SCHOOL SWIMMING

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 27, 1 February 1929, Page 8

SCHOOL SWIMMING

TEACHERS' CONFERENCE

Matters of interest to thoso connected with tho teaching of swimming in the schools wero discussed at a conference to-day. There wero present:— Messrs. B. O'Neill (Christchurch), in the chair, H. E. Fisher (Wellington), A. E. Knight (Otago), L. Brighton (Auckland), W. Carlton (South Canterbury), 11. Lo Bas (Hawkes Bay), and D. Vcitch (Wanganui). Tho conference is held in conjunction with the national championships, which this year are taking place- in Wellington.

Mr. O'Neill submitted a chart, showing the increase in tho number of certificates awarded in the schools by theNew Zealand Amateur Swimming Association since 1921, when educational officers wero appointed by the association. In 1921 tho number was 2602, and in 1928 it was 12,958.

The conference discussed with Mr. H. E. Longworth, Director of Physical Training in the schools, the best method of teaching swimming. A decision was reached that any method was suitable as long as it did not interfere with the regular breathing of tho child. In regard to life-saving, the breast-stroke was essential.

The rules for the allocation of the Davies Shield were amended so as to provide that the shield could be awarded to the school, which, in proportion to the average attondanco, has the largest number of children who have qualified for the learner's certificate in Standard 4, 5, and 6. The rules exclude proficiency and merit certificate holders, and children>who are debarred from swimming for medical reasons. It was decided that the " special* certificato" should bo awarded to schools where 25 per cent, of the children possess certificates, instead of 50 per cent, as previously.