Starting young: teaching toddlers water safety in Ceres

In a classroom in Ceres, a penguin and a tortoise are helping teach some of the town’s youngest children how to stay safe around water. These soft toys are part of the NSRI’s water safety lessons for children in creches. But thanks to the initiative of Drowning Prevention Instructor Eoudia Erasmus, the programme has taken a bold next step: bringing 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds into the pool to learn survival swimming.

“Our Water Safety instructors are currently teaching water safety lessons in classrooms for young children in creches,” says Eoudia. “These fun lessons focus on awareness, such as understanding the dangers of water, knowing who to call for help, and how to stay safe in and around pools and open water. While this is incredibly valuable, I saw a gap: these children were not receiving survival swimming lessons. If we have a pool and a teacher eager to bring them to the pool, why not teach them?”

With the support of Caville Abrahams, the NSRI’s Drowning Prevention Regional Coordinator for the Western and Northern Cape, the idea took root in Ceres as a pilot programme. “Ceres was not selected as a location by management,” says Caville, “But rather initiated by Eoudia, who has extensive experience working with younger children.”

Teaching toddlers to swim comes with unique challenges. “Lessons are shorter — around 15 to 20 minutes at most — because their attention span and stamina are limited,” says Eoudia. “Sessions are gentle, play-based, and focused on building trust and confidence in the water. Communication must be simple and encouraging. Some children are fearful, and progress can be slow, but every small step matters.”

To meet these needs, Eoudia has adapted her methods. “I use songs, games, and repetition to help them feel safe and engaged,” says Eoudia. She adds that celebrating small achievements with “plenty of high-fives” helps build trust. She notes that she keeps instructions short and playful and uses visual demonstrations so they can copy and explore at their own pace.

Parents and teachers have responded positively, especially for children who have never had access to these types of lessons before.

From a broader perspective, the pilot has provided valuable learning. “We wanted to evaluate two key elements,” explains Caville. First, whether the programme could be adapted appropriately for younger children, and second, whether instructors could implement it sustainably.

So far, Caville says the results have been good. But for now, “the initiative is still under internal review,” with cautious optimism about future expansion. “We are passionate, adaptive, and always looking for ways to do things better,” says Eoudia. “Even the youngest deserve the chance to be safe around water.”

Eoudia adds how grateful the drowning prevention team is for the Witzenberg Municipality for allowing the NSRI to use their pools and providing lifeguards while sessions are being conducted.

“They are always so helpful!  Without the pools, we couldn't do what we are doing.”

The work in Ceres is a testament to the NSRI’s belief in early education, community-led innovation, and a willingness to improve. It’s one more step towards a safer future for everyone.