Drowning is still one of the most common causes of accidental deaths of children, making the ability to swim an essential life-saving skill.
Since the beginning of the swimming season on September 1, the metro’s pools have been opened and lifeguards are on standby at community swimming pools.
They will be there to equip residents, mainly youngsters, with basic swimming skills, to minimise incidents of drowning and to ensure that children are water safe.
In the event of an emergency, they will also spring into action to save lives.
The metro will also roll out its Learn to Swim programme for school learners from Grade One to Three across Ekurhuleni.
The programme will be presented by 17 Ekurhuleni lifeguard officials to help ensure that Ekurhuleni becomes a drown-free city.
Since the start of spring, which marks the start of the ideal season for swimming, water temperatures have been unfavourable.
The average temperature of the pool water has been between 16°C to 17°C.
The average water temperature suitable for swimming lessons in open pools should not be less than 22°C, therefore, the cooler temperatures are delaying the swimming lessons.
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“During the previous season, a total of 10 schools participated in the programme with an overall total number of 2 510 learners learning swimming skills.
“We, therefore, urge parents and teachers to continue encouraging and supporting the young ones to take up these free swimming lessons offered by the metro,” said MMC for Community Services Clr Dora Mlambo.
While most of the swimming pools in the metro are already open, a number of pools are still closed due to maintenance issues.
The Katlehong Swimming Pool is one of the pools still closed.
Metro swimming pools are open from 10am to 6pm from Tuesdays to Saturdays and from 2pm to 6pm on Sundays, except Category A pools.
Category A pools, of which the Delville Swimming Pool is one, are open as follows:
• Mondays (including public holidays), closed.
• Tuesdays to Thursdays: 5.30am to 8.30pm.
• Fridays: 5.30am to 6pm.
• Saturdays: 10am to 6pm.
• Sundays and public holidays: 2pm to 6pm.
Entrance fees are charged at the pools.
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