At the City of Cape Town’s Wesfleur Swimming Pool in Atlantis, a water-based exercise programme was developed to enable people with disabilities to manage pain and increase movement in a safe environment.
‘Our lifeguards do more than ensure bathers are safe in the water. At the City’s Wesfleur Swimming Pool they have gone beyond their duty to ensure the facility is not only one of recreation. It is a palliate space which allows for the restoration of body and mind,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
An Atlantis resident who has been assisted is 32-year-old Marno Krieling, who suffered a severe stroke in January last year while on a family farm in Chatsworth.
He was hospitalised for three months on life support, experiencing further strokes and seizures.
His parents did not think he would survive and since being discharged, Marno’s body began to respond and he started breathing on his own.
His parents then started their search for an affordable and accessible treatment facility and through community referrals approached Deon Meyer, the acting Facility Officer at the Wesfleur pool for assistance.
Deon has extensive experience working with adults and children at an organisation for the disabled based in Atlantis. They often have fun days and learn-to-swim programmes designed especially for them to lead active lifestyles and enjoy the facility.
The first step in making sure that proper care is provided for Marno was to have him assessed by the team.
‘He met with the team at the pool and discussed the in-water routines outlined for him to determine if he is comfortable working towards these goals. Despite the simplicity of these in-water exercise routines, they are forms of physiotherapy and strengthening the body. Under Deon’s mentorship and coaching, he trained the lifeguards so they could assist Marno,’ said Councillor Van der Ross.
Marno suffered from pain, had difficulty walking, speaking properly, and required considerable assistance with his movement.
He joined the programme in December 2022 and as a result of his determination, a positive attitude, and a team of support that was available every step of the way, he was able to improve his condition within three months.
Today, he barely uses a wheelchair and has regained some body functions, he is stronger and more confident, and he is able to walk with assistance.
‘Marno has been empowered and inspired by his own progress. His mood has improved and he is motivated to reach his goals set each day. I met this young man and I marvel at his courage and what he has achieved. ‘
‘He attends morning sessions and looks forward to swimming every day. The programme has given him a new outlook on life and he has impressed his doctor with his progress. He has impressed me with his determination to make the most of this opportunity,’ said Councillor Van der Ross.
The lifeguards are currently on a rotational schedule, with two lifeguards per session per day doing 25-meter walking laps, hand strokes, kicks, floating and breathing exercises and learn-to-swim techniques using a floatation device.
‘Working with people with disabilities can be a challenge at first, but the team is committed and has created a bond with Marno. They check up on him when he skips his swim day to head to the hospital for check-ups,’ said Deon.
Through Marno’s improvement in his condition, he inspired two more people with disabilities within the Wesfleur community to start attending the morning sessions.
The pool is part of the Wesfleur Sports complex and a number of disabled facilities are available, such as ramps and toilets and plans are in place to make them even more accessible for people with disabilities.
‘I cannot commend the team at the swimming pool enough for what they have done for Marno and others. The dedication and commitment of the lifeguards made the future brighter and given Marno a new lease on life,’ added Councillor Van der Ross.
