In an effort to prevent drownings, the City Johannesburg’s Region B officials have taken to teaching toddlers to swim. “Teach them while they are still young,” said Stella Manamela, the Sport and Recreation Facility Manager at the Danie van Zyl Recreation Centre, who hosted a children’s visit to Newclare Swimming Pool for swimming lessons.
Manamela engaged the management of Simunye Preschool, Nanas Preschool and City’s Aquatics Team and agreed on implementation of the swimming programme on Wednesdays.
It was a new experience for Sinah Mooketsi. “I have been working at Simunye Preschool for the past 13 years and never thought for one minute that I would ever be part of the learn to swim programme.”
She said parents were happy about the programme. Some of the children have pools at home. Mooketsi believes that taking up swimming at an early age is necessary for their safety. “Children are happy. They could not wait and kept asking when they are coming to the swimming pool.”
In appreciation of the programme, Noleen Matshele from the Nanas Preschool said: “I was overwhelmed, I was excited, and it was something that I could not wait to be part of.”
“Children need more of these activities to develop them physically, enhance their motor skills, fresh mentally and debrief,” she said.
Pointing at the children, Matshele said: “Look at them. See how they are behaving, they are excited.”
Jade Pillay, a lifeguard with 16 years’ experience in the City of Joburg, took the children though basic swimming techniques such as how to enter the pool safely, bubbling for five seconds and hand stretching.
“I enjoy teaching. To control 20 children in an unfamiliar water environment they are not familiar with is hectic. You need to enforce discipline. Teaching is my passion. You need to know what you are doing because you have to demonstrate when you give lessons.
“The more children are, the more you need to ensure that they follow instructions otherwise they can be destructive and start doing what they like. You need to be in charge of the learning session,” said Pillay.
Talking about when will children be ready, Pillay said: “I cannot predict how long it will take for them to know to swim because I am still assessing each child’s ability. I will know soon, though. What I can confirm is that through practice they will surely be comfortable in the water and become good swimmers.”
Manamela added: “Identified talent will be further development. Water safety is important. When they have the basics, they will be able to deal with difficult water situations and reduced drowning incidents. We also want them to enjoy water activities.”
14/10/2022