A group of young learners from Good Shepherd School in Makhanda recently got to overcome their fear of water and learn essential water safety skills – first for most of them, thanks to the NSRI and St Andrew’s College team efforts.
Makhanda, South Africa (02 December 2024) – Having fun by the pool or beach is almost always a great idea, except when you aren’t water-safe. To help address this, many primary school learners in Makhanda were recently empowered to improve their swimming skills thanks to an impactful series of Survival Swimming lessons at the DT Hudson Pool complex.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and Station 11 Port Alfred, in collaboration with St. Andrew’s College, brought together 45 enthusiastic Grade 5 and 6 learners from Good Shepherd School in Makhanda for an introduction to essential water safety skills.
For many of these learners, these lessons marked their first formal water safety instruction – an essential step given the risks posed by nearby water bodies. And their excitement as they splashed about in the water? Palpable!
“The learners were very excited, but there were a lot of very nervous children too, especially when they realised that no swim aids or goggles were being used,” shared Carol Mewse, NSRI Station 11 crew member and Survival Swimming Coordinator.
According to Carol, one of the key challenges in teaching younger children water survival skills is their initial fear of water.
“It takes a lot of creativity, encouragement, high-fives, and energetic vibes to get children scared of being in the water to enjoy their first lesson,” Carol explained.
The initial sessions can be challenging as nervous learners require more focused attention. However, the young swimmers gradually gained confidence under the guidance of experienced instructors. Through a combination of encouragement, patience, and creative teaching methods, the children learned vital water safety techniques.
A significant barrier to water safety education in the community is the widespread fear of water passed down from parents and guardians.
Ncumisa Mzaza, St Andrew’s College Community Engagement Manager, emphasised a need to educate parents too.
“I was made to be terrified of water from stories that my parents and grandparents told us as kids, and as a result, I could not swim. This is the case with most kids.”
The involvement of 36 dedicated volunteers from St Andrew’s College and Diocesan School for Girls played a crucial role in the success of the initiative.
“The strong community service ethos at St Andrew’s College and Diocesan School for Girls motivates learners to engage in impactful projects.”
This ethos and the NSRI’s high regard among the scholars spurred excitement and a sense of pride.
“The scholars all expressed a desire to make a difference in the community, either through altruistic motives or personal near-drowning experiences,” Mewse added.
These incredibly valuable lessons contribute to broader NSRI goals by empowering children with vital survival skills and promoting water awareness.
Looking forward, the NSRI aims to expand these initiatives through partnerships. By fostering such collaborations, the NSRI hopes to embed water safety education across South Africa, cultivating generations that are not only skilled but also committed to promoting water safety far beyond their school years.
Sources: National Sea Rescue Institute
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