“LEARN TO SWIM WEEK”

Evening Star, Issue 22798, 5 November 1937, Page 5

“LEARN TO SWIM WEEK”

OTAGO* CENTRE EFFORT SIXTY INSTRUCTORS AVAILABLE [By Hooker.] As part of the national campaign being held by the National Committee of Swimming and Life Saving, the Otago Centre of the Now Zealand Amateur Swimming Association, which was one of those to sponsor “ Learn to Swim ” efforts in the Dominion, will hold its annual “ Learn to Swim Week ” at the Municipal Baths from Monday, November 15, to Saturday, November 20, and it is stated that at least 60 instructors will be available for the effort, all of whom have had considerable coaching experience in their own clubs. No one is too old and no one too young to learn to swim, and this may almost bo taken literally, for with proper ! tuition, attention to the elementary principles and above all, plenty of practice, reasonable proficiency, either on the breast stroke or crawl, may be obtained. Instruction sessions are being held at the baths throughout the day, with the main periods at lunch hour, and in the evening. Tho Otago Centre is arranging for supervisors to see that learners are allotted to instructors and to ensure that tihe services of the instructors are utilised to the best advantage, and a record will be kept of the progress being made by the pupils, a steward being appointed for that purpose. Learners - will have the option _of taking up crawl or breast stroke swimming, Coaches will be available at both styles, for it is found that some swimmers have a natural bent for crawl, others for breast stroke. It is hoped that as many school children as possible will take advantage of this opportunity of learning to swim, and the baths will he divided into sections, according to the capabilities of those seeking instruction. Instructors will be easily distinguishable hy the badges they are wearing. The City Council is co-operating in the effort, and in view of the importance of swimming as a part of the national fitness effort, every citizen of Dunedin should interest himself in this effort, which is of a purely voluntary nature. For those desiring it, there will he instruction in life saving (elementary stages) and in resuscitation, and tuition will also be afforded to prospective divers. Ib_ should be impressed upon those seeking help that “Learn to Swim Week ” is a time for recreation, but practice is essential, and those who would merely play around the poo] and not endeavour to improve their swimming might well reserve their efforts for some other occasion.