Given the recent spate of drownings, I feel obligated, as a conscious civic minded person, to share my life's experience as a swimmer for over 40-odd years in the waters around the country.
Good swimmers and non-swimmers can drown, but with good sense and training, many lives need not be lost. Drownings are caused by many reasons, such as sea conditions, bad judgment, and foolhardiness to name a few.
A child should be given the opportunity to learn to swim. Some pre-schools already have it in their school programme, but it should be compulsory in primary schools and up to Form Three in secondary schools.
There are stages to go through: make friends with the water, learn to float, learn the dog paddle. Always do stretches and cool off before entering the water, wetting the head first.
Children must be capably supervised at all times at the water's edge, floatation armbands are optional, non-swimmers should not venture beyond chest high in normal waters and waist-high in rough water, or not at all.
Good swimmers also have to follow rules of good judgment in any conditions. Non-swimmers should not venture to save others except by life saving rings, ropes or poles, or other devices, eg coolers. You should not swim in unfamiliar or dangerous areas, alcohol should never be consumed before entering the water or while in the water.
You should not go into the water after eating before half an hour has passed, because undigested food will come back up and choke you. Always follow the life guards' instructions and flags. You should not dive head-first into shallow or unfamiliar water or river pools.
Avoid bathing in ponds and river mouths where there is soft mud below. Fresh water is less able to support the body. This includes pool water. To stay afloat in these conditions takes much more energy than salt water.
You are less likely to suffer cramps if you are physically fit and do stretches before swimming. Areas susceptible to cramps are the hamstrings, calves and arches of the feet. Swimming is probably one of the best cardiovascular activities a person can do, and it offers many therapeutic benefits for ailing joints and limbs, heart and pressure problems.
I started at age 14 at many areas along San Fernando's coast such as Flat Rock and Presentation College Scout House. I read books and sought advice from experienced swimmers. I even learnt to swim without using my legs, simulating cramps in both legs, floating in rough water, and even invented a new stroke I called the dolphin/butterfly.
When I was younger I was very brave and enjoyed going behind the breakers at Mayaro and Maracas and at each place I was carried away by strong currents, but my dedication and training and God always brought me back, safely.
One time I got stuck in the river mouth mud at Godineau, Mosquito Creek, following snail hunters. I learnt by force how to become unstuck in deep mud. I am saying you must prepare yourself if you want to survive. The sea is no joke, and deserves the greatest respect.
My advice to everyone is to be mindful of everything you do, and always prepare yourself to survive.
Joel Quintal
Union Hall, San Fernando