Let’s Swim Bahamas is the initiative of Andy and Nancy Knowles and was started in October of 2008 with a pilot program for Thelma Gibson Primary school. Andy and Nancy have over 90 years of combined experience in the swimming world: Competitive Swimming from the Age Group through to the Olympic level; Learn to Swim utilizing the Swim America franchise; Life Saving with the Royal Life Saving Society of both Canada and Great Britain; and successfully running their own swim club, Swift Swimming since 1990. 

        To implement the Let’s Swim Bahamas program, existing pools were located that had free pool time and arrangements were made to use them. Andy and Nancy began with the 3 pools that their club, Swift Swimming were presently using and looked for Government Primary Schools that were within a reasonable driving distance. After much negotiating, on October 8th, 2010, a four year Agreement between the Ministry of Education and Swift Swimming was signed for Swimming Lessons for Thelma Gibson, Sandilands, Adelaide, and Gambier Primary Schools.

       Let’s Swim Bahamas is in its 15th year of providing swim lessons. To date, the program has given over 20,000 lessons to over 3,600 students from twelve (12) different primary schools in Nassau and has held Kid’s Kamps in Eleuthera, Long Island, Abaco, and Exuma during the summer months. We have just renewed a 4 year Agreement with the Ministry of Education,Technology and Vocational Training.

         Let’s Swim Bahamas will be printing their 3rd edition of our Water Safety Cay Colouring and Activity Book to distribute to the over 26,000 Government Primary school children in The Bahamas. The Water Safety Cay Posters will also be distributed to all the schools throughout The Bahamas

         It is Let’s Swim Bahamas desire to see more Bahamians learn to swim, not only to possibly become Competitive swimmers, but for safety and the enjoyment and appreciation of our lovely Bahamian waters.

 

Andy Knowles                                                  

Program Director/Coach                                                                               

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Olympic swimmer and 6 time Olympic coach for The Bahamas. Level 5 Distinguished International Coach with ASCA. Swimmers include numerous medalists at all of the regional championships, finalist and medalists at PAN AM Games, finalists at SC World Championships and semi finalist at the Olympics.

 

Nancy Knowles                                                                                           

Program Director/Coach

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Let's Swim Bahamas Program Director. Level 2 coach with the American Swim Coaches Association. Certified Royal Life Saving Association and Surf Life Saving Association instructor.  Over 35 years of teaching/coaching experience.