Only a small percentage of the South African population can swim, leading to an astounding 1,477 drownings per year. The best way to reduce this alarming stat is to increase the number of South Africans who can swim – and for this to happen, the first step is to ensure that swimming and water safety become a priority in all communities.
One of the barriers to swim lessons in South Africa’s underprivileged communities is the children’s lack of access to appropriate swimwear. Inappropriate swimwear contributes to a lack of confidence in the water, which impacts their skills development and sense of belonging, and makes teaching Survival Swimming a challenge.
Drowning Prevention: The NSRI’s Survival Swimming Programme
On their mission to combat this alarming reality, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) launched a water safety education programme in 2020. The programme teaches basic survival skills to ensure that children can stay afloat if they find themselves in difficult situations, and in March 2022, the NSRI successfully opened the first Survival Swimming Centre at Meiring Primary School in Riebeek Kasteel. This is a cause close to our hearts at Virgin Active, where we believe that all kids should have access to the tools they need to nurture a love for movement and stay safe while they’re at it.
Here’s how you can contribute to drowning prevention in South Africa
Donate a kids’ swimming costume, in wearable condition, at any of the below Virgin Active clubs around the country. Your donation could save a life!
KZN Clubs:
Cascades
Greenacres
Hillcrest
Humewood
Kloof
Lorraine
Pavilion
Pietermaritzburg
The Atrium
Westville
Amanzimtoti
Ballito
Beacon Bay
Bluff
Cornubia
East London
Gateway
Kings Park
La Lucia
Moses Mabhida
Richards Bay
Gauteng Clubs
Victory Park
Bryanston
Morningside
Northridge Mall
Randburg
Sandton
Sunninghill
Lonehill
Bel Air
Broadacres
Old Eds
Cedar Square
Cresta
Dainfern
Rosebank
Eco Park
Fearie Glen
Moreleta Park
Menlyn
Centurion
Hazeldean
Kyalami Corner
Rooihiskraal
Vodaworld
Groenkloof
Hatfield
Loftus
Montana
Wonderboom
Bedfordview
Boksburg K90
Edenglen
Glen Acres
Greenstone Park
Meyesdal
Sunward Park
Vanderbijl
Vereeniging
Cradlestone
Honeydew
New Market
Klerksdorp
Lenasia
Little Falls
Potchefstroom
Roodepoort
Glenvista
Eastgate
Western Cape Clubs
Cape Gate
N1 City
Stellenbosch
Tygervalley
Waterstone Village
Athlone
Claremont
Wembley Square
Table View
Mitchells Plain
Point
Steenberg
Sunningdale
Sun Valley