School Swimming Sports 10 March

The school swimming sports were very successful this year in terms of participation with almost every student participating in at least two events. I am hopeful we are over the days of students convincing their parents they need a note as this type of collusion really does nothing to support students in the long run. This used to happen a few years ago, and quite a lot. Michelle Johannsson and her great group of parents and staff ensured that we were able to get through all the events. I can't help but be a little concerned though that the general standard of swimming appears to be declining over time. I do realise it is impossible for us to teach children to swim really well given the time we get in the pool but I feel that many students appear to have had little time to even practice the skills they have. Some schools have stopped swimming altogether because they feel it is pointless in terms of access and progress made, but living right here in Timaru beside the sea and surrounded by all the lakes and rivers in South Canterbury I feel very strongly that we need to do something. I am unsure of the answer but I am not totally convinced our new aquatic complex will address this either especially when we will have all schools seeking time in one venue rather than two. I would be really interested in anyone's thoughts on how we better support our kids to learn to swim.