With South Africa recording an alarming 1,477 fatal drownings per year, at a rate of 2.54 people per 100,000, water safety has become a national priority. Research from the South African Epidemiological Study of Fatal Drownings (2016–2021) reveals that low-income areas suffer the most, with limited access to swimming facilities and safety training. This has sparked growing calls for action, particularly as the summer months bring tragic headlines of preventable drownings.
Answering this call is the Roedean School Water Polo Prestige Cup, a competition that has gone beyond sport to create real change. This year, participating schools have partnered with under-resourced institutions to teach vital water safety skills while promoting physical health, confidence, cognitive development, and community empowerment.
Schools Taking the Plunge for Change
The following schools have committed to making a difference through partnerships that bridge privilege and access:
- Reddam House Bedfordview – Tokoza Learn-to-Swim
- St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls – Emaromeni Catholic Primary School
- Kingsmead College – Parkhurst Primary School
- Crawford International – Witkoppen Primary School
- St Mary’s Waverley – HA Jack Primary School
- St Stithians College – Thandulwazi Maths and Science Academy
- Roedean School (SA) – Roedean Academy (Barnato Park High School and Newgate College)
- Roedean School (SA) – Johannesburg Girls Primary School
- Beaulieu College – Diepsloot Primary School
Now in its 15th year, the Prestige Cup featured eight schools battling it out in an intense two-day competition, with a final round scheduled for October following a rigorous training break.
Making Waves in the Pool
The action in Pool A saw Roedean School dominate their opening match against Crawford College International (Lonehill), while St Stithians roared back with a 14-2 victory against the same opponents on day two. The final three matches saw a staggering 40 goals, with Beaulieu College, Roedean School, and St Stithians leading the charge.
But beyond the scoreboard, this initiative is about changing lives. “The Prestige Cup is about creating lasting change in our communities,” says Marcel Lamont, Head of Sport at Roedean School. “By combining competitive water polo with our Learn-to-Swim initiative, we’re developing athletes and, ultimately, saving lives. Every child who learns to swim represents a family that’s safer around water.”
From Non-Swimmer to Provincial Star
One shining example of this initiative’s impact is Zamokhule Brown, a Learn-to-Swim graduate who has represented Gauteng’s provincial water polo team for four years. “When I first started, I couldn’t imagine being part of a provincial team,” Brown shares. “The programme didn’t just teach me to swim – it showed me that with the right support, I can achieve anything. Now, I want to inspire others from my community to embrace water sports.”
A Community-Driven Approach
“What makes this initiative truly special is the partnership between schools,” adds Lamont. “Each participating institution shares its expertise, facilities, and resources to create meaningful change. The result is a programme that is transforming Johannesburg, one swimming lesson at a time.”
The Learn-to-Swim programme, an accredited children’s swimming initiative, guides learners through a structured curriculum designed to develop their confidence and competence in the water. According to Lamont, “The national plan for teaching basic water safety and swimming remains a priority. This essential life skill can ultimately save lives.”
With over 10,000 students impacted since its inception and around 1,000 pupils currently benefiting, the initiative underscores the power of sport to change – and save – lives.
“We are committed to making drownings a thing of the past through this initiative,” Lamont concludes.
