The first phase of ‘Yes, I know’ — a free swimming coaching project by the District Aquatic Association in collaboration with the Education Department — saw 60 students from the Chalappuram Government Achyuthan’s Girls’ High School undergoing training.
The students were imparted training as part of a district-wide initiative by the association to bring down incidents of drowning. Programme coordinators said more schools would be given technical support in the next academic year to host similar programmes.
Proposals had been mooted to set up at least one swimming pool in each grama panchayat in the district to conduct free swimming coaching camps for students. Portable swimming pools would be considered in areas where natural swimming pools were not available, they said.
As part of extending the programme to more schools, a team of teachers had already been imparted special training in swimming. The support of all physical education teachers in the district would be sought to conduct the programme.
Portable pools
Office-bearers of the aquatic association said portable swimming pools could be set up at a cost of Rs.75,000. No fewer than 20 students would be able to make use of a single pool, they said.
Initially, Class X students would be given a chance to attend the free programme, which is also supported by the city Corporation and district panchayat. Along with the aquatic association, the Fire and Rescue Services too has launched summer coaching.
