EMC’S 2ND ANNUAL ADULT SWIM PROGRAM Tuesday 10th September 2024
From Adult Swimming Lessons to Sunday Snorkel Club: EMC Deepens Community Connection with the Ocean
Students from the Adult Swimming Program learning to use snorkel gear while gaining confidence in the water. Photo Credit - Andre Phillip
St. John’s, Antigua: The Elkhorn Marine Conservancy (EMC), in collaboration with Splashing With Clashing Swim Instruction, concluded its second annual Adult Swimming Program on Sunday 1st September. The program, which spanned three weekends, saw eleven participants complete a series of learn-to-swim classes, culminating in a snorkel excursion to explore EMC’s coral reef restoration site off the coast of Green Island.
Swim instructor Edith Clashing from Splashing With Clashing guiding students through their lessons; Students from the Adult Swimming Program gearing up to use snorkel gear for the first time. Photo Credit - Andre Phillip
“The adult swimming program was truly life-changing. Over three weeks, I learned to swim with a supportive group, feeling safe and guided every step of the way” says Zoe Teague, one of the students from this year’s program. “The experience was intense but incredibly rewarding, and seeing my progress in such a short time was amazing. The highlight was deepening my connection to nature by exploring the coral nurseries and learning about EMC’s work. This program has opened up a whole new world for me.”
This program builds on EMC’s recent community engagement initiatives and accomplishments, including:
- A collaboration with EAG for the ‘Into the Wild - The Coral Code’ YouTube three-part video series that encourages school-aged children to learn more about coral reefs in Antigua and Barbuda and their supporting ecosystems.
- Hosting excursions for a total of 60 children this summer at the EMC Green Island Coral Nursery site through collaborations with three local summer camps
Learning to swim against the backdrop of a stunning sunset, combining skill-building with the natural beauty of the sea; Mother-daughter duo Edith and Christal Clashing from Splashing With Clashing, empowering students together through expert swim instruction and water safety education. Photo Credit - Andre Phillip
“This program offers a transformative experience of moving from fear of the water to being in awe of the ocean,” says Christal Clashing, newly appointed Director of Advancement and Community Engagement at the Elkhorn Marine Conservancy. “ Our participants' engagement with the water won’t stop here. EMC will launch their quarterly Sunday Snorkel Club on Sunday 22nd September 2024 for past program participants and members of the general public to go snorkeling in the safety of a group at select snorkel sports across the island.
Students getting an up-close view of a coral fragment during EMC's snorkel tour at the Green Island coral nursery; Students learning about coral reef restoration with EMC at the Green Island Nursery Photo Credit - Andre Phillip
About The Elkhorn Marine Conservancy: In response to the overwhelming need for habitat restoration and conservation, the Elkhorn Marine Conservancy (EMC) was established in 2021 with the mission to enhance the resilience and local stewardship of Antigua’s marine ecosystems. Since its inception, the EMC has successfully grown and planted thousands of endangered corals back onto the reef. They strive to address the local root causes of marine degradation by increasing public awareness, advocating for policy change, implementing educational programs and developing science-based strategies to protect Antigua’s waters.
For more information about EMC, visit www.emcantigua.org.
To register for next year’s Adult Swimming Classes or the Sunday Snorkel Club, please contact EMC on Instagram (@emcantigua), Facebook (@antiguaemc), or email info@emcantigua.org.
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