One hundred children ages 7 to 12 will be learning how to swim thanks to a brand new programme called „Ocean Connect‟ born out of a partnership between the Sandals Foundation and the Marlin Swim Club. Valued at an estimated EC$51,000, the initiative is aimed at helping youngsters develop strong water safe habits and a keen appreciation for the marine environment.
The programme, which began in June will last for a year and engage students from four schools across the island – Divine Academy of Excellence, Sunnyside Tutorial School and Minoah Magnet Academy.
The fourth learning institution is to be confirmed. Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation says the partnership was formed out of a desire to support a new swim culture in the Caribbean.
“For many years, a large percentage of the Caribbean population was not taught how to swim. We are helping to change this culture by working with certified trainers and institutions across our seven territories, to help the future generation grow to be well-equipped and safe swimmers.”
Through the „Ocean Connect‟ program, the Sandals Foundation has committed to teaching 1000 children across the region how to swim and has so far commenced programmes in Grenada with the Grenada Youth Adventures and the Let‟s Swim Bahamas group in Nassau. Here in Antigua, children will be taught in groups of 25, with the first cohort running until September and another group of 25 commencing their classes shortly after. Owner and Head Coach at Marlin Swim Club, Elisabeth Watkins says the children show great promise.
“The children have been learning how to float and so far they have been introduced to four different floating techniques. The students are quick learners and just seeing the progress, it‟s the best feeling. That keeps me going.” One of the hurdles, Watkins explains she has encountered, is some of the students‟ fear of water. “I always ask, „Why are you afraid of the water? And once I get to the root cause of their emotions, I just encourage them,” Watkins said. A key factor in helping to remove their apprehension, Watkins notes, is having them observe that their peers aren‟t terrified by the water. When asked about the value of the programme, Watkins notes, “I think it is an excellent idea. When a lot of parents heard about this swimming initiative, they were on board. The programme will assist a lot of kids whose parents can‟t afford to pay for swimming lessons and as you know, it is not ideal for you to live on an island and don‟t know how to swim.” Twelve-year-old Jadah Ashley Gonsalves says the initiative is especially beneficial to her. “I like to learn how to swim because I love the ocean,” she says. “My career choice is to become a marine biologist so I would need to know how to swim.”
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
