In an effort to introduce more of our local Virgin Islands' youth to the marine environment, VIMAS launched a free, Learn to Swim Program in November of 2018 with funding support from the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands. Swimming serves as the foundation for many aquatic activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving; this Learn to Swim Program teaches Virgin Islands youth basic swimming skills to scuba training that can help to improve their understanding and appreciation for the ocean environment.
The VIMAS Learn to Swim Program is structured into 3 courses intended to meet applicant needs and their current skill level. Please be sure to read the descriptions provided for each course so that you can accurately register your child for the correct course. All applicants are required to complete the Code of Conduct and Release Forms (found below) in addition to completing their online registration form for their intended course. The Code of Conduct covers the guidelines and regulations for the program, the Liability form ensures that the University is not held liable for accidents and injuries during this program, and the Photo release form enables our team to use pictures obtained during the program for publication of the program (press, etc.) and for documenting and reporting successes of the program to our funders. All supporting documents can be E-mailed to howard.forbes@live.uvi.edu. Please ensure to include your child's name in the name of the file(s) being sent.
Please note that your application is not complete until the online registration form along with the supporting documents are received; applicants are enrolled on a rolling basis.
Recommended age: 3 and up If you answer "Yes" to any of the criteria listed below, it is recommended that your child be registered for this course using the register button below. In this course, children will learn the following skills: (NOTE: this is not a comprehensive list) how to submerge their heads and bodies underwater, how to tread water, use arms and legs simultaneously to move in water, and tips for being safe in or near water.
Recommended age: 5 and up. If your child can perform any of the skills listed below, it is recommended that they register for this course using the register button below. This course will review the safe and proper use of snorkel equipment (fins, mask, and snorkel) and snorkeling in shallow waters (not greater than 10 feet) to identify common marine animals. Each child in this course will receive a Snorkel Guidebook for the Caribbean which will be used during the program.
Recommended age: 7 and up.. If your child can perform any of the skills listed below, it is recommended that they register for this course using the register button below. This course will review advanced snorkeling techniques and free diving to depths between 10-15 feet, proper equalization of air spaces (ears and nose), animal identification, and a brief overview of confined scuba diving in shallow water. Each child in this course will receive a Snorkel Guidebook for the Caribbean which will be used during the program (unless they were previously provided one in the Intermediate course). Any child that is 12 years or older and exceptionally completes this course, can be recommended by their instructor to receive scuba training at the Coki Dive Center which is covered by the program.
Students that complete the Learn to Swim Program are excellent candidates to participate in either the 1-week Junior Ocean Explorers Summer Program which is open to students in grades 3-6 or the 4-week Youth Ocean Explorers Summer Program which is open to students in grades 7-12. Through these programs, students can use their newfound swimming skills to explore our nearshore Caribbean waters to learn about the variety of life that exists within our oceans. You can click either of the images above or the buttons below to register for the respective program you are interested in.
Office Phone: St. Thomas (340) 693-1672
E-mail: St. Thomas (howard.forbes@live.uvi.edu)
Website: http://vimas.uvi.edu
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Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service
Center for Marine and Environmental Studies
University of the Virgin Islands
St. Thomas
#2 John Brewers Bay
St. Thomas, USVI 00802