IN a continued effort to promote river safety, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) of the Ministry of Public Works distributed 200 life jackets to learners in Moruca, Region One.

According to a press release from MARAD, the recipients included learners from the Santa Rosa nursery, primary, and secondary schools, who rely on river transportation to attend classes.

The life jackets were handed over to the regional administration, which immediately facilitated distribution to ensure the students could begin using them without delay.

The initiative forms part of MARAD’s ongoing river safety campaign, aimed at protecting those who travel daily by boat, especially schoolchildren in riverine communities.

At the handover ceremony, Regional Vice Chairman, Anansha Peters, encouraged the learners to use the life jackets consistently, highlighting their role in saving lives in the event of an accident on the water.

Captain Romain Seurattan, River Navigation Officer, who made the donation on behalf of MARAD, demonstrated the proper way to wear a life jacket with the help of a student volunteer.

He urged the learners to “do the right thing” and always wear their life vests correctly while travelling.

The initiative was openly received by the community and underscores MARAD’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all who navigate Guyana’s waterways.