Soufriere, Dominica – August 20, 2024: Rising Tides is proud to announce the success of its innovative program “Safe Waves: Essential Skills for Empowering Coastal Communities”, which has so far trained over 60 children and teens during its initial seven-week summer course. This first-of-its-kind initiative in Dominica, funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), is a collaborative effort between the Dominica Olympic Committee, the Dominica Amateur Swimming Association, and the Soufriere Outdoor Centre.
The program, which is currently in its final week, has made significant strides in teaching young participants—especially girls and young women—essential skills in swimming, first aid, water safety, ocean kayaking, and marine stewardship. Led by experienced Dominican instructors, certified lifeguards, and first aid trainers Sky Fishleigh and Gabrielle Agar, along with other skilled professionals, the program will equip up to 70 participants with essential first-aid knowledge and boost their environmental awareness.
Safe Waves was launched in response to the increased risk of water-related injuries and fatalities across Dominica’s vulnerable coastal communities. By providing comprehensive training in first aid, swimming, and emergency response, the program addresses critical challenges such as gender disparities in aquatic activities, limited water safety education, and the growing threats posed by climate change. Safe Waves also emphasized the importance of protecting Dominica’s marine environments. Through coral restoration workshops and beach clean ups, this program engaged participants in educational discussion about ocean stewardship and youth leadership.
A highlight of the summer program was the kayaking lessons provided by Soufriere Outdoor Centre staff in the Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve. This training allowed participants to view the exceptional beauty of their island from new perspectives, opening doors to water-related professions and recreational activities.
The program’s success is also attributed to the contributions of local experts and guest speakers who led interactive workshops on diverse topics including climate action, security and gender equality. Notable workshops included a tour and discussion on coral reef health facilitated by the Coral Rehabilitation Center in Soufriere, a gender-based violence awareness session led by Renatta Langlais, Gender Equality Officer at World University Service of Canada (WUSC) and performance arts training facilitated by Dominica’s circus group, Waitucirque. Christal Clashing and Kevinia Francis of Team Antigua Island Girls, renowned for rowing across the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, also inspired participants with their story.
Reflecting on the program, Clashing shared, “What I love about the Safe Waves program is how they are bringing young women to the water, connecting them in myriad ways—not just with swimming skills, but also safety skills, kayaking… getting over the fear of water, and building a peaceful connection to the ocean.”
The success of the Safe Waves program underscores its mission to create safer, more inclusive, and environmentally conscious coastal communities in Dominica. It also represents a significant step forward in promoting gender equality in aquatic activities and preparing coastal residents for careers in water-based tourism, environmental stewardship, and water safety.
One young participant wished that the program could grow bigger, worldwide and more people could learn how to swim and overcome their fears.
High Commissioner of Canada, H.E. Lilian Chatterjee noted, “Through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, we are proud to support the Safe Waves program in Dominica, which is equipping and empowering youth in all their diversity with the information and skills needed to be ‘climate-conscious’ citizens who will hopefully help Dominica in its objective to become the first climate resilient nation in the world.”
The program will culminate with a Closing Ceremony on Thursday, August 22, 2024, in Soufriere, celebrating the achievements of the participants and the project’s successful completion. The event will be attended by a representative of the High Commission of Canada in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, local dignitaries, representatives from partner organizations, participants, instructors, and the media.
For more information contact the Rising Tides Team at: [email protected]
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