Gathering for the 2025 "Sports & Fun Dream": Rural Water Safety Swimming Instructor Training Program Kicks Off

As midsummer arrives with the sun blazing fiercely, many rural water bodies naturally become popular spots for children to play—but unfortunately, safety risks often lurk right alongside. To effectively enhance the quality of water safety education in rural areas, the School of Physical Education recently joined forces with Professor Huang Bo, Director of the Guangdong Provincial Center for Research and Guidance on Swimming Education for Primary and Secondary Schools; Mr. Liang Dongbin, Executive Deputy Secretary-General of the Guangdong Public Welfare Association for Orphan Care and Education Assistance; Mr. Tam Yim Lam, Director and Executive Committee Member of the Hong Kong Swimming Teachers Association; and Mr. Wan Jie, General Manager of Guangzhou Zhuoyi Sports Development Co., Ltd., to jointly host the 2025 "Sports Happy Dream" Rural Water Safety Swimming Teacher Training Workshop.

At the opening ceremony of the 2025 "Sports Joyful Dream" Rural Water Safety Swimming Instructor Training Program, Liang Chaoying, Dean of the School of Physical Education at Guangdong Polytechnic Institute, delivered a speech on behalf of the institute. He highlighted that Guangdong Polytechnic Institute, approved by the Ministry of Education as a full-time undergraduate institution, has placed a strong emphasis on talent development and hands-on teaching since its elevation to university status. The institution has achieved remarkable success in academic research and boasts abundant scholarly achievements, while actively fostering collaboration and exchanges with the Greater Bay Area—Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. In the realm of swimming education, the institute has consistently excelled, earning multiple gold medals and securing first place overall in team standings at the 2024 China University Swimming Championships. This event aligns with national strategies and underscores the institution’s commitment to nurturing rural education. As part of its initiative, the institute will send dedicated faculty and students to provide volunteer teaching support in rural areas. At the same time, participants—including volunteers and instructors—are urged to prioritize safety above all else, maintain professional rigor, and foster seamless teamwork. Finally, the institute extends heartfelt gratitude to all the organizations that initiated and actively supported this program. We look forward to the training course’s resounding success, empowering rural children with essential swimming skills and vital water safety knowledge.

A representative from the social sector also remarked with emotion: "Public welfare isn’t about one-way giving—it’s about connecting hearts. Social organizations, together with sports colleges and institutions, are joining forces: the college’s expertise opens doors to new skills for rural children, while the institutions’ industry experience makes teaching more effective. And at the heart of it all, our organization’s mission is to ensure that this journey of love and professional support—from idea to impact—travels smoothly all the way to its final destination."

Representatives from the sports organization stated that they will fully leverage the strengths of the sports industry by providing standardized teaching equipment and experienced coaching guidance. During the learning process, innovative approaches will be used to nurture children's awareness and engagement, introducing a "Fun Swimming Class" that incorporates gamified teaching methods to spark kids' interest and make skill acquisition more enjoyable. Additionally, they are launching a "Long-Term Mentorship Program" to offer ongoing, personalized support and guidance for children living in rural areas without consistent parental presence.

From theoretical instruction to hands-on practice, from skill training to safety education, the School of Physical Education, social organizations, and sports institutions have joined forces to not only equip rural children with swimming skills and lifesaving knowledge but also to build a vital bridge connecting urban and rural areas while seamlessly integrating professional expertise with community service. This initiative goes beyond teaching kids how to swim—it pioneers a new model for rural sports education: "Higher Education Institution + Public Welfare + Industry." Here, the institution’s academic expertise lays the solid foundation for learning, while public welfare organizations leverage their resources to ensure smooth implementation. Meanwhile, sports institutions contribute their industry insights to enhance practical effectiveness. Together, these three parties create a sustainable "educational loop," fostering long-term impact. We look forward to inspiring even more societal involvement, turning this collaborative effort—rooted in both professional excellence and heartfelt compassion—into a vibrant beacon of hope for rural development. Ultimately, it will empower children to embrace the refreshing joys of summer while staying safe, nurturing both their physical well-being and emotional growth.