Zinitha’s remarkable journey from fearful beginner to inspiring instructor

When 18-year-old Zinitha Manavele first arrived at the Long Street swimming pool in October 2024, she could barely swim and was scared of water. Less than six months later, she’s a certified volunteer survival swimming instructor inspiring young learners – and the entire NSRI team.

“The Sea Point pool was closed at the time,” says Maxine Jackson, Sea Point Survival Swimming team leader, “so we got a whole lot of new volunteers to come for training at Long Street swimming pool, and Zinitha was one of them.”

One of the first practical tests anyone must do to become an instructor is to swim the length of the pool they'll be working in, and unfortunately, Zinitha couldn’t.

Maxine admits to being initially concerned. But Zinitha’s dedication never wavered. “She was so keen and determined and just kept turning up, week after week.”

Recognising her determination, the team rallied behind her. “Between Alison, myself, and Hazel, we decided that because she's so enthusiastic, we would help her become a role model for others.”

Alison Cope, one of the founding members behind the Survival Swimming programme, took Zinitha under her wing, offering private lessons at her home. With encouragement from the whole team, Zinitha made rapid progress. Her commitment never wavered, no matter how far she had to travel to the pool.

“And by the end of the season,” says Maxine, “it was an honour to hand over her kit and watch her engaging and encouraging young children in the water.”

Zinitha’s journey has been a source of pride for the Sea Point team. “Alison sent me a video of her swimming the length of her pool, and I was just like, ‘Wow!’” Maxine says. “Zinitha is a true inspiration, and her commitment speaks volumes - you can't really put it into words, those special moments as part of the NSRI team.”

Reflecting on her initial fear of the water, Zinitha says: “My first time at the Long Street pool, I was scared of water and didn't even know how to swim. But to see others doing it, I tried. I pushed myself to defeat the fear.”

She adds that the Sea Point team — Maxine, Tracy, Stacy, and especially Alison — greatly helped her. Zinitha recalls working with Alison: “She’s patient, and she encouraged me to believe that I could do it. I did it, and now I enjoy being in water. I have no fear at all.”

Today, Zinitha is sharing what she’s learned with others. “I enjoy teaching to encourage others that you can beat the fear and do whatever you want to do. Nothing can stop you.”

And she’s only getting started.

“She asked me at our year-end gathering, ‘How do you get to work on the boats and do the big rescues and things like that?’” says Maxine. “For her, it's not going to stop at just Survival Swimming. I think she will do big things for us and the NSRI.”