JOHANNESBURG - The National Sea Rescue Institute says around 1 477 people drowned each year from 2016 to 2021.
The highest number of drownings was recorded among children aged 14 and younger.
READ: Festive Season | Lifeguards involved in hundreds of rescue operations - NSRI
The NSRI is now introducing swimming centres in the Eastern Cape to teach children how to keep their heads above water.
The institute says their second Survival Swimming Centre is already a success after several pupils and teachers from the Noah Christian Academy earned their certificates for completing the programme.
eNCA's Ronald Masinda has more details in the video above.