Lockdown loss of earnings for swimming teachers

THE approaching winter season is adding to the grim picture Richards Bay swimming teacher Debi Staal is facing.

She is suffering a complete loss of earnings during the current national lockdown – and matters don’t look any better beyond that.

Debi is one of many Zululanders who work for themselves and now face dire times as they are unable to work during the lockdown period.

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Debi’s work came to a halt in mid-March when the municipality announced the closure of all public swimming pools.

‘The swimming season comes to an end at the end of April, so I have essentially incurred a six-week loss of earnings,’ she said.

‘Usually I would have used these six weeks to build up a buffer to help me through the winter months.

‘Many of us, including swim teachers, coaches and swimmers, have all bought season tickets which are valid until the closure of the season, which we now cannot use.

‘Swim teachers also have to book and pay for their lanes in advance, so we have lost out there too. We will probably be given credit, but when? Next season?

‘That doesn’t help when I need to pay my rent now.’

While many owners of fitness-related businesses have taken their exercise classes online, Debi, along with the other swimming teachers, simply cannot.

‘When you’re teaching a person, whether adult or child, to swim, you need to be physically in the water with them, with the only exception being stroke correction when you can stand at the side of the pool.’

‘An SMME relief fund has been made available, but from what I can see it’s a loan that will have to be paid back with interest despite having been donated to the government by private individuals.

‘It is going to be a long lockdown for me, and an even longer winter season.’

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