Drowning is a global public health crisis, and certainly also in Puerto Rico. The statistics say it all: Drowning is the #1 cause of accidental death in children between 1-4 years old worldwide. In the beaches of Puerto Rico, at least one person drowns every month. Experts estimate that more than 60% of Puerto Rico’s population does not know how to swim.
To prevent it, the government installs informational signs, media outlets warn weekly about the dangers of the sea, rivers, and lakes; public beaches operate alert flags based on maritime conditions; and some beaches hire lifeguards to supervise and respond to emergencies. Still, people keep dying.
The reality is that none of these alternatives is as effective as education. Having signs, alert flags, and/or lifeguards 24/7 at every body of water around Puerto Rico is not a realistic option, considering the island’s fiscal challenges and abundance of surrounding water. The best solution is education, not just to avoid deadly tragedies but also because of the phenomenal benefits water provides:
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- Healthy exercise for the cardiovascular system
- Gross motor coordination by learning to kick, stroke, roll, float, move, and breathe simultaneously
- Muscle toning of all limbs without impact
- Opportunity to enjoy a variety of water activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, diving, etc.
- Contact with nature by exploring reefs full of marine life
- Quality of life by enjoying the mental relaxation that the beach and ocean offer
- Finally, the peace of mind that comes from knowing we are safe in the water and able to respond in case of any situation
Considering the current need and the benefits that learning to swim brings to the entire community, Scuba Dogs is launching a new training program under the “PADI SWIM SCHOOL” affiliated with the “Starfish Aquatics Institute,” with over 2,000 certified facilities worldwide. The program offers a new pedagogical teaching approach that integrates the two main components that define a person who knows how to swim: Movement Techniques and Water Safety, under the fundamental principle that swimming cannot be effectively learned through fear.
The program is divided into 3 main schools: Starfish School for beginners, Swim School at the intermediate level, and Stroke School at the advanced level. Each session, experience, and exercise is conducted constructively, empowering the student—whether an infant, child, or adult—with the right tools to learn new techniques and skills in a positive way. Furthermore, each school has 5 levels of progress, under which a recognition card is provided to motivate the student and allow the school to monitor their progress.
Whether it’s with Scuba Dogs’ certified instructors at the pool in Guaynabo, Copamarina in Guánica, or Escambrón Beach, or with any of the aquatic schools operating in Puerto Rico, we certainly invite EVERYONE to understand the risks, the responsibility we have as guardians, and the many benefits that water offers us.
All of Puerto Rico must learn to swim. Click here to schedule a free evaluation or enroll in Scuba Dogs.
