A swimming school in Somerset West that weathered the storm brought on by Covid lockdown regulations is now emerging stronger than ever.
This having battled through the hardest part of lockdown by expanding to incorporate an additional two branches, and even opening a club to ensure swimmers not only achieved their personal best but grew to be part of an institution that focused on values, ethics and ideals.
Aquatechniques SA were initially forced to suspend operations at the very beginning of the pandemic, but never shut down completely. Pool maintenance continued together with its expenses, and as the world slowly opened up again so did they – but with strict protocols and certain limitations.
“We had already planned to expand long before the lockdown, so when lockdown happened we simply continued with our plan,” says co-owner Jannie Engelbrecht. He and wife Chantelle, with five swimming instructors, now operate a swimming school at 176 Irene Avenue, another at 147 Lourens Street at Radloff Park and a third at 17 Navara Street in Strand. “We did this to accommodate students who attend our swimming classes better, making it easier for them to do so. We get students from throughout the Helderberg and surrounding areas,” elaborates Chantelle, adding it was a natural progression as the swim school trains teachers to become franchise owners. “Although our intake is much slower than before the pandemic, we’re seeing a slow but significant increase in enrolments. As the demand increases so will we continue to expand our facilities.”
They also opened a swim club named Helderberg Titans Swimming Academy. Through this, kids are able to enter competitions and become competitive swimmers should they choose. “Our main focus is, and remains, teaching our community to be water-safe,” says Chantelle. “We teach kids from nine months old up to seniors of any age. In theory, we can take kids from diapers to the Olympics.
Already the academy’s swimmers have participated in a number of local and regional galas, won medals and obtained personal-best times. They’ve also participated in charity swimathon events under the club’s banner.
“It also serves as validation for what we do. The goal is not winning, but encouraging, motivating and teaching to be the best one can be. Our greatest achievements are seeing the kids learn and develop, and how much they grow to trust themselves. Hard work pays.”
The Helderberg Titans have grown to include 28 swimmers, and others are welcome pending an assessment, which then earns the applicant an invite to join so the club’s standard is maintained.
“We do things differently here,” stresses Engelbrecht, “We don’t just teach adults and kids to swim; we teach them to respect others and the water, and focus on life skills and values. Our teachers are water therapists and we assist with the emotional and psychological aspects of swimming. We chase one rabbit at a time to reach our big goals.”
V For more information, find the academy on Facebook and Instagram, or phone Chantelle on 072 140 3102.
