The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR), together with a number of partners celebrated World Oceans Day with a Learn to Swim Initiative and a beach clean-up.
The third annual ‘Learn to Swim’ initiative was again hosted by the DECR, who were assisted by the Turks & Caicos Swimming Federation and the Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre on Thursday 8 June 2017.
“To be a part of this year’s World Ocean’s Day is 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,” said Roxann Wake-Forbes, Director at the Youth Centre.
14 students took the opportunity to learn basic swimming skills to ensure that they can enjoy swimming in both the pool and the sea.
Whilst, in the Nation’s Capital celebrated World Oceans Day by joining the DECR in giving back to the ocean through a beach and in-water clean-up. The DECR provided garbage bags and gloves while participants took to the beach and waters to ensure that no trash was left behind.
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.
“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,” said Ethan Griesbach, Deputy Director, DECR.
The DECR would like to thank the volunteers from the TCI Swimming Federation, including SurfSide Ocean Academy and Beaches Resort, Blue Water Divers, Bohio Dive Resort, Oasis Divers, Chukka, Papa J Tours, the Department of Culture and all individuals that participated, for taking time out of their busy schedules to assist, and would also like to thank the swimmers for being brave and enthusiastic to learn a new skill!
If you, your school or organisation would like more information on how you can learn to swim, or why the ocean is in need of serious conservation, please contact Amy Avenant, at 338-4176 or environment@gov.tc.
