For 23-year-old Jacques Scheepers, learning to swim was once a challenge that seemed almost impossible.

Today, the young man with autism can swim 30 lengths (between 750 and 1500 metres) without stopping, helps teach others and has taken another step towards building a career in lifesaving.

Scheepers, who previously made headlines for obtaining his International Pool Lifeguarding Certificate through Lifesaving South Africa, has continued to build on his achievements since joining Warobile Lifesaving Aquatics Academy in Maitland.

The academy was founded several years ago by Maitland resident Keith Abrahams (67), a retired law enforcement officer and lifeguard.

Abrahams established Warobile in memory of two teenage boys who drowned at Camps Bay beach in 2013, with the aim of keeping young people off the streets while teaching them valuable water safety and lifesaving skills.

Last month, Scheepers completed the Designated Safety Officer (DSO) course through Lifesaving South Africa and has since been appointed as one of Warobile’s Designated Safety Officers. He is currently being coached in his new role and also assists as a lifesaving coach.

For Scheepers, his journey has been about much more than learning a lifesaving skill.

“Firstly, I learned how to swim, which required me to face various challenges in the water and overcome my fear of it. As my confidence grew, I became able to teach others and developed valuable skills in engaging with people. It brings me great joy and satisfaction to see someone successfully learn to swim after I have taught them.”

However, his journey has not been without obstacles.

“My worst challenge was being pushed into the water. I also found it very difficult to complete a length of swimming in the pool,” he said. “With the support of my coaches and their ongoing encouragement and dedication, I am now able to swim 30 lengths without stopping.”

His progress has taught him that determination and consistent training can help someone to overcome challenges.

“I found that I can achieve anything if I push myself and continue to train and practise towards this.”

Future Goals

His ambitions extend beyond the swimming pool, with Scheepers hoping to take part in the Robben Island to Blouberg swimming challenge in the future. He also dreams of one day opening his own swimming school.

“I would like to have my own swimming school in the future to teach others as an income. I have tried to find work so many times, but I don’t get any responses from the companies,” he said.

His own experiences have also shaped how he wants to encourage others.

“I would use myself as an example and tell them that even if you find it difficult to swim, they must not give up. I will continue to encourage them and tell them that they can achieve anything if they put their mind to it,” he said.

“This does not go about swimming only, but for everything else they want to achieve in life, like their school work or in their work/trade.”

Cheryl, Scheepers’ mother, said it has been rewarding watching her son grow since joining the academy.

“It has been amazing to see his growth. I know that when my son puts his mind to something, he will be devoted. I am so proud of everything he’s managed to achieve,” she said.

Cheryl said she and her husband continue to support their son when he writes his assessments. She also expressed her gratitude to Warobile for the support it has given her son.

Abrahams said he has watched Scheepers’ transformation with pride.

“He could not swim at all. When he started, he told me, ‘This is not for me’. But a month after, he changed his tune. Look at him now.”

Abrahams said working with neurodivergent individuals can come with challenges, but he believes patience and giving people opportunities can make a difference.

“At the academy, I currently work with people with ADHD and for Jacques, who has autism, it is challenging. We must have patience. I believe in giving people second chances. I want them to be independent and be able to find employment.”

More Training

Abrahams said that from next month, Scheepers and several other trainees will undergo additional training, including courses in surf lifesaving, first aid and firefighting.

They will also complete skipper training. The academy works closely with Lifesaving South Africa. Its courses and certificates are internationally accredited.

But keeping the academy running remains a challenge.

Abrahams said Warobile relies on generous donors and his monthly pension grant.

“If you teach someone the life skill, you know you saved a life. This gift comes from the Lord. I charge only R450 per year and some young people who cannot afford it, we sponsor. We appeal to businesses and people to come on board and support us.”

For Scheepers, the goal is clear: to keep learning, keep training and eventually use the skills he has gained to help others.

To support email warobilesa@gmail.com

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