While the main focus of the programme is to coach children from the townships surrounding Port Elizabeth, you will also be able to get involved at different levels of the sport. The pupils at the schools surrounding this area do receive subsidise from the government so that they can go to swimming lessons, however, there is a massive lack of swim instructors and general assistants to help supervise the sessions. This is where you can make a huge difference to the number of children who get taught this vital skill.
Whether you have recognised qualifications, or simply enjoy swimming and coaching kids, your help will be greatly appreciated. The age of the children that you will be coaching ranges from 5 to 12, which will also mean there will be a wide range of abilities. This will give you the amazing opportunity to help teach children to swim for the first time, or you can assist coaching children who swim for their local team. This gives you the opportunity to choose to coach at the level which you feel most comfortable based on your experience.
Although there are opportunities to coach the more experienced swimmers, the main focus of is on the government’s Learn-to-Swim campaign, teaching youngsters the techniques to stay safe in the pool and on the beach.
As a volunteer you will be working alongside qualified instructors. This will give you the chance to develop your own confidence and build relationships with the children. From here, you will continue to assist the instructors but will also have the opportunity to take your own sessions. After you have spent some time with the swimmers you will be able to assess their abilities and potential and suggest ways for them to improve their technique or even offer one-on-one coaching. However, there will always be qualified local staff in attendance to supervise the sessions. Not only will taking part in this programme leave you with a great sense of achievement, your contribution to South African swimming will live on long after you return home.
Please note that coaching takes place in outdoor pools and is therefore affected by occasional bad weather, on average one day every 1-2 weeks. If a coaching session is cancelled, you are welcome to join other coaching placements in the area or simply use the free time for personal relaxation.
What's Included
- A warm welcome at the overseas airport
- Transfers to/from the airport from/to the activity site
- Food (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as stated in the meals section
- All accommodation as stated in the accommodation section
- Full co-ordination of your programme activities
- All required equipment for the volunteer programmes
- 24-hour support from the in-country staff and 24-hour emergency support from our UK team
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas
- Vaccinations
- Additional Transportation
- Personal spending money
- A free laundry service
- Soft drinks and alcohol
Prices and Durations
South Africa Swimming Coaching - 5 weeks $1,989
2010 Start Dates: 09 Jan, 13 Feb, 02 Oct
2011 Start Dates: 8 Jan, 9 Apr, 16 Jul, 27 Aug.
South Africa Swimming Coaching - 12 weeks $3,519
2010 Start Dates: 09 Jan, 10 Apr, 28 Aug
2011 Start Dates: 8 Jan, 9 Apr, 27 Aug
Please Note: Additional weeks are available, please contact us for start dates.
