‘Fijians should learn to swim’

Suva, April 06 – Fijians need to learn how to swim and to understand water safety to help reduce the increase in the number of incidents of drowning.

Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sports, Ms Alison Burchell, made these remarks while addressing students, teachers and swimming instructors at the launch of the Learn to Swim Pilot Project at the Olympic Pool in Suva.

“It is important for Fijians to know
how to swim, especially at a very young age,” Ms Burchell told the students.

“It is important as well for students to learn enough through this program to share and encourage their peers and family members to learn to swim and adopt water safety practices,” said Ms Burchell.

“The situation may be different in rural areas where there are no swimming pools,” said Ms Burchell. “We need to empower youth workers and teachers adopt these basic skills and empower students and members of the public in urban, rural and maritime areas.”

“We hope to sustain this program in the longer term for the safety of all Fijians,” said Ms Burchell.

The learn to swim pilot project is a six month program funded by the Pacific Sports Partnership through the Australian Government, in partnership with the Oceania Swimming Association, Fiji Swimming, the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Mark Tamsitt of Australian High Commission said; “The Australian Government is proud to be partnering with these organisations in this program.”

“Problems arise in the rivers and waters when there is lack of knowledge and skills and we hope to help empower students, teachers and more Fijians on how to swim and also to adopt safety techniques while swimming,” said Mr Tamsitt.

Mr Biu Colati of the Ministry of Education said that “the program is piloted in Suva and will move to the western division next month.”