This past Saturday, Grenada marked the second consecutive year of celebrating World Ocean Day with a lively and impactful event on Grand Anse Beach, drawing more than 250 participants from across the island.
Organised through a dedicated partnership between Diversity in Aquatics and Get Grenada Swimming and all of the local dive shops, the event underscored the importance of ocean conservation, water safety, and community engagement.
World Ocean Day is celebrated globally each year to raise awareness about the critical state of our oceans and marine ecosystems. It unites and rallies the world to protect and restore our planet. Since launching global coordination in 2002, World Ocean Day has grown from an idea to thousands of events and millions of people reached each year. Grenada’s annual observance on Grand Anse Beach continues to contribute to this worldwide movement, inspiring local action and education.
One of the big partners of the event was Diversity in Aquatics, a non-profit organisation based in Washington DC, dedicated to educating, promoting, and supporting water safety and healthy aquatics activities for underserved, marginalised, and vulnerable populations. CEO Miriam Lynch, who brought 14 members with her to support the event, said, “Our partnership with Get Grenada Swimming was a beautiful testament to what we can accomplish together. On World Oceans Day, we didn’t just provide swimming lessons on the iconic Grand Anse Beach — we connected children to the magic of the ocean, instilled lifelong water safety skills, and celebrated the joy and culture of aquatic life. Through this collaboration, we are not only building water-safe families, but also nurturing a new generation that loves, respects, and feels at home in the ocean. We were proud to bring together water safety experts from across the US to support this mission — and to stand beside Get Grenada Swimming and the dive shops on the island.”
This year’s festivities featured an array of activities designed to educate, inspire, and entertain. Local dive shops participated enthusiastically, offering free snorkelling and scuba lessons that introduced both children and adults to the wonders beneath the waves. Eco Dive and the Woburn Wind Warriors generously provided free sailing experiences on Hobie-cats, allowing families to enjoy the ocean’s beauty while emphasising safety and fun.
Children from 8 of Get Grenada Swimming’s locations— where free Saturday lessons are held across the island— joined in the celebration, highlighting the organisation’s ongoing efforts to promote water safety and confidence. The event also included exciting swim races for participants of all ages, fostering a sense of community and encouraging a lifelong love of swimming.
Key highlights of the event featured free swim lessons for nearly 60 participants. Children were bused to Aquanaunts in True Blue for scuba lessons, and Eco Dive organised 3 large snorkelling trips. Dive Grenada took groups to the Grenadian Artificial Reef Project (GARP). Native Spirit hosted scuba training sessions. A tent offering free CPR lessons trained over 150 people in lifesaving skills, enhancing aquatic safety.
Cultural enrichment was showcased with the launch of “Winny and the Waves,” a charming children’s book by Grenadian swim coach and author Valorie Andrew. The story follows a young girl who overcomes her fear of swimming in the sea with help from local coaches. It chronicles a typical week during National Learn to Swim Week, which is held in more than 15 locations (twice each year) in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Deb Eastwood, Director of Get Grenada Swimming, had this to say: “I love Val’s book because it is so real and portrays genuine fears that both adults and children have learning to swim. Val has great illustrations, and it is not just a children’s book but provides insight for all.” Eastwood also mentioned that the Sandals National Learn to Swim Week is just around the corner, next month from 7–11 July, and they will be providing free lessons in at least 16 locations.
The Get Grenada Swimming initiative has taught over 10,000 people to swim over the years. It continues to make a positive impact on the community, promoting water safety and confidence in the water. For more info, or to sign up for Sandals Learn to Swim Week, go to www.getgrenadaswimming.com or contact Deb Eastwood 404-5237 or [email protected].
Get Grenada Swimming
