The National Conservation Commission’s (NCC) Operation – S.O.S (Save Our Selves) swimming programme is back on again due to the relaxing of some of the COVID-19 restrictions.
It will run every Wednesday and Saturday in August, starting on Wednesday, August 5, at Brownes Beach, St. Michael, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
The NCC had previously decided to cancel the programme and focus on a public education campaign on beach safety instead, but reversed the decision.
Operation S.O.S. is a ‘learn to swim’ programme, facilitated by the Barbados Lifeguard Service, for persons 10 years old and over.
It comprises discussions on drowning prevention; the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of water safety; understanding currents; understanding and interpreting flags, beach signage, wind and waves, for example sets and lulls; and ‘hands only’ cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
The programme is designed to educate participants about ocean swimming and its hazards. It is structured to engender respect for the marine environment in an effort to promote more responsible behaviours from participants.
It normally accommodates approximately 100 persons annually. Children 10 to 12 years old, and adults 65 years old and over do not pay a registration fee. However, persons 13 to 64 years old must pay $10 to register.
For further information, persons may call the Public Relations/Marketing Department of the NCC at Tel: 536-0662 or 536-0663.
Application forms may be collected from the Commission’s headquarters at Codrington, St. Michael, or downloaded from its website.
Completed forms should be submitted to NCC’s office, or emailed to specialprojectsoffice@ncc.gov.bb or ncc@ncc.gov.bb on or before Monday, July 27.