Summer is approaching, and for most children and adults alike, it means fun in the water. However, the danger of drowning is also a reality. The Adopt a Swimmer Programme at Plettenberg Bay in the Southern Cape, aims to empower underprivileged children by teaching them pool proficiency.

The "Greener Surfer" John McCarthy, this week taught the children more about swimming, surfing and the sea.

Being able to swim is a life-skill everyone needs but for many, swimming lessons are unaffordable.  

Plett resident and swimming coach, Louise Auersperg, says about 80% of the children in her town cannot swim and she set out to change that through the Adopt a Swimmer ...more

Children from vulnerable communities in Plettenberg Bay are learning various life skills around ocean safety. Watch this video from SABC News about the ongoing initiative in the coastal town.

‘Sea Change’, ‘Ocean Child’ and getting back to basics, without asking nature to pay the price for his love of surfing, are all concepts synonymous with John McCarthy’s ideals and lifestyle. This charismatic champion and founder of The Greener Surfer, who hails from Durban, has made a deep impact on increasing environmental awareness, inspiring change and sharing best practice with all things related to life and the environment.

The quest to share his knowledge of swimming, surfing and the sea brings John to Plettenberg Bay on Thursday 6 October (13h00 – 17h00) and Sunday 9 October (08h00 – 12h00) at the indoor swimming pool located on the farm “On Good Land”. He ...more

In April, Sasfin once again had the privilege of working with Ocean Child's John McCarthy to ensure that the children from Adopt A Swimmer in Plettenberg Bay were safer, more confident in the water and also, had the opportunity to catch a few waves!

The children built their confidence in the water and had a great amount of fun doing it. Learning these important skills saves lives and creates more sustainable futures.

Special thanks go to John for his kindness and commitment to sharing his knowledge with the children; Clayton from Learn to Surf Plett; and Louise Auersperg and her team at Adopt a Swimmer who always work tirelessly to ensure that as many children as possible learn and share their skills for more sustainable futures. #Plettitsafeeling