14 Youths had the thrilling opportunity to learn basic swimming skills as part of the World Ocean Day observance.
World Oceans Day is a global day of ocean celebration and collaboration for a better future.
The oceans cover about two-thirds of the surface of the Earth and are the very foundations of life.
They generate most of the oxygen we breathe, absorb a large share of carbon dioxide emissions, provide food and nutrients and regulate climate.
They are important economically for countries like the Turks and Caicos Islands that rely on tourism, fishing and other marine resources for income and serve as the backbone of international trade.
Unfortunately, human pressures, including overexploitation, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, destructive fishing, as well as unsustainable aquaculture practices, marine pollution, habitat destruction, alien species, climate change and ocean acidification are taking a significant toll on the world’s oceans and seas.
In this vein the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) coined a swimming and beach clean-up initiative to bring awareness to the day`s significance.
The training equipped students with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to enjoy swimming in both the pool and at sea.
The third annual ‘Learn to Swim’ initiative was hosted by the DECR, and assisted by the Turks & Caicos Swimming Federation and the Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre on Thursday 8 June.
Director at the Youth Centre Roxann Wake-Forbes speaking on the initiative said: “To be a part of this year’s World Ocean’s Day is a real privilege.
“Members of the centre were able to take advantage of this great opportunity and had an amazing time whilst being educated on the importance of World Oceans Day.
“Huge thanks to Amy Avenant, DECR and TCI Swim Federation and all of the instructors for taking the time to do this program.”
Meantime DECR`s Deputy Director, Ethan Griesbach commenting on the event said: “It was really exciting to celebrate World Oceans Day and to see the overwhelming support from the public and local businesses. We look forward to continuing these partnerships, in order to keep the Ocean and shoreline free of waste.”
Meanwhile, In Grand Turk World Oceans Day was observed by giving back to the ocean through a beach and in-water clean-up.
Over 40 participants from the public and private organizations took to Governor’s beach area to assist the DECR staff in the clean-up, during which 109 garbage bags were filled and disposed of.
The DECR provided garbage bags and gloves while participants took to the beach to ensure that no trash was left behind.
The DECR representatives expressed gratitude to the volunteers from the TCI Swimming Federation and the Department of Culture and all individuals that participated.
