From pool to dam: A Survival Swimming milestone for young swimmers

Eight children recently put their Survival Swimming lessons to the test in an open-water environment after mastering essential skills in Survival Swimming Centre 1's swimming pool container.

They ventured to a local dam, accompanied by instructors from the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and police divers from the Western Cape SAPS Water Policing and Diving Services. This outing assessed how well the children could adapt their newfound abilities to a natural water setting.

Eoudia Erasmus, one of the instructors, explained the children's challenges. "In the dam, the water was colder, it was not as clear as in the container, and the students were not sure of the depth of the water," she shared. Despite initial hesitation, the children relied on their survival skills – breath control, orientation, floating, and moving through the water.

"With the help of the instructors who were in the water with the students, they encouraged and motivated them. They just had to know that what they learned in the container, they now have to apply in the dam or open water."

For some, the experience was an eye-opener. "They thought swimming in a dam would be like a walk in the park, but realising they couldn't touch the ground made them more careful," noted fellow instructor Petro Meyer. "After getting used to the water and being reassured that they can try it, they felt safer with all the people around them. The girls were more careful than the boys."

The children's progress was monitored closely, with police divers playing a crucial role. W/O Boer, who is the  commander for WPDS Boland, attended on behalf of the Western Cape SAPS Water Policing and Diving Services. Captain L. Sutton, commander of the Western Cape SAPS Water Policing and Diving Services, explained their approach:

"The Western Cape SAPS Water Policing and Diving Services ensured that trained personnel were on–site to provide immediate assistance if necessary, which gave the children confidence. A buddy system was used, which increased vigilance and ensured that help was readily available if one child encountered trouble. A marked swimming zone was cordoned off where a safe swimming water depth and conditions were."

The open-water setting introduced unique lessons. "In an open-water environment, the children learned to be aware of dangers outside. They also realised they needed to check the depth of the water and look out for any hazards before entering the water," Erasmus said.

Both instructors highlighted how this experience would influence their teaching. "I wish we could take them more often for these lessons," Meyer suggested. "This experience shows me again how important it is to encourage children to believe in themselves. If they can do the 4 Survival Swimming Skills and put them together while swimming in a container or a swimming pool, they will also be able to do it in open water," Erasmus added.

In a statement, Captain Sutton echoed their sentiments, noting that such collaborations are invaluable. "In the long term, these experiences help reduce water-related accidents and foster a culture of safety, ensuring that children grow up with the skills, knowledge, and awareness necessary to navigate water environments safely."