Police teach academy learners water safety awareness
Learners were taught how to prevent drowning when the police, Tshwane Water Wing and the K9 search and rescue unit recently visited the school.
Learners of Rekkies and Tekkies Academy were recently treated to a visit by local police from Sinoville in the north of Pretoria.
The grades RRR and RR school caters for learners between three and five years old.
The police, Tshwane Water Wing and the K9 search and rescue unit held a swimming safety awareness programme at the academy on Wednesday, March 13.
The Tshwane Water Wing and the K9 unit showed the children swimming equipment and how it is used in water-related scenes.
Sinoville social crime prevention and communication officer Sergeant Gomolemo Modibane said the children were taught not to go and swim without the supervision of their parents or adults.
“It is important to always be cautious when it comes to swimming because it can be very dangerous and harmful.
“The educational campaign will also help them tell those at home the importance of safety measures when it comes to swimming,” said Modibane.
The learners were in for another treat when the K9 unit showed them how the police use dogs in search and rescue operations.
“Even the best swimmers can drown and not only professional swimmers need life jackets and safety gear, but K9s as well.
“We taught them important numbers in case of emergencies such as the police hotline 08600 10111,” said Modibane.
The children were warned not to go into dams or swimming pools if they can’t swim, and even if they know how to swim, it is always important to wear a life jacket.
“Drowning is not something people tend to pay attention to, but it’s a concerning issue all over the world,” said Modibane.
K9 dog Jaru gave the learners something to giggle about as he used his strong sense of smell to sniff out missing people.
School principal Jessica Fourie said the police were both helpful and excited to do the presentation for the school.
“The learners were so excited and could not stop raving about their experience.
“The teams presented the lessons in such a way that every child could understand and interact with them,” said Fourie.
She said the school learnt about water safety and how people can play a role in minimising the risks of drowning.
“The police also gave each child the opportunity to stroke Jaru that was so friendly and loving towards them.
“This is a great awareness campaign and we will definitely invite them back every year,” said Fourie.
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