This week marked Week 6 of our EcoActive Drowning Prevention swimming lessons for the grade 4 learners, where learners are taught vital life skills to help keep them safe around water. Today’s focus was on what to do if they accidentally fall into the water: jump in, roll onto their backs, kick, and then “monkey crawl” themselves to safety.
While it may sound simple, what I witnessed reminded me of how powerful fear can be. What struck me most was how many learners froze at the edge of the pool. Nearly half were too scared to jump in, even though their coaches were waiting for them in the water, and I was standing right there to encourage and support them.
Watching them, I thought back to being 10 years old myself. I loved jumping into the water, even though I couldn’t swim at the time. For me, it was play. But for many of these children, jumping into the water is not play; it’s terrifying.
The fear is real. And it made me pause to think about where it comes from:
the fear their parents carry and unknowingly pass on.
A near-drowning experience they might have seen or heard about.
Growing up without access to pools, most of their water play has been at the shoreline, never deeper.
Never putting their faces in the water before these lessons.
And for some, not even having running water at home, washing from a basin is all they’ve known.
Over the last six weeks, our coaches have been so patient. They’ve taught the learners to put their faces in the water and breathe, to glide, to kick, and to float on their backs. With their coaches close by, most have gained confidence. But the simple act of jumping in? That step into the unknown? It brought fear rushing back.
Fear is powerful. In the water, it can cause panic, and panic can lead to drowning. In life, it does the same. It steals our confidence, makes us want to give up, keeps us from asking for help, and stops us from reaching our potential.
Standing by the pool this week, I couldn’t help but remember a verse that carries me when I face my own fears:
“Don’t panic. I’m with you.”
There’s no need to fear, for I’m your God.
I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you.
I’ll hold you steady; keep a firm grip on you.” —Isaiah 41:10
I saw so much courage this week. Some learners jumped in trembling, some needed a hand, and some still couldn’t do it, but all of them are learning, step by step. And I’m reminded that fear doesn’t have the final say, whether in the water or in life.
