(Stock Photo)
Members of the public will have an opportunity to learn how to swim when the National Conservation Commission (NCC) hosts its Operation Save Our Selves (SOS) programme from July 19 to August 23.
Registration is now open for persons 10 years and older for the six-week programme, which will be held at Brownes Beach, Bay Street, St. Michael (near the beach facility), every Wednesday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Registration forms are available from and must be returned to the NCC’s Codrington, St. Michael headquarters on or before Monday, June 19. A small fee will be charged for those between the ages of 13 and 64. However, those aged 10 to 12, and 65 and over, will be free.
Persons requesting more information may also contact Special Projects Officer at the NCC, Ricardo Marshall, or Life Instructor, Dave Bascombe, at 425-1200.
General Manager at the NCC, Keith Neblett, explained that the SOS programme was designed to acquaint people with the experience of ocean swimming, its hazards and about the marine environment and how they could assist with its protection.
He added that it was specially targeted at persons who were fearful of water, but who would still like to learn to swim. “We are surrounded by water, but we have close to 60 per cent of Barbadians who cannot swim…, but they love the sea,” he noted.
Launched in 2012, the SOS programme includes discussions on drowning prevention; the do’s and don’ts of water safety; understanding currents; understanding and interpreting flags; beach signage and the lulls of the wind and waves.