Life-Saving Swim Lesson Provided to Belize City Children Free of Cost

The Belize Police Department and the Belize Coast Guards have once again teamed up to provide free swimming lessons to the children of Belize City. The annual program is facilitated by the Community Policing Unit to reach children who would not have access to swimming lessons otherwise. The program aims to teach life-saving abilities to children, as well as forge stronger bonds between youths and law enforcement. News Five’s Britney Gordon stopped by the classes being held at the Princess Ramada earlier today for more details. Here’s that story.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Every year, approximately two hundred, thirty-six thousand people die from drowning around the world. According to the World Health Organization, it is the third leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide, accounting for seven percent of them. And children are some of the most vulnerable of the population to this threat. To curb these numbers, the Belize Police Department and the Belize Coast Guard have teamed up to host the annual community swimming program.  During this two-week course, children will be educated on safe water practices and swimming techniques. ACP Howell Gillett, National Commander of the Community Policing Unit, tells us the aim of the program

 

A.C.P. Howell Gillett, Nat’l Commander, Community Policing Unit

“What we’re trying to achieve is to first of all get young people closer to law enforcement.  I believe after this they could say police officer by name or a coast guard officer by name.  Apart from the What we want to do is to reduce the number of instances of drowning incidents where we have to respond to so that the police could be using in other areas in the country. So they’re learning at society that is proficient in swimming, there’ll be less reports, there’ll be less risk taken by kids.  Our If we do have to report, I believe it will be if the community is proficient, then they can assist the law enforcement.  It is an opportune time because it’s summer break on kids. It’s almost impossible to keep kids away from waterways, so we want them to go in a safe way on knowing how to swim.”

 

 

The program has been in operation since 2016. Children are selected by the Community Policing Unit and taught by the Belize Coast Guard. Gladis Itch, an instructor, says that safety comes first when it comes to teaching children and that her role is not only to get children comfortable with water, but also impart skills that will help them to survive.

 

 

 

 

 

Gladis Itch, Swimming Instructor

“What I get is the joy of graduation day when kids, there are some that come that are literally scared of entering the water. They’re actually swimming across the pool. And that gives us great joy to see that big accomplishment.”

 

 

 

 

 

Since the initial launch of the program, nearly five hundred children have been taught to swim. Participants range from ages five to fifteen years old. Fourteen-year-old Keyvaun Augustin says he did not have any prior swimming knowledge before joining the program but has since seen great improvement in his skills.

 

Britney Gordon

“What have you learned so far?”

 

 

Keyvaun Augustin, Participant

“I’ve learned doggy paddle, and also how to hold my breath really, really good. And I think I’ve improved on that.”

 

Britney Gordon

“Have you made any sort of bonds with the other students here that are part of it and with the instructors?”

 

 

Keyvaun Augustin

“Yes, ma’am. I have made a strong, like a very strong bond with my classmates in our program.”

 

Britney Gordon

“And what are you hoping you will learn by the end of next week?”

 

 

Keyvaun Augustin

“By the end of next week, I hope I’ll learn to save or at least help others drowning.”

 

Gillett says that the participants were selected from various communities within Belize City by the community policing officers and he plans to expand the program to other districts in the future.

 

A.C.P. Howell Gillett

“Despite your socio economic condition, that should not stop you from learning a very important life skill. These kids may never be involved because it’s too costly to have your children in a swimming program, but we bring it to them at no cost at all. And we’re grateful for all who sponsor this program.”

 

Britney Gordon for News Five.