In the light of the recent drowning accidents, this week we asked the man/woman in the street whether they thought a person should know how to swim before getting involved in water-related activities, and whether they personally knew how to swim.

By Sara Bharrat
photos by Jules Gibson

Marcy Singh, Cosmetologist:

‘I think that people should know how to swim before they go and jump into water. I’m not a strong swimmer so I try not to get in the water too much because I know that even a strong swimmer is at risk of drowning. Even if every Guyanese could swim we would still have people drowning. What we need to do is ensure that life jackets are used, not only in public transportation.’

Wesley David, retired Photographer:

‘I grew up in Linden and I learnt to swim at the age 4. My older brother taught me how to swim in the Demerara River. I suppose I think it was important to my family that I learn how to swim at an early age because of our proximity to the water. People should learn to swim and I think it is important that they are taught to respect water. Many swimmers drown because they lack respect for water. Parents should teach their children to respect the dangers of water, just like they teach them about the dangers of fire and traffic. My father was a swimming instructor and he drowned a few feet away from shore. He suffered a cramp while he swimming home one afternoon. People should realize that even if they’re a strong swimmer they are still at risk. I read in the story about the Abary Creek drowning that the man died because his foot was caught in a root. I’m not sure how he reacted but that reaction might have cost his life. My brother taught me to never panic when I’m in trouble in the water; a calm mind often saves your life.’

Naomi Gouveia, Private Sector Employee:

‘I know I need to know how to swim, but at my age I still can’t. I definitely think that Guyanese we should know how to, so in the event we’re in a situation where we need to we will be able to save ourselves and even the lives of others. My lack of skill is swimming makes be avoid going to creeks. I get in the water but if my feet can’t touch the bottom then that’s it for me.’

Karen Nieuwenkirk, Public Sector Employee:

‘Yes, I can swim. I’m from Berbice and I was taught at a young age to swim. I remember that one time we had some relatives from Georgetown come stay with us and we went swimming. My cousin told us he could swim and he could, but when he got to the middle he just went under; my uncle had to dive for him. This proves that people who know how to swim can drown as well. While my cousin was a strong swimmer when it came to a swimming pool but when we dumped him in a natural water source he couldn’t make it.’
Felicia Forde, Private Sector Employee:

‘When I travel in boats the first thing that goes through my mind is life jacket, and then I think about the experience of the boat captain or operator. I can’t swim. I don’t think that the small private boats built by farmers and used for various work and personal reasons should be banned. But it is true that these boats, in the case of the Abary Creek drowning, can be dangerous. I think the process needs to be regulated; if you build your boat then there should be an inspector to license it therefore pronouncing it a safe vessel. There was a recent boat cruise, one of those local party things with the big music set. I had friends who attended it and they complained that the vessel was overcrowded. The organizers clearly sold too many tickets. Situations like these are not safe.’

Elizabeth Sunich, ex- Corporal of Police:

‘I am scared of the water and that is the major reason why at this age I still cannot swim. I am not even capable of crossing a small bridge with a drain running beneath. When my father died there was a bridge like that leading into the cemetery and I refused to cross it. I’ll admit that swimming is an important skill, and if all Guyanese could learn how it would greatly decrease death by drowning stats.’

Jacqueline Yhap, Public Sector Employee:

‘I should know how to swim but I can’t. I was never taught how to as a child and it wasn’t until I was in my late teens that I realized that I need to learn how. But at that age I’d already developed a strong phobia for getting in too deep water. I would encourage parents and I think it is their responsibility to teach their children to swim at an early age.’

Keon Price, Student:

‘I learnt to swim by myself. I was never afraid of the water. I didn’t learn to swim until I was in my late teens though, and I don’t think that people should let age prevent them from learning this life-saving skill.’

Walter La Rose, Teacher:

‘I can swim. I learnt at the age of 2. I suppose I was taught this skill early because I grew up in the hinterland region where it is important for everyone’s life. But people not knowing how to swim isn’t the only thing causing drowning, because even swimmers die that way. I think that we need to have the Transport and Harbours Department regulate our water safety in a stricter manner.’

Franz Layne, Construction Worker:

‘I learnt to swim at around 8. I grew up in Den Amstel. People should be taught how to swim. This will definitely lessen the amount of people who drown.’