LEARN-TO-SWIM

Franklin Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 31, 20 March 1939, Page 3

LEARN-TO-SWIM

SUCCESS OF CAMPAIGN SEVERAL THOUSANDS TAUGHT Thousands of people are estimated to have been taught swimming to date in the national learn-to-swim campaign. During February a concerted effort to provide free instruction was made under the guidance of the National Committee of Swimming and Life-saving, and, wherever swimming or life-saving clubs existed, all or part of the month was devoted to offering specially organised facilities for learning. By far the most of those taught have been children. Adults have also mastered the art, reports from several districts stating that men and women well ever GO years of age have been among the successful pupils. Nevertheless, it is considered that adult non-swim-mers were generally unwilling to have instruction. The appeal was chiefly deeded to them, yet self-conscious-r.oss apparently deterred them from joining classes and displaying their inability to swim.

Their problem is receiving the attention of officials of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association. It is likely that a scheme will be introduced enabling adults to be.taught individually and in parties specially nominated by business firms and other established organisations. In some centres instruction will be given, apart from organised campaigns by groups of permanent voluntary instructors. “The public owes its thanks to school teachers and the hundreds of volunteers who have rendered such splendid service during the campaign, sc id Mr P. Coira, of Wellington, chairman of the National Committee of Swimmng and Life-saving. “Already a success,” he continued, “the campaign would have yielded more satisfactory results had we had favourable weather nationally. The efforts of all instructors have given thousands of learners a healthful exercise and increased their security from drowning.” The continuation by the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association’s bureau of instruction and coaching of the work carried on in the campaign was promised by the Association’s pre-

siuent, Mr F. G. Dunn, of Christchurch. “As the authority controlling swimming in the Dominion,” said Mr Dunn, “the Association recognises that if the greatest value is to be obtained from Hie campaign, it is necessarv that efficient instruction shall be available at all times, and not merely for one season only. For this purpose it has set up the bureau of instruction and coaching.”