Smart Swim raises awareness of marine plastic pollution

By Julia de Lucchi
 
Smart Swim School based in Reepham wanted to raise awareness with the children (and their parents) about the effects of plastic in our oceans and how this negatively impacts marine life.
 

 
So, over the past few weeks, our swimmer’s parents have been collecting all their plastic recycling for us to put in the pool.
 
I wanted the children to have first-hand experience of what it might feel like for ocean-going animals to be surrounded by our rubbish.
 
The lessons have really made a huge impact on the children. We chatted about the importance of each child taking three pieces of rubbish off the beach every time they go.
 
During the lesson, we went for a little ride in an inflatable canoe and practiced falling in (with our clothes on) and swimming through the rubbish back to the side: our theme this term has been water safety.
 
We then spent time practicing clearing some of the rubbish out of the pool, to bring home the point of how everyone working together can make a big difference. Training up the next generation is the way to go!
 
Great fun was had by all and the children learnt a fantastic lesson through this experience.
 
About Smart Swim
 
Smart Swim is a small, family-run swim school. The pool is wonderfully warm and clean, and the teachers are all passionate and enthusiastic about what they do.
 
It offers baby, toddler and after-school lessons from Monday to Saturday. The teachers all teach from within the water and there is a high child-to-teacher ratio, ensuring all children progress beautifully.
 
The lessons are well planned and fun, focusing on water safety and bonding time with parents in the water.
 
Owner and instructor Julia de Lucchi also specialises in helping people overcome their fear of water and enjoys working with adult swimmers on a one-to-one basis. Aqua-therapy is also offered.
 
Unfortunately, the pool is not available for private hire, but feel free to contact Smart Swim regarding lessons for next term.
 

 

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