CHILDREN from disadvantaged communities seldom, if ever, get a chance to have fun in a marine theme park such as uShaka Marine World.
More disturbing still is that large numbers of children die each year because they do not know how to swim. Besides the drownings, many children suffer permanent brain damage due to near drownings which has a devastating impact on the lives of the children and their families.
In response to this, uShaka Marine World has partnered with the KZN Department of Sport and Recreation and KZN Aquatics to implement a water safety and learn to swim programme on Saturdays and Sundays throughout March and April. The initiative, titled SwimAnathi is aimed at teaching children from rural communities, between the ages of seven and 11 years, how to swim in a fun way. As part of the programme, the children will also learn all important water safety practices.
Swimanathi started on Saturday, 20 February with 285 kids from six rural schools, divided into groups of 20 for their swimming lessons. Lessons will start again on 9, 10, 16 and 17 April, following the Easter break.
Apart from learning to swim, Sea World provides the children with edutainment, which includes uShaka Marine World’s well known dolphin show, tour of the Aquarium and classes teaching the learners about marine conservation. The children also receive snacks throughout the day as well as a hot meal, with KZN Aquatics providing the children with costumes and towels.
MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha, who is championing the water safety campaign in the province, said the Department was keen to increase the level of awareness about water safety and teach people, especially children the survival techniques in order to reduce drowning incidents.
