Schools, Rural Communities to Benefit From Learn to Swim Programme

The Saint Lucia Aquatics Federation (SLAF), in collaboration with Republic Bank, is hosting the 2025 Grassroots Learn to Swim initiative. This programme aims to train individuals to further develop the sport of swimming while also equipping participants with essential survival skills for aquatic environments. 

At an official press launch at Olympic House in La Clery on Thursday, SLAF Treasurer Tessa Charles Louis highlighted these key elements.

“The Grassroots programme is especially dear to us, as it helps develop the sport from a local level and create more awareness in our various communities, in addition to ensuring safety, which is one of the major components of life on an island,” she noted.

One of the programme’s chief facilitators, Yasmin Tyson, SLAF’s Aquatic Development Officer, revealed that this year’s initiative will focus on six key catchment areas: Ciceron Secondary School, Lady Gordon Opportunity Center, Ciceron RC Combined School, and the communities of Dennery, Micoud, and Mon Repos.

“The primary goal of the programme is to ensure that participants can enjoy the water safely and comfortably while learning to swim at least one stroke over a distance of 15 to 25 metres. School-based participants will train on weekdays for one hour, while community-based participants will have their sessions on weekends for one hour,” Tyson disclosed. “To uphold the highest standards, SLAF will implement the long-term athlete development programme, designed by coach Tariq Edward. This structured approach ensures that the participants receive quality instruction tailored to their skills and progression.”

Republic Bank is a key financier and sponsor of the programme. Gezella Claxton, Country Manager for Republic Bank, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with SLAF.

“This initiative perfectly aligns with Republic Bank’s dedication to empowering communities and promoting sustainable development across Saint Lucia. We are fortunate to collaborate with such committed individuals and organisations, including the Physical Education and Sports teachers and the human support officers from the Ministry of Youth and Development and Sports. 

“In today’s world, physical activity and safety awareness are of significant importance. This programme emerges as a beacon of positive change. It not only celebrates the enjoyment of water sports but also prioritises equipping participants with essential safety skills and knowledge,” Claxton said.

The initiative officially gets underway on March 19.