Free swimming lessons to save lives

A SWIMMING instructor at Swakopmund is offering free lessons to children at the coast after learning about recent drowning incidents.

Marietta van Rensburg was touched by recent reports of two small boys who drowned at a public swimming pool in Olympia, Windhoek, while a 15-year-old boy drowned at Independence Beach at Walvis Bay last month. Another 15-year-old had drowned on the same beach in December last year.

According to Van Rensburg, the owner of Flippers Swimming School, this is something that can be avoided, especially if children learn to swim from a young age. She is appealing to parents at the coast to register their children for the free lessons.

“Teaching swimming is my passion and I have made it my job to teach as many children and adults as I possibly can in my lifetime. I have decided to initiate this project after so many children and adults drowned at the coast and many cannot afford the fees.

“Swimming is actually easy, it is the fear of water that is the biggest problem,” she said.

Van Rensburg started the school in 2013, and has taught numerous individuals how to swim.

According to Van Rensburg, the swimming school will teach 10 children from the ages of four for free, while she will seek sponsorships for the rest. The free lessons are only open to children.

Parents are encouraged to send an email to the school where they will be registered and allocated time slots for lessons from Monday to Thursday afternoon as well as Saturday mornings.

“Our requirement is only for parents to see that swimmers come to classes. They would need a proper swimming suit, swimming cap and optional goggles and this, together with a pool, can change many people’s lives.” She said.

Lessons will be offered at the Swakopmund Dome. According to Van Rensburg, the school is fortunate to hire the indoor pool, with temperatures between 27 and 28 degrees throughout the year, as it is in-house. She is already working at getting as many sponsors as possible by targeting companies and individuals to sponsor a child to learn how to swim, in a quest to save lives.

A team consisting of four coaches – Van Rensburg, her daughter, son and a friend – will be the instructors.

“I do not think parents need advice for this, I am sure it is every parent’s dream and commitment to see their kids swimming without fear. The problem is that not all have the facility and finances to get it done. People are welcome to go to our Facebook page and see what we are up to,” she said.

A Swakopmund parent, Paulus Kainge who has registered his children for swimming at Flippers, said the investment has paid off. Kainge registered his children before the free lessons were offered so he had to pay, although he has no regrets.

“I am glad that my children can swim, and I can now sit around a swimming pool or the beach without much worries while they play in the water. They are very confident with their water skills. Although initially it was just for them to learn to swim, they are now privileged to be participating in national swimming competitions. Competing with others has made them more confident” Kainge said.

Another parent, Minette Oosthuizen said her son has grown fond of her swimming instructors.

“Her friendliness [Van Rensburg] and patience with kids are commendable,” said Minette Oosthuizen.

The Erongo police unit commander for community affairs, inspector Ileni Shapumba commended Flippers Swimming School for their generosity, while urging parents to make use of this opportunity.

“Any activity in the interest of the public is commendable. We should all work together. If swimming is necessary and there is free service, appreciate that. It is difficult to always keep an eye on children. They find themselves at the sea in one way or the other.

“For parents who fear for their children’s safety in the water, we encourage them to take advantage of any opportunity that can save lives. We thank people who are concerned and trying to save lives,” he said.

Van Rensburg is appealing to companies to sponsor more children. The free lessons will commence on 1 March.

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