The first ever Learn to Swim' programme at UTT Chaguaramas Campus came to a conclusion on April 20, 2026 . The Sport and Recreation Unit commends the following nine students for their interest and participation – Solenne Hobson, Faith Williams, Emmanuel PorterLee, Lebron Briggs, Sapphire Joseph, Melanie Waithe, Justin Bruce, Emmanuel Trim and Kamaria Asantewa.

These students balanced their time, classes and assignments, to make the onceaweek Monday, midday session. Initially, eleven students registered but due to classes, labs, field trips and other commitments, the number dropped slightly.

Due to the unavoidable late start, public holidays and upcoming exams, the programme had to be condensed to seven instead of the initial eight weeks. Despite this adjustment, every student vastly improved their swimming skills, while gaining greater competency and confidence in the water.

Novices were able to learn various strokes and managed to cover the width of the pool, while others who had some ability, were able to swim multiple laps across the 50meter pool, even diving to reach the pool's maximum depth (9ft) and tread over that depth.

Conceptualised by the Sport and Recreation Unit and supported by Campus Management and both Maritime and Marine Science Programme Leaders; the Learn to Swim' programme is designed to equip students who are nonswimmers or weak swimmers, with greater swim comfort, competency and skills which they can apply to everyday island life and within their career path.

• The Sport and Recreation Unit wishes to thank:
• Mr Christian Awah, Swim Instructor, for an excellent and wellrun course
• Mr Ajay Balkissoon, UTT Executive Student Guild President, who was able to provide financial assistance to allow students a reduced price, as well as flexible payment period
• Ms Karen Tardieu, Campus Manager, for her support, particularly with UTT's insurers.
• Staff of the Facilities and Maintenance Unit at UTT Chaguaramas Campus for having the pool in pristine condition
• Mr. Kazemae Mitchell, Lifeguard, for his coverage
• and Ms Andrea Branche, Programme Officer, Centre for Maritime and Ocean Studies, for her administrative support.

It is hoped that this Learn to Swim' programme can be a permanent fixture on UTT's calendar alongside academic programmes offered at its Chaguaramas campus, with two semesters dedicated to students and the long holiday period dedicated to University staff.