Marlborough Express - Weekend Express
Stay afloat
Anew club in Blenheim called Dive Right In will encourage children to have safe fun in the water. One of the organisers, Natalie Brokenshire, says any child who can swim 25 metres is invited to the first session on April 1 at the Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000.
There will be relay-based activities, fun ‘‘have-a-go’’ races and a range of water games to give them a taste of what to expect at future sessions.
‘‘The aim is for children to have fun in the water, enjoying organised activities with their friends,’’ says Natalie.
Her own children, Liam Clark, 13, and Megan Clark, 11, belong to the Blenheim Swim Club, which meets once a month for timed, 50m to 200m races.
Liam and Megan often attend similar race meetings in Nelson and more competitive club members travel still further away.
‘‘There are competitive swimmers who swim five days a week,’’ Natalie says. ‘‘But the majority don’t.’’
It was with that in mind that Blenheim Swim Club committee members looked at ways to offer children organised water activities without the need to be competitive.
The Sunday sessions will be structured and organised, with a water safety element a common feature of all activities.
For example, treading water is an important skill, Natalie says, and water polo games help children practise it naturally.
The cost for children to take part in the first Dive Right In session, to be held from 5pm till 6pm on April 1, will be the $3 pool entry fee.
Those who want to go again can pay a $30 Blenheim Swim Club registration and attend its monthly races as well as the Dive Right In sessions for just a $3 pool entry fee. Alternatively, children can be casual Dive Right In members and pay an $8 fee each time they attend.
Dive Right In registrations can be made next week at the Marlborough 2000 Stadium and more information is available from Natalie Brokenshire, 579 5200, or Lorraine Mcmath, 578 8855.