Festive gift packs: A heartfelt thank you to Survival Swimming Centre instructors

In a heartwarming gesture of appreciation, Fluidra recently donated Christmas gift packs to instructors at NSRI Survival Swimming Centres (SSCs) across the country.

These dedicated instructors, who tirelessly promote water safety and teach vital swimming skills, were honoured with personalised gift packs that recognised their essential role in preventing drownings and shaping futures.

The inspiration for this initiative stemmed from a visit by Fluidra’s representative, Simoné, to SSC1 in Riebeek Kasteel. “I was deeply moved by Petro’s commitment and the passion she shows in teaching survival swimming to the local youth,” Simoné shared. “It was clear that the instructors were not just sharing their skills but also giving of themselves in such a meaningful way.” This visit highlighted the instructors' unwavering dedication, inspiring Fluidra to create the gift packs as a token of gratitude.

The packs, carefully designed by Fluidra’s marketing team, were more than just festive presents. Simoné emphasised, “The hope is that this gesture will not only acknowledge their hard work but also uplift and motivate them to continue making such a positive impact in the community.” She noted how even small acts of recognition can significantly boost morale, especially given the challenging conditions under which these instructors often work.

One instructor who works at Survival Swimming Centre no 3 near Port Shepstone, who received a gift pack, Nkazimulo, expressed how much the unexpected recognition meant. “It was a big surprise,” he said. “We know that what we do is important, but when we get recognition from outside NSRI, we are left at a loss for words. It was a very big thing to receive such gifts from Fluidra.”

Nkazimulo’s dedication to his community is evident in the stories he shared. One such story involved helping a university student pursuing aviation. “Last year, I was approached by a local pastor who had never learnt how to swim and was due to take her swimming exams in 6 months,” he recounted. “We taught her from that container until she was confident enough to swim in a bigger pool. Long story short she passed her swimming and went on with her course at university. She and her parents were very excited when they phoned me. That's always been a highlight for me because not only are we saving lives but we are also creating futures.”

Gestures like Fluidra’s gift packs have a profound effect on instructors’ motivation. As Nkazimulo noted, “Every person has that thing inside of them of wanting to be heard or seen for the little efforts that they do. Those gifts were more than Christmas presents, to us they were a voice that says. ‘We see you, keep it up.’”
The dedication of instructors like Nkazimulo, who blend skill, heart, and resilience to teach life-saving lessons, is indispensable. Simoné captured this sentiment perfectly: “The impact of these instructors is best seen in the expressions of the children they teach — their joy and excitement speak volumes. These kids are not just learning a vital life skill; they're also gaining confidence and having fun in a safe, supportive environment.”

By supporting these instructors, Fluidra and NSRI remind them that their tireless efforts are valued, ensuring they remain inspired as they continue their vital mission of making communities safer, one lesson at a time.