BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THIS year, Eldon’s Swim Academy’s Annual Junior Summer Swim Camp has seen a significant increase in participants and the organizers are excited about what it means for the sport in the twin-island Federation.
In St. Kitts and Nevis, swimming does not get the same level of recognition and support as a number of other sports disciplines do, but Eldon Thomas thinks that from the turnout at his one-week programme it would harness local talent.
The camp, which got underway yesterday (Aug. 7) at a beach alongside Timothy Beach Resort in Frigate Bay, has attracted over 30 children – a significant increase over 2016.
Speaking with SKNVibes today, Thomas explained that his academy started undertaking swimming classes just over two years ago with private classes.
“Coming out of that, we decided to have a camp, and this is the second year for it. Last year we had 24 and this year we have 37 children, so we see that people are interested.”
He stated that the purpose of the camp is to have children interested in swimming and not only learning how to swim.
He is hopeful that coming out of learning to swim and developing a love for it, many of the children would graduate to the competitive level.
During the camp, the children will be taught the basics of swimming, while lessons on CPR will be conducted by the Red Cross.
The children will also be engaged in lectures on Crime Prevention by members of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, lectures on Water Safety by Coast Guard personnel, and Fire Safety training will be conducted by members of the St. Christopher and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services.
“So, this is not just about swimming but also about engaging the children in the whole development of their social life,” Thomas said.
The camp was opened to children between the ages of six and 16 and runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon.
