As mense gear up for summer and beach days, the Cape Town Aquatics hosted a water safety programme at Retreat Swimming pool at the weekend.
About 200 Cape Flats youngsters aged between six and 20 participated and were equipped with essential skills as well as water sports such artistic swimming, diving and water polo.
The laaities were also treated to live entertainment and listened to various motivational speakers.
The Fina World Aquatics Day-themed Learn to Swim and Water Safety programme aims to teach the less privileged children water safety and to prevent drowning at beaches, swimming pools and dams.
Founder and organiser of the event, Christopher van Niekerk says: “The atmosphere was great, everybody really enjoyed it, and last but not least the kids got a small gift and something to eat.
“My future plan is to continue this Water Safety and Learn to Swim programme for the community children working closely with other swimming clubs.
“We ask any company or persons for any donations for upcoming events and we will in return advertise your company branding at our community swimming events.”
Christopher says the programme has since its inception in 2012 helped over 10 000 children.
Parent and volunteer, Mariam Cornish, says it was heart-warming to see the laaities take to the pool like ducks to water.
She encouraged parents to introduce their kids to the programme and learn the dos and don'ts around water.
“We have introduced water polo and they loved it so much that we are planning to bring it back on our upcoming events,” she says.
“Swimming or water safety might look like a simple to one, but not to some children in Athlone, Cathkin, Grassy Park, Schaapkraal, Steenberg and other areas who don’t have the luxury of attending schools that offer these lessons.”
nomzamo.yuku@inl.co.za