA) mission to Teach The World to Swim.”

Cyrena Yong, ISSA Ambassador

“In our village, we lost many young lives to the river. After attending the water safety programme, my son not only learned to swim but also understands how to stay safe. It’s a relief for families like ours.”

Local community member (anonymous)

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Conclusions

The dual approach of building community-oriented swimming facilities and implementing water safety programmes in Malaysia is proving to be a game- changer. While competitive swimming pools meet specific needs, inclusive pool designs and local water safety education address broader societal challenges. The Ministry of Youth and Sports’ targeted initiatives in rural and low-income areas exemplify how community engagement and government action can significantly reduce drowning rates and build a safer, more informed society. Moving forward, integrating these approaches nationwide could amplify their impact, fostering a culture of water safety and inclusivity across Malaysia.