The children of The Bahamas should be able to enjoy the stunning marine environment that surrounds them with as much safety and confidence as possible. Yet many young Bahamians are either afraid of the ocean and what lives in the ocean, or do not know how to swim at all. Save The Bays and its sister organization Waterkeepers® Bahamas introduced the SALT Programme to Bimini and Grand Bahama as a first step to changing this reality. We want to ensure that Bahamians – especially children – have all the necessary skills to swim, play and fully get to know their precious marine environment in a safe and responsible manner. 

 

Since the programme’s inception, Save The Bays and Waterkeepers Bahamas have partnered with SwimTayka to offer free swim and life-saving training to Biminites and Grand Bahamians providing, them with the opportunity to increase their self-assurance in and around the water. 

 

SwimTayka sends qualified instructors into developing communities around the world. They not only to teach children and adults how to swim – a skill that could one day save their lives – but also spread awareness about preserving marine environments for the benefit future generations. The Bahamas program includes modules and skills that could one day open the door to future jobs as lifeguards and swimming instructors. 

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The programme included instruction in:

• Basic water safety

• First aid and drowning prevention

• Environmental education

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