Living on an Island But Can't Swim?
This is reflective of Caribbean culture but is changing here in Grenada. “Get Grenada Swimming” is an initiative to teach 10,000 children and adults to swim between 2022-2026 by offering free lessons throughout the island. It consists of lessons at ten sites around Grenada (see map on Programmes tab ) that offer free swim lessons year-round on Saturdays, It also includes (2) National Learn to Swim Weeks each year where swimmers are offered lessons five days in a row. In addition, we have a goal to certify 100 Professional Swim Instructor/Coaches by 2027.
Over the years, it has evolved to include
Red Cross Lifeguard training and oversight of beach safety.
9,600 Swimmers in 5 Years!
Reaching our 5-year goal for 2017-2021
Programme
National Learn to Swim Week
School Learn to Swim Week
Sat Free Lessons
Summer Programs
School Swim Club
Total Swimmers
2017
830
404
275
265
144
1,918
2018
834
686
350
0
138
2,008
2019
614
507
425
0
125
1,710
2020
747
0
470
329
127
1,673
2021
805
806
600
70
0
2,281
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National Learn to Swim Week
Endorsed by the Government of Grenada’s Ministry of Sport, National Learn to Swim Week has become an integral part of water safety and learn-to-swim initiatives each year.
Our April and July 2021 National Learn to swim weeks were both successes with over 800 children and adults taught each week at 14 different locations. National Learn to Swim Weeks are offered in April and July.
We provide lessons to children and adults throughout Grenada for five days in a row at the same hours each day. We have now held National Learn to Swim weeks since 2015.
We are grateful for the support of sponsors such as Republic Bank Ltd, Sandals Foundation, The Grenada Olympic Committee, the Grenada Scuba Diving Association, SeaBreeze Hotel, Grenada Marine, Ting and Star Malt and various local individuals, businesses, and marinas.
From April 19th-23rd, 2022 the Republic Bank Learn to Swim Week will be held in the afternoons from 2 pm - 6 pm. Below are the 15 designated sites for this swim week:
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Grand Anse – In front of the Catholic Church
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Grand Anse – Camerhogne Park in front of the yellow lifeguard tower
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Grand Anse – In front of Umbrella’s Restaurant
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Grand Mal Beach – Go Cool Steps
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La Sagesse Beach – St David
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Corinth – Grenada Marine, In front of Restaurant
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Grenville - Telescope Beach near the bathrooms
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Sauteurs Break Water – St Patrick
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Birchgrove – St Andrew (Mello's Complex)
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Crochu - St Andrew Cabier Beach
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Gouyave (D’ Lance) - Fishmarket
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Waltham Beach - St Mark
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Petite Martinique – Morang Beach
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Carriacou - Paradise Beach
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BBC Beach - Morne Rouge
Video by Amanda John
GYA is the non-profit (NGO)
that oversees the “Get Grenada Swimming” initiative.
GYA is also involved in other community activities and works to provide inspiring recreational, leadership, service, educational, and social activities for Grenada youth and their families. Relief projects and building a library at the Limes pre-school have been part of their endeavors.
This nurtures a sense of community, that builds character, teaches leadership skills, and inspires a service ethic.
GYA (pic below) was involved in a food drive during the lockdown for coronavirus in 2020 and over Christmas 2021.
Director
Deb Eastwood
Deb Eastwood came to Grenada in 2007 as a full-time teacher and worked until 2011 at several Grenadian schools. During the past 10 years, she founded and directs a non-profit youth organization called Grenada Youth Adventurers (GYA) which has a heavy focus on swimming.
Deb has been working with young people for over 30 years as a mentor, coach, youth leader, Sunday School teacher, and camp director.
For more about Deb and her vision please check out this article. please check out this article.
