Coastal Programme

Coastal Communities: From Survival to Strength

Our Vision: Safe Water, Strong Futures:

Movement in Refuge is launching a new program across this coastline—starting with lifesaving skills and fitness for young people in the communities most at risk. Every program begins with first aid and basic ocean safety, followed by progressive swim training designed to build real competency, confidence, and survival skills.

From that foundation, we train for strength, flexibility, balance, and stamina—core athletic capacities that open the door to a wide range of sports. Once students are strong and confident in the water, we begin to introduce surfing, followed by beach volleyball, roundnet, football, and cricket. Each sport builds on the same physical fundamentals, while offering new excitement, pride, and potential for excellence

Stretching south from the city of Cox’s Bazar to the Naf River at the Myanmar border lies a beautiful but under-resourced coastline, home to dozens of fishing villages and informal settlements. Here, poverty is widespread, school dropout rates are high, and child marriage remains common for girls.

But one of the most silent and devastating threats is drowning.

According to the World Health Organization, drowning is the leading cause of death for children under five in Bangladesh. Along this stretch of coast, drowning incidents occur regularly—yet most go unreported. Lifeguard coverage is limited to a short section of tourist beach, leaving entire communities without basic water safety protection, first aid training, or structured swim education. We're working to change that.

Building a Pathway to Excellence

This isn’t just about fun. It’s about creating a structured, long-term pathway where children from remote and neglected areas can rise from basic movement to competitive play, and eventually, to semi-professional leagues or coaching roles themselves. 

To achieve this, we’re calling out for experienced international and local coaches. Women for girls, and men for boys who bring the highest levels of training, discipline, and care. They will inspire, mentor, and equip the next generation of young athletes, leaders, and lifesavers from within these communities.