Cape Town: Over 200 residents participated in aquatic programmes at the Morningstar Swimming Pool. It is organised by the City of Cape Town and provides facilities such as learn-to-swim and aqua aerobics programmes that are popular with younger and senior residents.
Recently, the participants gained vital swimming skills and confidence by helping to reduce drowning risks while encouraging an active lifestyle.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that swimming is a life-saving skill and programmes like these ensure that more residents, especially the children, have access to safe and structured lessons.
Higham stated that by making investment in water safety education, they will be able to reduce the risk of drowning, and will also promote an active and healthy lifestyle within the communities.
Moreover, the programme was extended to seniors with aqua aerobics sessions catering to older persons. It is a very popular initiative and has attracted participants from senior fitness clubs as far afield as Kraaifontein.
Considering this, the Local Ward Councillor – Alderman Theresa Uys said that it is heart-warming to see how this programme is changing lives, whether it’s a young child, gaining the confidence to swim or a senior finding joy and health benefits in aqua aerobics.
Uys added that these sessions are about more than just swimming as they create a sense of community and well-being. The oldest aqua aerobics participants are overjoyed at her newfound activity.
Elaine Adams aged 76 expressed, “I never thought I’d be able to do this at my age, but this programme has given me confidence and it’s easier to move in the water. It’s also a wonderful way to stay active and meet new friends.”
As a part of broader basket of services, the Recreation and Parks Department has offered a programme that focuses mainly on water awareness and learn-to-swim. With this, participants can enter at the appropriate level and progress through two structured phases.
The City of Cape Town has leveraged the resources for swimming and aligning with the Drowning Prevention Programme. This initiative is underpinned by two key aims which are to reduce the number of drowning incidents at City Swimming Pools and Beaches, to increase opportunities for youth to participate in aquatic activities.