Thirteen seniors recently completed the Seniors Can’t Swim Programme with the All Nations United Swim Club (ANUSC) and are now able to do more than wade in the sea water up to their ankles.
The four-week (eight hour) programme not only taught them how to swim but also to learn water safety skills courtesy sponsorship from Mr. Michel Soons of the Turtle Nest Beach Resort.
Mr. Soons himself was a late swimmer and recognizes the value of being able to at least achieve basic proficiency in swimming.
The twelve females and one male are all over sixty years, with two of them seventy-seven years old.
During the ceremony at Crocus Bay on `Thursday 24th March, 2023, the seniors not only demonstrated basic swim techniques, but an understanding and use of the various items that are part of water safety including swim vests and rescue equipment.
The seniors said it was a fantastic course and they were thrilled to complete it and be now able to swim, some for the first time in their lives. They lauded the ANUSC for a job well done.
They called upon corporate entities to become more involved in programmes that benefit the community especially swimming as it is believed that only one in every ten children in Anguilla can swim.
“It is really a pleasure to join this,” Mr. Soons said, and he hopes there will be a next group of seniors.
“I think this is a great programme …and we need to start focusing not on the quantity of years but the quality of years and part of the quality of years is they have good exercise, good social engagements and they are having fun and this afternoon’s demonstration shows how wonderful it is even to have this level…,” the Honourable Minister of Sports Ms. Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers said. “It really was a joy to see them enjoying themselves and swimming out and keeping their joint mobility.
receiving Certificate
She said the sea is the best therapy you can have out there and the marriage of the best two things, having fun and exercising.
The Anguilla Rotary Club was also part of the programme.
Mr. Soons and Turtles Nest also sponsored the ANUSC Kids Outreach Programme in the summer of 2022.
