In eThekwini the municipality launched its annual Learn to Swim Programme which aims to teach 3000 Grade 4 and Grade 5 learners water safety and swimming tips. The goal of advocating for water safety and how to swim well, the programme is expected to lower the risk of drowning amongst children, grow self-assurance and persuade people – young and old – to swim and play water sports to improve their health.
In a statement the Municipality’s Sports Development and Recreation Division says it started the programme alongside uShaka Marine World, on February 9.
In a the statement. “Over the next three months, the initiative will be rolled out to 40 disadvantaged schools in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, the Department of Sport, Recreation and Culture and KZN Aquatics.”
Qualified swim teachers will teach learners at various pools, including the Austerville pool. The lessons will be a mix of fun, safety advice and skill-building. Dr. Simphiwe Ndlovu, who is in charge of Recreation and Parks, said the programmes are very important in a seaside city like Durban, where there are many risks involving water. Ndlovu said that being able to swim is very important for every child. He added that this programme is part of the municipality’s bigger plan to help people live healthy lives and teach kids how to be safe when they are in or near water.
“Swimming is a vital life skill and an absolute necessity for every child. This programme forms part of the municipality’s broader commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles while empowering children to navigate aquatic environments safely,” said Dr Ndlovu.
It is clear that the main goal of this programme is the safety of children by teaching them how to be prepared. This is a cohesive programme involving the provincial Departments of Education, Sports, Culture and Tourism, as well as the local municipalities and civil society groups such as KZN Aquatics. The facilitation of various pool facilities and the provision of swimming trainers owes its development in part to the participation of uShaka Marine World as well as assistance from the provincial government. The main goal is to end the cycle of children’s deaths by water; such as drowning. This is especially true of a coastal city like Durban. Children beginning at student level have to have safety lessons to help them look after themselves as they progress to adulthood. The safety and training of children for situations where their lives can be under threat is paramount. With the focus on the children, the lessons will provide an interesting and profound impression on the youngsters in terms of the nature of aquatics.
Preparation is the key to success.
The essential action is to teach basic survival skills to swimmers to develop their confidence and take care of their physical health. Given the death rate amongst the young who go into the water, it is necessary they learn these basic swimming skills to improve their aquatic strengths and protect against drowning and other water induced threats such as unpredictable weather.
Meanwhile runner Gavin Skevington is on his way to complete his remarkable Run the Coast Challenge as he continues running the length of KwaZulu-Natal’s coastline to raise funds and awareness for five deserving charities.
Skevington, the director of sport at Northlands Primary School, has been involved in various charitable fundraising initiatives over the past few years, and his latest undertaking is his most ambitious yet. He began the challenge on June 28, setting off from Port Edward with the goal of covering more than 600km in 15 days before finishing at the Ponto border post. Through the challenge, he hopes to raise R50 000 for each of the five charities, with every kilometre bringing much-needed support to causes that make a difference to animals, children and vulnerable communities.
Skevington is setting a good example by running for charity. Running is a great exercise and by running across the six hundred kilometres that make up the coast of KwaZulu-Natal he (Skevington) is raising awareness for the destitute. The Northlands Primary School Director of Sport is working to address what can be done for the unfortunate, vulnerable and the needy in terms of their progress. It will certainly be hopeful if he can raise R50,000 through donations. The sacrifice by Skevington to raise awareness for his five charities –Project Rhino: Works to combat Rhino poaching in KZN, Paw Prints Rescue and Rehoming: Provides a safe haven for abused, abandoned, or neglected and abused puppies, CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA: Supports children diagnosed with cancer and their parents, Sithanda upliftment Projects: focuses on early childhood development in underprivilege communities, Jes Foord Foundation: Advocates against gender-based violence and raises awareness – should be honoured by the city as a whole. Running is another excellent sport for health. Donations can be made at www. Runthecoast.co.za.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
