Jeff Dudley of the World Academy of Safety and Health and Terri Andrews of SWIM TO WIN, sat down with Sportscaster Curtis Morton, in an exclusive interview.
They spoke of the wonderful partnership that has been forged between the two entities.
The merger commenced in 2022 when Dudley and his team came to Nevis to facilitate a lifesaving certification course.
Some thirteen persons completed the course.
This year, the number has increased significantly, with the Coast Guard coming on board in a huge way.
The intense training sessions commenced on Sunday 9th July and will climax today -Friday 14th July. The sessions involve both indoor and outdoor exercises.
This week, some persons have been certified in the level one Lifeguard course and those persons who completed the level one last year were certified in the level two course.
Additionally, three individuals were trained to be water safety instructors.
Ms. Andrews reminisced that the SWIM TO WIN program, originated four years ago, in collaboration with the NIA and has historic significance, due to the sinking of the MV Christena on August 1st, 1970.
The goal is to ensure that never again in St. Kitts and Nevis, there will be such mass drownings because people cannot swim.
The training is progressive. After learning to swim, interested persons will be taught to save lives and even become water safety instructors.
W.A.S.H. which is an internationally recognized agency, has training centers throughout the world, including in the USA, the Philippines, Argentina, Mexico, Dubai, the Caribbean and specifically St. Kitts and Nevis.
Mr. Dudley has a last word for Nevisians and residents on the island: “Every time you plan an event that has any connection with the sea, in your planning, water safety MUST be a priority.”
Ms. Andrews for part reiterated: “I love Nevis. Nevis is my home and I love the sea and I will continue to do my part in ensuring that our people learn to swim and enjoy the water around us.”
