07 Jan Making waves – it’s never too late to learn

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks? I beg to differ. I went for swimming lessons at the ripe age of 30, I know wild.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t a complete novice around water; I could float, but like many South Africans, I just wasn’t comfortable being in the water. Swimming is such an important skill to have…I mean, imagine finding yourself toppling overboard on a luxurious yacht in Dubai or having to jump in to rescue someone who thought it was a good idea to take an impromptu swim while you were babysitting!

Fortunately, there are quite a few swimming schools in South Africa that cater to adults. They offer various options, from one-on-one lessons to group sessions. Even 3-hour intensive workshops, where you’re taught everything from deep water entry techniques to the basic freestyle.

I have to say, I absolutely enjoyed my lessons. Even though I haven’t had the chance to put my newfound skills to use yet, they’ve definitely boosted my confidence. That’s something I truly value!

South Africa has these gorgeous beaches stretching for thousands of kilometers, and in the fancy neighborhoods, you’ll find swimming pools scattered all over. Despite all that, research shows there are about 1477 fatal drownings on average each year.

So, if you ever find yourself in the same boat as I was, wondering if you should take the plunge and learn to swim, I say go for it! It’s never too late to learn, and who knows, it might just make all the difference one day. Safety first, right?

Reference: Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Nov; 19(22): 15121. Published online 2022 Nov 16. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192215121