The KATS swimming programme, organised by founding volunteer, Barbara Gerker is run in two, ten-week sessions. From beginner level to intermediates, 95 children between the ages of 4 and 17 years attend every week at the swimming pool at Nanny Cay and join the classes assigned to them based on their swimming ability. Photo: Provided

While Nanny Cay remained committed to assigning its pool for use by KATS, over the years instructors came and went and volunteer support and other resources dwindled. KATSWIM was on the verge of being set aside when the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) stepped in to provide a $30,000 fund to keep the programme on the calendar for the next two years. Photo: Provided

The swimming programme, organised by founding volunteer Barbara Gerker, is run in two ten-week sessions. From beginner level to intermediates, 95 children between the ages of 4 and 17 attend every week at the swimming pool at Nanny Cay and join the classes assigned to them based on their swimming ability.

The swimming instructors are trained locally to teach different levels and to provide the children with basic survival skills when around water.

KATSWIM charges a basic fee to cover the administrative costs involved in running the programe. Of the 95 registered students, 25 are CIBC FirstCaribbean swimming scholarship recipients. The scholarships were awarded according to financial needs. “While the fee is nominal, not everybody is able to stretch their income to cover swimming lessons for their child or children,” said Gerker. “A scholarship fund is necessary if we are to reach all segments of the population and CIBC FirstCaribbean’s support has meant that we were able to increase the number of classes and allow all children to participate."

BVI Olympic Committee throws a lifeline

While Nanny Cay remained committed to assigning its pool for use by KATS, over the years instructors came and went and volunteer support and other resources dwindled. KATSWIM was on the verge of being set aside when the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) stepped in to provide a $30,000 fund to keep the programme on the calendar for the next two years.

“The BVIOC Executive was aware of the KATSSWIM programme and of its importance, not only for basic safety when living on an island, but also as a starting block for building a national swim team,” explained Mark Chapman, Treasurer, BVIOC. “As a National Olympic Committee we were able to apply for a Swim for Life grant from Olympic Solidarity and to partner with KATS to make sure that the swim programme continued.”

The funds are used to purchase swim aids and training equipment and also to provide a stipend for instructors.

“KATS Programme has taught thousands of children and young adults in the BVI swimming, water safety, sea skills and sailing which has also opened the door for new career opportunities for many of them. It is always rewarding when we see some of those same students come back to teach the next generation,” said Ms Gerker.

“We could always use more volunteers and instructors. Whether high school students or adults, we need anyone who is prepared to spare a couple of hours on a Saturday between 8:30am and 12:30pm to help with teaching or checking in of students."