The last sessions of the 2012 swimming school at Otters ASC in Marsalforn, Gozo, were held earlier this month. This year lessons started in the first week of July when registrations and grading took place. The ages of children taking part ranged from three to 12 years.

Lessons took place during the week and some 100 children took part, which the club considers to be a very encouraging participation.

Children were graded in four levels, from beginners to improvers and intermediates to advanced. All lessons took place at the Otters pitch and inside the new boom (protective netting suspended from an inflatable perimeter) purchased by the club which guarantees protection from jellyfish and choppy waters.

Lessons were conducted by Maria Buttigieg, Angelle Grima, Mark Vella and George Lewis Zammit. They were assisted by players from the Otters Nivea waterpolo team.

The club said in a statement that the main objectives of the swimming school were to promote safety in the sport and to encourage young children to participate in the club’s activities.

Both objectives were reached, Otters ASC said.

Certificates of attendance were handed out to all youngsters by club president Enzo Dimech at the end of the last lesson.