Swimming at Waltham Pool

Swimming at Waltham Pool

Tomorrow is our last day of swimming for the Year 5 (and a few Year 4) children.  Since the first day of school they have been walking down to Waltham Pool every day for swimming instruction.  The large number of drownings in New Zealand over the past 12 months or so have promoted us to have had a focus on 'Water Safety' as part of our swim instruction this year.  In addition to some drill tasks, which support the development of swimming skills, Mattie and Paula (our very able instructors) have spent time educating the children about ways to keep safe while in and around the water.  Today the children enjoyed using life jackets, being pulled on to, pushed off of ... and swimming under a life raft.  Amidst the great enjoyment, important water safety skills were revised, in practical situations.  Tomorrow will involve more practical tasks, including swimming with clothing on, which will simulate for the children what it would be like to unexpectedly end up in the water when clothed!   A great way to end our Swim Safety sessions.