Lifesavers teach vital skills to youngsters
BEING able to swim is an essential skill, particularly for youngsters who live near the coast or the many rivers and streams in KwaZulu-Natal.
It is equally beneficial for people to learn how to respond to water emergencies, and who better to teach these skills than lifesavers?
The Illovo Siyasindisa Academy water safety and awareness programme, with Pirates lifesavers, aims to provide these skills to school children.
“We saw this programme and the wonderful work Suncoast Pirates Lifesaving Club does as the perfect opportunity to teach pupils water safety and swimming skills they are unlikely to have formal access to,” said Darrell de Wet, marketing and communications manager of Illovo Sugar South Africa, at Suncoast beach this week.
The programme develops water awareness and tips on what to do if someone is in danger of drowning, CPR skills and how CPR can be applied to other situations, such as heart attacks.
Suncoast Pirates Lifesaving Club director Charles Khumalo said he was pleased to be involved in the programme. He said they aimed to do more than just teach water awareness and would encourage youngsters to join the lifesaving community.
From the ages of 5-13, the club trains “Nippers”, who are allowed to use boogey boards. The next level is the “Juniors” (ages 14-16), who use rescue boards.
The “Seniors” are 16 and older, and there is an opportunity for youngsters to take up a variety of jobs, including a crewman or boat driver.
Once they become seniors, they become club members and receive certificates. They could then become professional, which means being able to earn an income for their families, an opportunity that was previously not possible for many participants.
James Turner, 16, from Thomas More College, was one of the seniors taking part in this initiative, teaching others his skills.
“I thought it was an interesting holiday job. I get to spend days on the beach. I get to learn different skills and use them whenever. I love the beach and I thought I’d be able to help people,” he said.
The programme will officially be rolled out on July 26.