It’s been two months since Athlone Swimming Pool launched its Learn-to-Swim programme and already the first group of primary and high school learners have improved their skills to varying degrees. In anticipation of municipal swimming pools closing for the season for repairs and maintenance, a mini-gala was held on 23 March 2022 for participants to demonstrate what they had learnt so far.
After completing the Recreation and Parks Department’s Learn to Swim programme, 101 swimmers confidently took to the water, kicking and paddling across the pool in their swim category.
Some learners who were initially afraid of getting into the water at the beginning of the programme, showed off their moves, now able to stay afloat assisted by pool noodles and kickboards under the watchful eye of City lifeguards.
Others demonstrated better technique, now able to move in strokes and breathe efficiently while working towards completing full laps.
The programme has been supported by schools situated within close proximity to the swimming pool. Learners from Athlone Primary School, as well as Ned Dorman and Peak View Secondary Schools were given access to the facility for two sessions every week between Monday and Thursday, from 10:00 – 13:00 for practice.
Lifeguards served as swimming instructors while also looking out for health and safety. They were also able to share helpful tips about water survival and teach basic first aid to enrich the participants’ knowledge of swimming as a life skill.
‘This is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn how to swim and to be safe in the water. I hope they are just as excited as we are on the completion of the programme. I would like to thank our lifeguards who contributed to the programme by teaching water awareness, swimming and basic first aid. To learn the basics of being safe is an important life skill – and who knows, their participation in this programme could very well have sown the seeds for a fully-fledged career in lifeguarding one day,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
The Recreation and Parks Department aims to roll out the programme at all open municipal pools in the future.
Source: City Of Cape Town