Abu Dhabi: Eleven-year-old Pearl Ware from China had once been on a powerboat wearing a life jacket.

However, it was only recently that she learnt how important it was to wear a helmet too — a lesson for life. "I did not know that it was just as important to put on a helmet when on a powerboat, and this is something I learnt for the future," Ware told Gulf News.

Ware, a pupil at the American International School in Abu Dhabi (AISA), was attending a maritime safety, protection and security workshop in the capital, which was organised by the Critical National Infrastructure Authority (CNIA) as part of its annual Bihar School Programme.

The workshop, which aims to increase children's knowledge about water safety and marine diversity, was attended by nearly 400 AISA middle and high school pupils and teachers.

Ware said she was thrilled to learn about the endangered dugong and that seven dolphin species lived in the UAE waters.

During the event, Thani Al Qamzi, a leading F1 powerboat racing driver with Team Abu Dhabi and Bihar goodwill ambassador spoke to pupils about the importance of wearing proper marine gear.

Crucial information

"In the water, it is best to take things easy and to avoid speeding while [using] jet skis or boats.

"Also, I always wear my helmet and take care, and I advise you to do the same," Al Qamzi said. He also stressed on the importance of knowing and sharing the marine emergency numbers to peers.

Yesterday's event was one amongst a series of workshops being organised by the CNIA, in partnership with the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, to ensure children learn more about the importance of marine environment safety.

"It is important that children know the importance of marine protection as they will soon shape the way the marine environment is treated.

"It is just as necessary to ensure that they know how to stay safe and respond in an emergency," Shaikh Ahmad Abdullah Al Nuaimi, head of public relations at the CNIA and Bihar campaign coordinator, said.

On the water: How to stay safe

- Always wear a helmet when on a powerboat

- Always put on a life-jacket when travelling in the water

- Remember to account for one another when travelling with a group

-  In case of an emergency, call 996 immediately.

Source: Critical National Infrastructure Authority