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Murray Pioneer (January 9th)
 Children
take to the water to improve confidence
More than 1500 children are participating in the 1998 HomeStart Vacswim Program at 10 locations in the Riverland.
Vacswim, which is based on programs established by the Royal Life Saving Society and Surf Life Saving SA, helps children to develop "competence and confidence" in the water.
Children in the Riverland have been steadily progressing through the RLSS Swim and Survive program, which provides a balance of swimming and water safety skills and gives to parents a clear indication of their child's current level and ability.
It's also a lot of fun, judging by the children's eagerness to take to the water even in mild weather.
Mary Phin of Adelaide, an instructor at Lake Bonney, said the children in her charge were taking to the water like fish.
"They're all very mobile in the water," she said. "They're enthusiastic and they
try very hard. I'm extremely pleased with all of them."
The RLSS Swim and Survive program teaches children at seven basic levels from water discovery, which familiarises the beginner with the water, to senior swim and survive, which aims to develop a high level of swimming skills, endurance, knowledge of safety and personal survival abilities.
Vacswim will continue until January 15.
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