The overall numbers were down because there were 5 less locations, due mainly to sargassum
For the 8th year in a row, Republic Bank has sponsored the National Learn to Swim Week each April.
“This is extraordinary consistency” quoted Deb Eastwood, Director of the Get Grenada Swimming programmes.
“Republic Bank has been a visionary with us since we launched National Learn to Swim Week in 2015. Over the years, the support and contributions have increased to more than half the costs of running the Easter swim week and, if totaled, their contributions over those years, equate to almost $100,000. We could not have consistently delivered these swim weeks (or even started the programme) without their support,” she added.
Eastwood also noted the support of organizations like Budget Marine, Star Malt/Ting, Waggy-T and IAL who have been consistent supporters.
During the recent Republic Bank National Learn to Swim Week April 19-23, 576 swimmers were taught by 137 swim instructors at 13 locations throughout Grenada. The overall numbers were down because there were 5 less locations, due mainly to sargassum along the east coast venues and several other issues, but overall, the week was considered a wonderful success.
There was a special emphasis on teaching more adults by extending the swim lessons until 6 pm to accommodate the working population.
Eastwood commented that the highlight was the number of new swimmers at Telescope Beach, an area where they have put a lot of focus in the last six months. “In December, we held a “Pop-Up Swim Week” and then we started a Saturday morning swim program in February. In March and April, we partnered with the Seventh Day Adventist Church and went up to Telescope on Sunday afternoons to teach volunteers from the church to be swim instructors.
They did an amazing job teaching almost 70 new swimmers during the Republic Bank National Learn to Swim Week. Starting on May 15 the Seventh Day Adventists are going to run Sunday morning programmes for free swim lessons to compliment the Saturday morning lessons already in place.
Get Grenada Swimming, now has an initiative to certify 100 Professional Swim Instructors over the next 5 years, along with teaching 10,000 swimmers.
Nataly Regis, facilitator for this initiative said, “We need to get more instructors hands on. We need to save lives and empower others to learn to swim.” Nataly has been working tirelessly giving her weekends up for the past six months in delivering multiple programmes towards these goals. For more info on the Certified Professional Swim Instructor Programmes, contact 404-5237.
For those who missed the Learn to swim week, or wish to continue training, free lessons will continue Saturdays at Birchgrove, Cabier Beach, Grand Anse (Umbrellas), Grand Mal, Grenada Marine, Gouyave, Sauteurs Breakwater, Telescope and Petite Martinique. More info at www.getgrenadaswimming.com or call 404-5237.
The next National Learn to Swim Week is scheduled for July 11 – 15. Register at www.getgrenadaswimming.com.
