A total of 4,815 young people participated in the 2026 “Teach Them Young-Learn to Swim” programme, as the initiative continues to promote water safety and swimming skills among youths across Guyana.
The programme, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport in collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC), concluded last Friday at the Colgrain Swimming Pool on Camp Street.
The initiative is designed to equip young people with swimming skills as an important life skill and help reduce the risks associated with being around water.
This year’s programme was held in Regions Two, Four, Five, Six and 10, with 1,958 males and 2,857 females taking part.
Addressing swimmers and parents at the closing ceremony, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle said the programme had continued to grow, with plans already underway to extend its reach to Region Eight.
Ninvalle said he and National Swim Coach Paul Mahaica are expected to visit the region at the end of August to prepare for the programme’s expansion there.
He also said an adult learn-to-swim programme is planned for later in 2026.
The continued expansion of the initiative is expected to provide more young people, particularly those in hinterland communities, with access to swimming lessons and essential water-safety skills.