Eight young hearts recently bravely plunged into the open waters of a local dam in the Western Cape after their survival swimming training at NSRI’s Survival Swimming Centre.
Western Cape, South Africa (10 February 2025) – In an active approach to empowering youngsters to conquer the waters and reduce water-related accidents, eight children recently put their survival swimming skills to the test in open water!
Having mastered the essential techniques in the NSRI’s Survival Swimming Centre, they were ready to face the real-world challenges of colder, murkier water and greater depths.
With patient NSRI instructors and the reassuring presence of SAPS Water Policing and Diving Services by their sides, the eager youngsters dived into the unknown depths of a local dam.
Eoudia Erasmus, one of the instructors, explained the children’s challenges noting that differences between the pool container and the dam proved a whole different ball game.
Despite initial hesitation, the children relied on their survival skills – breath control, orientation, floating, and moving through the water.
“With the help of the instructors who were in the water with the students, they encouraged and motivated them. They just had to know that what they learned in the container, they now have to apply in the dam or open water,” shared Erasmus.
For some, the experience was an eye-opener when they realised they couldn’t touch the ground made them more careful, noted fellow instructor Petro Meyer.
“After getting used to the water and being reassured that they can try it, they felt safer with all the people around them,” Meyer added.
The open-water setting also introduced unique lessons as the young swimmers learned to be aware of external hazards before entering the water.
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The hands-on experience helped build vital water safety skills and fostered a culture of safety, empowering children to navigate water confidently and responsibly.
Both instructors expressed pride in the youngster’s progress, sharing that the experience highlighted the importance of encouraging children to believe in themselves.
In a statement, Captain Sutton of the Western Cape SAPS Water Policing echoed their sentiments, noting that such collaborations are invaluable.
“In the long term, these experiences help reduce water-related accidents and foster a culture of safety, ensuring that children grow up with the skills, knowledge, and awareness necessary to navigate water environments safely.”
More than just a swim, this was a lesson in self-reliance, courage, and the importance of looking out for one another. It was a day where eight children didn’t just conquer the dam, they conquered their fears, emerging stronger, safer, and with a newfound love for the water!
Sources: National Sea Rescue Institue
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