Thanks to Silversands Hotel and Resorts, along with other important sponsors, Get Grenada Swimming successfully offered free swim lessons throughout Grenada last week.
The programme catered to adults and children at 18 locations, spanning from Sauteurs to Grand Anse Beach, Carriacou, and Telescope. A total of 715 swimmers participated, enjoying 5 consecutive days of classes.
The Telescope location stood out this year, teaching 57 swimmers, with 48 attending for the first time. Led by Site Supervisor Carissa Gibbs and 7 other instructors from the Seventh Day Adventist Church, this site continues to serve Grenville with remarkable turnout numbers.
Deb Eastwood, Director of the non-profit organisation Grenada Youth Adventurers, expressed her gratitude to all site supervisors who played a crucial role in the event’s success. She also highlighted the invaluable contribution of the Seventh Day Adventists who have been teaching at the Telescope location for 4 years. Without their dedication, the swim week would not be possible in Grenville.
Eastwood emphasised the importance of encouraging adults to participate. Many adults face fears when entering the water, but their courage is commendable. One participant, Ernica Elisa, shared her experience: “I just wanted to express my gratitude for swim week. I finally signed up and decided to face my fear of the water. I’ve got a long way to go in terms of building my confidence, but I am so glad I did it under the guidance and profound patience of the instructors at Good Hope Pool. They were so patient, kind, and extremely skilled in what they do…”
Silversands Hotel and Resorts was a major partner of this year’s effort. Hannah Marshall, representing the hotel at the wrap up on Saturday gave a few words of gratitude. “Silversands Hotel and Resorts are proud to be a part of this wonderful initiative “Get Grenada Swimming” We have partnered with them for several years now and fully support the excellent work they do in the community. We pride ourselves in helping the Grenadian community as we can as part of our social corporate responsibility. We extend our congratulations to the dedicated team of Get Grenada Swimming for their hard work and volunteerism.” Eastwood also thanked Ting, SIFH, Spice Isle Marine, IAL, and Waggy-T for their continued support.
What to do next? There will be the Sandals National Learn to Swim Week being held 8–12 July and individuals may sign up now at www.getgrenadaswimming.com.
Also, everyone from 4 years up to seniors, will have the chance to continue with free lessons on Saturdays at these locations:
- Birchgrove, St Andrew, 9 am (Mello’s Complex): Lovell Alexander 416-1226
- Cabier Beach, Crochu, St Andrew, 9 am: Abigail Fletcher 449-6091
- Paradise Beach, Carriacou 9 am: Catherine Patrice 459-1924
- Grand Anse, Umbrella’s Restaurant 9–11 am: Deb Eastwood 404-5237
- Grand Mal Beach, across from SOG 10 am: Kevin Phillips 421-1835
- Grenada Marine, Corinth, 9 am: Catherine John, 459-2393
- Grenville, Telescope Beach, 9 am: Shaniqua Cobb 421-1057
- Sauteurs, St Patrick, Breakwater, 10 am: Damani Bruno 410-2394
- Waltham Beach, St Mark: Omari
The Get Grenada Swimming initiative, hosted by Grenada Youth Adventurers, has taught over 10,000 people to swim over the years. It continues to make a positive impact on the community, promoting water safety and confidence in the water. Congratulations to all involved!
For more info, go to www.getgrenadaswimming.com or contact Deb Eastwood 404-5237, [email protected].
Grenada Youth Adventurers
This was my second year serving as a volunteer. Congratulations to Deb and all the participants!