New Rescue Vehicle & Educational Campaign For 400+ Students Launched

St John Ambulance and Rescue (SJAR) has launched a new project aimed at strengthening water rescue capabilities through volunteer training, improved equipment and greater public awareness.

The initiative will provide specialised training for 140 volunteers, introduce a new Rapid Rescue Vehicle (RRV), and deliver an educational campaign reaching more than 400 students.

The project was made possible through a €20,000 grant awarded under the VOPS scheme, managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector within the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector.

It was officially launched by Minister for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector Julia Farrugia during an SJAR event featuring a water rescue demonstration.

Minister Farrugia said the initiative supports the Government’s ongoing efforts to promote prevention and education in relation to water safety.

She highlighted the importance of developing safety awareness from an early age, referring to the national swimming programme for children aged between three and five.

The Minister thanked SJAR’s volunteers for their commitment and said support through schemes such as VOPS reflects continued investment in the voluntary sector and projects that benefit communities.

Through the project, SJAR will strengthen its emergency response capacity while continuing to provide training in areas including lifeguarding, land rescue, firefighting, high-angle rescue and first aid.

The new RRV will be equipped with essential life-saving equipment and will support emergency operations, including collaboration with the Civil Protection Department and health authorities.

The organisation will also launch the Young Lives Safe Shores campaign between now and September, delivering interactive water safety sessions in schools, summer schools and youth centres.

The campaign will teach children how to stay safe around water and respond during emergencies, while an educational booklet will help spread awareness among families.

Mauro Pace Parascandolo, Chief Executive of the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector, and Christopher Borg Cardona, Operations Commissioner within SJAR, welcomed the project, describing it as an important investment that will allow the organisation to expand its community services and strengthen its role in emergency response.

#MaltaDaily