Children trained to be water safe during swimming season
Ekurhuleni will roll out a "learn to swim" programme for school learners.
Drowning is still one of the most common causes of accidental deaths of children, making the ability to swim an essential life-saving skill.
As such, since the beginning of the splashy season on September 1, the City of Ekurhuleni’s pools have been opened and the lifeguards are on standby at the community swimming pools.
They will be there to equip residents, mainly the young ones, with basic swimming skills, to minimise incidents of drowning and to ensure that children are water safe.
In case of emergencies, they will also spring into action to save lives.
The city will also roll out a “learn to swim” programme for school learners from grades one to three across the city, which will be presented by a total of 17 Ekurhuleni lifeguard officials to ensure that Ekurhuleni becomes a drown-free city.
Also read: Teach your children essential swimming skills
Since the start of the Spring season, which marks the start of the ideal season for swimming, water temperatures have been unfavourable.
The current average temperatures of the pool water are between 16°C to 17°C, whereas the average water temperature suitable for swimming lessons at open pools should not be less than 22°C, therefore the cooler temperature are delaying the swimming lessons.
“During the previous season, a total of 10 schools participated in the programme with an overall total number of 2 510 learners partaking in the programme.
“We therefore urge parents and teachers to continue encouraging and supporting the young ones to take up these free swimming lessons offered by the city”, said Clr Dora Mlambo, member of the mayoral committee for community services.
Whilst most of the city’s swimming pools are open, some of them are currently closed due to maintenance issues.
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