Swimming teacher creates petition to get back to work
The petition outlines proposed measures to be implemented should they be given the go-ahead
MORE than 2 000 swimming teachers from across the country have signed a petition aimed at allowing swim lessons to be exempted from the lockdown bans.
The Avaaz online petition highlights the importance of swimming, using the country’s drowning statistics as a reason for teachers to get back into the pool.
ALSO READ: Lockdown loss of earnings for swimming teachers
It also outlines proposed measures to be implemented should they be given the go-ahead.
‘The reality is that Covid-19 is here and we all need to play our part to stop the spread, but it does not lessen the risk of drownings, especially among our children,’ the petition stated.
It mentioned that drowning is right up there with road traffic accidents as one of the leading causes of accidental death in the country.
Scielo South Africa states that drowning mortality rates are highest among children under the age of 15, and in particular those younger than five years old.
‘We believe that learning to swim should be brought to the table and seen as a very essential industry within our country,’ said the petition’s creator, Matt P.
‘We believe this industry should be allowed to return sooner, rather than later.
‘With children being at home all day, the risk of them wandering off is even higher.
‘Swimming is a skill that could potentially save a child’s life.’
Proposed safety measures to keep in line with lockdown risk levels include swimming teachers wearing masks at all times, keeping out-of-pool staff members to a minimum, reduced class sizes based on pool size, implementing a five-minute rule for parents to arrive before and leave after lessons, arranged seating to promote social distancing, compulsory hand sanitising, strict cleaning protocol of items used during swimming lessons, one parent per child rule, and the removal of play areas outside the pool.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
