Adopt a Swimmer

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” – Desmond Tutu –

Why We Support “Adopt a Swimmer”
By Linda – Owner, Plett Villas

Swimming has always been woven into the fabric of my family’s life. My mother taught swimming lessons from our home, sharing her passion for the water with countless children. Her siblings, my own siblings, and now my daughters have all followed in those footsteps—connecting deeply with the ocean and its gifts. My youngest daughter joined Nippers and Juniors with Plett Surf and later became a lifeguard on Plett’s beaches in the holidays. My eldest has found joy for free diving in the vibrant waters of Cape Town.

I for one love swimming and am so grateful that my children grew up in such a beautiful coastal town enhancing a love for swimming in the ocean and a strong sense of how important it is to protect the ocean environment.

I would love to facilitate the opportunity for children less fortunate to find the same joy from learning to swim.

About Adopt a Swimmer

• Founded in 2011 by Louise Auersberg, Adopt a Swimmer is a Plettenberg Bay-based NGO dedicated to teaching water safety and swimming to children at risk and from disadvantaged backgrounds.

• At present there are 34 children and 10 adult women who are on their programme, and a waiting list.

• Many of the students that have graduated through AAS are now Senior Life Savers earning an income.

• Louise and her volunteers teach the children to swim in our lagoon and educate them about tides and currents.

• Clayton from Adopt a Surfer offers the children a chance to learn to surf.

• They experience a boat trip out to view the marine mammals in our bay which is transformative, nurturing children’s emotional, social, and educational development while promoting an appreciation for the natural world.