Retired swimming coach reiterates the importance of water safety
"Every child and adult should learn how to swim."
With spring (that feels like summer) in full swing, retired Benoni swimming coach Wendy Scott is urging parents and swimmers to prioritise safety anywhere in and around water.
From supervision to basic water skills, Scott shares essential tips to help prevent drownings and ensure fun and safe experiences for everyone.
“The number one pool safety rule is to never, ever run near a swimming pool. Slipping on wet concrete is a real concern and serious injuries can result,” Wendy said.
“Listen to instructions and obey pool rules. Public pools may have different rules regarding conduct and play in the pool, including allowed toys and attire. Always obey the pool rules.”
She advised everyone, especially children, to avoid swimming alone.
“No one should swim alone and children should absolutely never be left unsupervised in a pool, even if they are proven accomplished swimmers.
“Drownings are vastly more likely to occur when the victim is alone or unsupervised.”
She added, “Lightning can strike suddenly, even in the absence of rain or with blue sky visible. Take cover when a storm approaches and remain out of the water until at least 30 minutes after the last lightning is sighted or thunder heard.
“Know how to respond in an emergency. Parents and caregivers should know the basics of CPR and first aid. Always have a phone available.”
Wendy opened Wendy’s Dolphin Swim School in 1991 in Benoni with a vision to teach one of life’s most vital skills – swimming.
Over the past 34 years, her journey has been guided by patience, passion and a deep commitment to water safety.
“Teaching swimming has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences of my life,” she said.
Her own swimming journey began at the age of three in Benoni under the guidance of the late Lois Bassett. That early experience shaped her lifelong passion for the water and for helping others feel safe and confident in it.
Wendy has also had the joy of experiencing international swimming events alongside her daughter, Megan, who represented South Africa at several global competitions, including the 2006 Commonwealth Youth Games in Melbourne and swimming tours to Greece and India.
As she looks toward retirement in the Western Cape, Wendy reflected on her decades of teaching with gratitude.
“Thank you to all my past swimmers, their parents, and my fellow Benoni swimming teachers for the years of support and friendship.”
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