3 000 children learn to swim in eThekwini

THOUSANDS  of children will be taught how to swim this year as part of eThekwini Municipality’s Learn to Swim Programme.

The municipality’s Sports Development and Recreation Division, in partnership with uShaka Marine World, officially launched the annual Learn to Swim Programme, a flagship water safety initiative.

The municipality kicked off the programme on Friday saying that it continues to change young lives by equipping thousands of children with critical water safety skills, boosting their confidence, and reducing the risk of drowning.

Dr Simphiwe Ndlovu, the municipality’s Director of Recreation and Parks, said the programme is designed to equip children with foundational swimming skills while addressing the high risk of drowning, particularly in a coastal city like Durban.

“Swimming is a vital life skill and an absolute necessity for every child. This programme forms part of the municipality’s broader commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles while empowering children to navigate aquatic environments safely,” said Ndlovu.

This year, the initiative will empower 3 000 Grade 4 and 5 learners across eThekwini and that through the programme they would gain the ability to navigate water safely, while introducing them to life-long recreational and sporting opportunities.

The programme which starts on Monday, 9 February, will target Grade 4 and 5 learners from all eThekwini regions. The municipality said that over the next three months, the initiative will be rolled out to 40 disadvantaged schools in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, the Department of Sport, Recreation and Culture, and KZN Aquatics.

Accredited swimming instructors will conduct lessons at municipal swimming pools using a curriculum designed to balance fun, safety and skills development.

The Learn to Swim Programme remains a cornerstone of eThekwini’s sport and recreation strategy, ensuring that every child can develop swimming proficiency while creating pathways to competitive swimming and broader sporting excellence, the municipality said.