Life-Saving Water Safety Day

Glasgow Eastern Merchants Fund Life-Saving Water Safety Day for Local Youth

The Glasgow Eastern Merchants’ and Tradesmen’s Society (GEM) has reinforced its long-standing commitment to supporting Scotland’s young people by gifting £4,358.98 to The Darcey Sunshine Foundation for a hands-on water safety educational day at Pinkston Watersports. GEMS Board members Trevor Paterson and John A Ferguson came along to see for themselves the amazing work that The Darcey Sunshine Foundation’s founder Kirsty Aitken and her colleagues are doing with these kids. This project is not only raising awareness but more importantly, teaching the students what to do if an emergency situation were to arise

Building on their ongoing commitment to drowning prevention, GEM’s vital funding directly enabled young people from North United Communities and the Parkhead Youth Project to take part in life-saving lessons on the water.

The interactive session, designed and delivered by the expert team at Pinkston Watersports, equipped local teens with practical, real-world survival skills. Participants learned crucial techniques including the “find your float” strategy and how to safely execute a rescue without putting themselves in danger.

New foundation volunteers Chrissie, Carol, and Matthew were on hand to mentor the group, bringing real passion and encouragement to the session. The event also featured a moving talk by Duncan Spiers, who spoke to the teens about his late son, Christopher, and the vital work being done in his memory through the Christopher’s Saving Lives Campaign.

“Investing in the safety, well-being, and future of our young people is at the core of what we do,” said John A Ferguson, Chairman of The Glasgow Eastern Merchants. “Drowning prevention is a critical issue, and seeing this grant turn into active, practical education for Glasgow youth highlights the true power of targeted community support.”

Established in the early 20th century to foster positive social impact, GEM continues to support initiatives that reduce health inequalities, break down barriers, and help the next generation thrive.

Following the success of the session at Pinkston, organisers hope to expand the project nationwide, broadening horizons and opening up onward opportunities for young people across Scotland.