What are the rules for swimming and water sports?
Rule- South Africa
- Department of Basic Education
- South African Schools Act
- Safety Measures Regulations 2006
- Public schools
- School sport
- Grade R-12
- 2024
- Teachers
- Coaches
Regulation 8E of the Regulations for Safety Measures at Public Schools requires the principal to ensure that:
- learners are told about the dangers of water and the safety measures that apply, for any swimming or water sport at a swimming pool, river, dam or the ocean;
- learners are supervised during all swimming activities, during visits to the sea, rivers and dams, and when taking part in water sports;
- if the school has a swimming pool, safety notices are displayed around the pool.
The general rules for school activities also apply: written parental consent, the minimum adult-to-learner ratio, and departmental approval if transport is involved.
Added 22 Oct 2026