South Africa has a dismal history when it comes to drownings, especially amongst Children.

Just one South African in seven knows how to swim, and each underprivileged swimmers to improve, Chad aims to a address this too.year about 1,500 people drown, according to a local rescue institute - the NSRI — an average of four individuals per day!

The Chad Le Clos Foundation aims to change this through learn to swim programs across South Africa.

In addition, there is very little support for aspiring underprivileged swimmers to access advanced training, this is another area the foundation is addressing.

Le Clos, a four-time Olympic medallist, says: “I’m very pleased that we are launching the first branch of the Chad le Clos Academy. I really want to see the growth of swimming as a sport, both in SA and ultimately across the world, by helping existing swimmers improve and encouraging beginners to learn our sport and develop life skills. This has been a dream of mine for some time, and today marks the start of what I hope will be a long and productive journey.”

Starting with a flagship venue at the Quadrant in Cape Town, the programme will focus on stroke development and fitness for swimmers aged five through to adults.