A Maitland-based swimming coach has got his mind set on making history by training a group of disadvantaged children to swim from Robben Island to Blouberg Strand, but needs financial assistance to realise this.
Keith Abrahams of Warobile Lifesaving Aquatics Academy says the academy aims to empower children with lifesaving water-safety tips and swimming lessons.
Abrahams (65) is a retired law enforcement officer and lifeguard. He devotes his time to training people in basic water-safety skills.
He explains that the academy was started eight years ago in memory of two teen boys who drowned at Camps Bay beach in 2013.
Abrahams says, later this year, the group aims to swim the 7,4 km to raise much-needed funds for the academy and to raise awareness about the scourge of drowning in the country.
“The idea is to keep the children away from drugs and gangsterism and to stop the scourge of drowning. Our children are not getting opportunities, they can have all the degrees, but they are not getting jobs. So by doing lifesaving, they can apply for a job with the City (of Cape Town). They can become entrepreneurs because should we get more people, they can do the coaching.”
Abrahams shares that he completed the Robben Island swim 13 years ago.
“In 2010, I swam the Robben Island crossing and raised R100 000 for mentally challenged children.”
He encourages children to join the academy.
“More children can come and join. But they need to be committed to this cause, they cannot come and then stay away. We need about 24 kids to do the Robben Island crossing. Some will do the solo swim from Robben Island to Blouberg Strand while some will do the relay which is 1,2 km with guides.”
Abrahams says preparation for the swim is a key priority.
“I have confidence in a few of them. Every morning at 06:00 they swim. Then we go through our paces. We will do this for about a month. Thereafter we will train twice a day in the morning and the afternoon. There is no room for error.”
Derrick Frazer, swim support specialist, says: “It is a difficult swim. But it depends on your fitness. A lot of people are training to do this now. It is difficult to know what the water temperatures will be. But good conditions would be about 14 degrees and no wind.”
He explains that preparation is key and says getting as much training as possible is imperative.
“We usually work on a 12-week programme, where people need to swim at least 1 600 metres.”
Abrahams explains that the academy runs from the swimming pool at Holy Cross High School and adds he maintains the pool from his pocket.
“Most of the time, I use my own money which is not a lot. I am a pensioner. I am thankful for the people who are donating. But I need more funding. The children need goggles, swimming gear, caps and equipment.”
For more information, and to join the academy call 083 413 5445.
