Concern is mounting for the future of a swimming club in coastal Southland if no coaches can be found.
Riverton Swimming Club president Vicki Cook said that learn-to-swim lessons had been provided to children in the small rural community for a long time.
“We live so close to the sea; we’re a fishing community.
"It’s really important for our children to be confident in the water.”
There was no single reason why, but some coaches and the club secretary had resigned, leaving doubt as to the viability of the swimming club, she said.
“It’s just one of those things — people have a lot on their plate.”
About 75 children would normally be involved in the swimming season, from 5-year-olds building water confidence to competitive swimmers.
“We’re at the stage now where if we don’t get an influx of new helpers, unfortunately the club will cease to exist,” she said.
Coaches were needed mostly for the younger swimmers.
She understood the club’s position was not unique in that volunteers could be hard to come by.
“Someone willing to get in the pool is a big thing.
"We provide all the training we can.”
In a statement to the Otago Daily Times, Water Safety New Zealand said most New Zealanders visited the coast regularly, and 50% visited monthly.
"That means all Kiwis should learn water safety and swimming skills to keep themselves safe while they enjoy our waterways,” it said.
Fundamental water safety and swimming skills were learnt primarily in school and community swimming pools.
“Water Safety New Zealand works closely with and funds Swimming New Zealand to provide free school teacher training so teachers can deliver [the] Water Skills For Life [programme] to primary school children from schools with pools."
It also directed funding to Active Southland and Sport Otago so they could support the delivery of Water Skills For Life to school children at their local aquatic centres.
Swimming New Zealand and Swimming Southland support the Riverton club.
