The geese come to the swimming galas, swim alongside the girls and whisper in their ears before races!
Johannesburg, South Africa (05 November 2026) – A family of geese has moved into the pool at St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls in Boksburg, and the school has decided they can stay!
The school’s feathered visitors have become familiar faces around the pool. Apparently, they’re enthusiastic about getting involved in school activities.
“They attend our swimming galas, where they appear to offer our swimmers some last-minute words of encouragement. They have been spotted swimming alongside the girls and whispering in their ears before a race. We aren’t entirely sure what they’re saying, but we’d like to think it’s something along the lines of, ‘You’ve got this! Just keep paddling!’”
“What they whisper to the opposing teams is another matter entirely. We have our suspicions.”
They enjoy watching divers practice and hone their skills.
“Whether they are genuinely trying to learn a new skill or simply enjoying the entertainment of watching our divers perfect their technique is still up for debate. We suspect there may be a little judging going on from the poolside!”
When the balls go flying in water polo games, they stand their ground.
“Our players are trying to focus on the game, move the ball and score goals, while our feathered friends occasionally decide that the pool is theirs. Training sessions and matches can become a little more complicated when a goose decides to join the action!”
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Twenty-Six Skydivers Set an Unforgettable South African RecordThe school has lovingly made space for them. It says ‘its geese’ have brought plenty of smiles, laughter and unexpected moments to its Aquatics Centre. They’ve become part of everyday goings-on, and the girls have grown fond of their unusual teammates.
“At St Dominic’s, we believe some of life’s happiest moments are the unexpected ones. We are proud of our facilities, but we are just as happy to share this special space with the wildlife that has chosen to make it home. After all, it takes a pretty special pool to attract swimmers, divers, water polo players AND a family of geese”
“We think we’ll let them stay.”
They’re expected to wear their swimming caps at the next gala, though.
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