Swimming schools: What you need to know before enrolling child
There are many factors parents need to consider before enrolling their children into a swimming school.
This is according to Eastern Gauteng Aquatics (EGA).
“In a country like South Africa, where almost every home has a swimming pool and where children are more often exposed to water sources, the safety of our children in and around swimming pools, dams, rivers and the sea is of paramount importance to each one of us,” said Shirley Leech, the EGA administrator.
“Choosing to educate your child in water awareness, water safety and the acquisition of swimming skills is not a matter of choice but a matter of necessity. It is a life skill that must be achieved by everyone.”
Leech said the following factors should therefore be considered before enrolling your child in your local or closest swimming school:
*Visit the prospective swimming school before enrolling your child.
*The teachers at the swimming centre or school must be qualified and currently registered with Swimming South Africa (SSA).
* If certificates are not visually displayed you are entitled to ask to see them.
The following qualifications are recognized by SSA:
*A SSA learn to swim instructors certificate (the entry level qualification) to teach children three years and older.
*A Swimming South Africa TODSWIM certificate for teaching babies aged between one and three years.
