SOWETO, South Africa, April 14 (Reuters) – At a public pool in South Africa’s township of Soweto, novice swimmers of their golden years take deep breaths as they transfer ahead, encouraging one another as they go.
Greater than 40 older ladies, who’ve by no means beforehand had an opportunity to learn to swim, go to the pool each week throughout the summer time to face their concern of drowning and enhance their well being.
Lifeguard-turned-coach Sibu Zabane launched the category in 2021, when COVID-19 was circulating broadly in South Africa, in an effort to assist susceptible older members of the group get fitter.
Gabashane Molefe, 66, joined the category final yr after retiring.
“It was a problem! I could not float, I could not breathe and my knees have been sore,” stated Molefe, who can now swim with out flotation aids.
Reporting by Sisipho Skweyiya and Shaffiek Tassiem; Writing by Anait Miridzhanian; Modifying by Alex Richardson
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