Survival Swimming Expands to Rhodes University

For many students at Rhodes University, learning to swim has never been a simple or accessible opportunity. Despite the presence of a campus swimming pool, many students have had little or no exposure to swimming lessons or water safety education, while others have always wanted to learn but never had the chance.

A new Survival Swimming Programme, led by the NSRI, is helping change that reality by creating a supportive pathway for students to develop essential water safety skills.

“I think it's very important that we teach adults who are unable to swim how to swim,” says volunteer Survival Swimming instructor Carol Mewse. “Because they are then more likely to encourage their children and younger siblings to learn to swim, which will help diminish the fear of water in the community.”

Learning Together

Participants often begin their first lesson feeling uncertain, gathering near the pool edge and drawing reassurance from others who share the same nerves. Many arrive unsure of what to expect or whether they will feel comfortable in the water at all.

As lessons progress, small achievements begin to shift the atmosphere. Students discover they can float, breathe calmly, and move safely in the water, guided by instructors who prioritise patience and reassurance.

This was the experience of Rhodes student Hlumisa, who felt overwhelmed by anxiety when she first arrived, but soon discovered an environment where she was never rushed into activities before she felt ready.

The lessons also foster a strong sense of encouragement among participants.

“I've noticed a camaraderie that's developed amongst those who have come for their lessons,” Carol says. “The high-fiving, and smiles, and claps, and just cheering their fellow students on as they progress through the programme, it's amazing to see.”

Small Breakthroughs Create Lasting Change

Progress in survival swimming often begins with simple but meaningful steps: blowing bubbles, floating unaided, and letting go of the pool wall for the first time.

“For me, there's absolutely nothing better than the smile on a person's face, once they've floated on their own for the first time,” Carol says.

The emotional shift is often visible within a single lesson. Learners who arrive quiet and hesitant begin to relax and engage, while others who initially mask their nerves with humour become more focused and determined.

Many return for future sessions, eager to continue learning. As confidence grows in the water, participants begin to recognise their ability to overcome challenges beyond the pool environment.

Training Instructors to Expand Impact

Alongside learner sessions, the programme is also building capacity by training new Survival Swimming instructors drawn from Rhodes University and surrounding communities, including Makhanda, Kenton-on-Sea, and Boesmansriviermond.

Instructor training includes practical assessments such as distance swims, submerged-object recovery, and buoy-based rescue techniques. This ensures instructors are equipped to teach skills that may one day help someone reach safety.

For many instructors, the opportunity to help others gain confidence in the water is deeply rewarding.

“So many of them have said to me that the feeling they get from being able to teach somebody a skill is indescribable,” Carol says.

And as instructors gain experience, they develop confidence not only in the water but also in their ability to contribute positively within their communities.

Meeting a Growing Need

Interest in the programme continues to grow as more students recognise the importance of survival swimming skills. Hundreds of students have already expressed interest in future sessions, demonstrating both the demand for accessible swimming education and the programme's positive impact.

“We have 500 students on the waiting list at Rhodes to do survival swimming, which just shows you how invested and keen the community is in this programme,” Carol reveals.

She adds that the programme’s value extends far beyond the pool: “The impact is enormous, not just on the life skills that they learn, but going forward in their lives.”

As more learners gain confidence and more instructors are trained, the programme continues to strengthen water safety awareness and skills within the Rhodes community and beyond.