Swimming starts

The ANZ Tamariki Sports programme will make a splash today with the first kids swimming lesson at the Nikao Social Centre beach starting at 4 o’clock.

The swim lessons will be taken by sports coach Ake Hosea-Winterflood who is keen to help give Cook Islands children a good understanding of safety around water and see them excel in swimming.

Hosea says she believes that it’s important to teach children how to swim properly including correct breathing techniques and proper kicking and floating methods.

The swim programme is for children aged between 7 and 11.

Hosea encourages parents to take part in the lessons so they too can become confident swimmers with their children.

For those parents that want to take along children younger than 7, Hosea asks that parents remain with their children throughout the programme.

Parents are also reminded to make sure your children have proper swimming gear, a water bottle, sunscreen, hat, swimming goggles and $5 for the programme fee for the full four weeks.

If you don’t have goggles, Hosea will have some pairs for sale at $15 each.

Local swimming enthusiasts and volunteers are also asked to come and help share the fun of swimming with local children.

For more information on the swim programme or to find out what other sporting activity Hosea has in store this year for kids – call her on 24759 or on 24681.