A new wave of Level II Professional Swim Instructors has officially graduated, marking a milestone in Get Grenada Swimming and Sandals Foundation’s commitment to swimming education and water safety.
The graduation ceremony, held at Sandals recently, celebrated the achievements of dedicated instructors who completed rigorous training (every Saturday for 3 hours for 4 months) to enhance their skills and contribute to the nation’s growing aquatic programs. This was the 5th class of graduates sponsored by Sandals since 2017 and is part of the goal to train 100 Level II Professional Swim Instructors.
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Deb Eastwood, founder of Get Grenada Swimming, followed by an opening prayer led by Natalia Alexis, one of the graduating instructors. Nataly Regis, Course Instructor and Senior Swimming Coach at the Ministry of Sports, presented the graduates with their certifications. The following received graduate status:
- Natalia Alexis: Swim Instructor, Grand Anse
- Frances Chalmers: Swim Instructor, Grand Anse
- Ariann Clouden: Swim Instructor, Grenfin and Sailfish
- Jeremy Elahie: Swim Instructor, Sauteurs
- Damarion Gabriel: Swim Instructor, Grand Mal
- Jakeme Gellineau: Swim Instructor, Solid Base
- Sonia Loake: Swim Instructor, Grand Anse
- Lily Morain: Swim Instructor, Cabier Beach
- Ethan Phillip: Swim Instructor, Good Hope
As Grenada continues to foster a culture of swimming proficiency and beach safety, these instructors will play a vital role in ensuring accessible swim lessons across the island. The graduates will bring their expertise to various locations, including Grand Anse, Sauteurs, Grand Mal, Cabier Beach, Grenada Marine and more. Some are preparing to teach in schools as the Ministry of Education has just moved forward to implement swim lessons as part of the physical education (PE) programmes in each school.
The ceremony also featured remarks from Catherine John of Straight Kicks Swim Club and a graduate of the 2023 class, a special thank-you video to Sandals for their continued dedication to this programme, and closing words from Deleon Forrester, Sandals’ Public Relations Manager.
Jeremy Elahie, one of the newly certified instructors, expressed gratitude on behalf of the graduating class before guests enjoyed refreshments and captured celebratory moments in photos.
This accomplishment underscores the ongoing efforts to strengthen swim education and ensure more Grenadians receive professional instruction in safe and effective swimming techniques. As these instructors embark on their new journey, they are poised to make a lasting impact on the local swimming communities. All of them were involved with the latest swim week, which resulted in over 600 swimmers receiving multiple lessons (up to 5) during the Silversands National Learn to Swim Week, 22–26 April. Another swim week, this one sponsored by Sandals, is just around the corner, carded for 7–11 July. For more info or registration, please visit www.getgrenadaswimming.com or call 404-5237.
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