Philippine Red Cross personnel conduct cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for participants of MILO’s SAFE Swim program at the Lourdes School of Mandaluyong City on July 27, 2025. The event was in line with World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25. (Contributed photo)
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has joined forces with MILO’s SAFE Swim initiative to bring essential water safety and first aid skills closer to Filipino families across the country.
More than just teaching kids how to swim, the program promotes swimming as a crucial life-saving skill—especially in the Philippines, where flooding and water-related emergencies are common.
“Let’s make a commitment to protect one another, raise awareness, and give every child the opportunity to enjoy water safely,” said PRC General Manager Dr. Gwendolyn Pang during the MILO SAFE Swim event held at Lourdes School of Mandaluyong on July 27. The event coincided with World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25.
“Let’s ensure our kids know how to swim, stay safe in the water, and help others when needed. No one should lose their life to something preventable. SAFE water is fun water,” she added.
During the event, certified PRC instructors and coaches from Bert Lozada Learn-to-Swim (BLSS) led three key sessions: life-saving skills training that included CPR and first aid, basic water safety lessons with swim assessments, and hands-on demonstrations in the water.
Launched in 2024, MILO SAFE Swim has already brought its message to communities in Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Ilocos Sur, Cavite, Cebu, Bacolod, Pampanga, and Pasig. The program envisions water safety training becoming as second nature to Filipinos as “duck, cover, and hold” is during earthquake drills.
SAFE stands for Stay calm (don’t panic), Ask a buddy (never swim alone), Float (lean back and breathe), and Easy kicks (keep your legs moving to stay afloat).
By offering practical, hands-on sessions, the initiative equips families with the confidence and knowledge to stay safe in pools, rivers, lakes, or during natural disasters.
“Drowning remains one of the leading causes of death among children in the Philippines,” said MILO Assistant Vice President and Sports Head Carlo Sampan in a media statement. “We knew we had to step in—and that’s how MILO SAFE Swim was born.”
“At MILO, we’ve always believed that sports build champions both in and out of the game. With this program, we’re expanding that belief into something life-saving—giving children courage, resilience, and the tools to protect themselves and their communities.”
Olympian Jenny Guerrero, who competed in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, voiced her support for the initiative and emphasized its life-saving potential.
“Swimming isn’t just a sport. As a competitive swimmer, I had to learn how to save myself and others—it’s not automatic. It’s a skill that everyone needs to learn,” she said.