Swim schools must be accreditted
It is vitally improtant for parents to check out the accreditation of the swim school before enrolling their children.
NELSPRUIT – Swimming South Africa (SSA) is sticking to its vision “to make every South African a swimmer” by launching an initiative to raise awareness around the importance of teaching children to swim. More importantly, the organization highlighted the importance of using only accredited instructors when enrolling children at swimming schools.
“As the national governing body of aquatics, the safety of all our athletes is a big priority for the federation,” said Godfrey Monei, Swimming South Africa Marketing and Communications Manager. “When you register your child for swimming lessons do you make certain that the swim school is registered? Just like when you enrol your child to start grade one, you make sure that the school is registered with the Department of Education. Same thinking. It is your responsibility as a parent to make sure that the swim school of your choice is registered with Swimming South Africa.”
An accredited swim school will clearly display the certificate of accreditation which will have the physical address of the school or a plague with details of the school.
“Teachers at schools are qualified and registered with a professional education body and the same goes for swimming instructors. They must be registered with their Provincial body and Swimming South Africa.”
According to Monei, every province will have a list of registered swim schools and registered instructors that are recognised by the federation. For further information contact Monei on 079-760-6124 or Capt Ronel Bekker of Nelspruit Learn to Swim on 079-801-9209 or visit www.swimsa.org for further information and news regarding Swimming South Africa.
“The public should be made aware of the dangers of having their children learn to swim from unqualified and unregistered teachers at swim schools. The general public have no idea how dangerous working with children in the water can be, especially toddlers. A registered Learn to Swim teacher will be offer a SAPS certified statement of no criminal record, a certificate in the necessary first aid and life saving skills and that the swimming school is in good relationship with the provincial governing body,” explained Bekker.
Swimming South Africa is the governing body of aquatics in South Africa. It’s objective is to encourage the practice of aquatic disciplines for all in South Africa with the purpose of promoting swimming as a life skill through the Learn To Swim programmes. These programmes provide healthy exercise to South Africans of all ages and races by recruiting recreational swimmers to compete in the various competitions and promoting athlete development to the highest level.
