A local swim school is taking World Drowning Prevention Day seriously, saying Eastern Cape people really need to learn how to swim and handle themselves safely in dams, rivers and the ocean.
In a wide-ranging interview, Andrew Mills, an instructor-owner at Swim Smartt in Nahoon, said learning to swim was a life-saving skill that was being taught to children as young as three or at any stage of life.
“A lot of drownings can be prevented with the right education and guidance, and I would encourage caretakers and parents to be involved in learning to swim and saving a fellow life,” Mills said.
Swimming could be learned at any time of life right up to high-age seniors.
Mills said swimming and water skills came into their own during life-threatening situations which can lead to unnecessary drownings.
“Learning to swim or improving your swimming ability is a crucial life skill that can save your life in water emergencies.
“Knowing how to swim also provides excellent overall health benefits like cardiovascular fitness and muscle building and enhances mental wellbeing by reducing stress.
“Swimming can boost confidence by giving you the ability to navigate water comfortably, essentially making it a valuable skill for anyone, regardless of age or ability level.
Mills said these were the ideas and realities which inspired him to start the school.
It was satisfying to see people build their skills and confidence in water: “Swimming is a fulfilling line of work, and it is great to see others succeed and overcome their fear in water.”
He was inspired by swimming instructor Nona Keet, who had decades of experience, and Madison Malherbe, who is also a lifeguard and international open water swim guide.
Mills said he started pupils with gentle but smart swimming skills.
“There are a variety of core aquatic skills one learns, but some of the first lessons include learning how to get in and out of an aquatic environment safely and how to put your face in water and blow bubbles.”
However, learning how to float is the single best survival skill.
Managing fear was also a critical issue.
“When it comes to dealing with fear of the water in both adults and children, one must avoid force or pushing a person past their limit while getting in water.
“You must make the aquatic environment as fun and inviting as possible while instilling a skill.
“Small steps repeated often lead to more and more confidence.”
Using games and fun teaching toys was helpful.
“So (there is) fetching a toy from the shallowest step and gradually going into deeper steps.
“That game can include skills such as breath control, either bubbles or holding the breath, learning to submerge your face in water.
“Safety is crucial in pools, on beaches, and in any body of water, while learning to swim.”
Group lessons were essential for children who were happier and more confident and tended to try a little more if there was a friend or fellow swimmer at their side.
Teaching swimming had to be a fun experience, and coaches needed to be enthusiastic and quick to give praise for correct technique and behaviour.
Mills said people in Buffalo City should support the East London Surf Lifesaving Club which ran brilliant Nipper and junior lifeguard courses and saved scores of lives of people who did not know how to swim or behave appropriately in the ocean.
Swim Smartt lessons cost R100 for groups and slightly more for one on one. Applicants must fill out an indemnity and medical form as a safety precaution.
Find them on Facebook or WhatsApp 083-779-5175.
