Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Lighthouse Christian Radio hosts Swim Splash Camp

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Lighthouse Christian Radio Swimming Camp-8Lighthouse Christian Radio held a three-day swimming camp with USA National Team Triathlete, Casey Bateman. The Swim Splash Camp encompassed swim techniques, water safety, swim stroke methods and basic triathlon training. The camp took place on Monday, August 12th and ran through Wednesday, August 14th at the beach in front of Holiday Hotel and was attended by approximately 30 children from ages 7-18.

“This camp is aimed to give children the basic techniques of swimming while providing a safe environment for the children to learn and develop in their swimming,” said Clive Welch, manager of Lighthouse Christian Radio. Due to the proximity of the sea, children here in San Pedro usually learn to swim at an early age, but at many times this is done without proper adult guidance which can be dangerous. “Everyone swims here in San Pedro, but as far as techniques go we do not have that. It is very important that children learn the proper way to swim. Parents should also be more aware of children while they are swimming,” said Welch.

Lighthouse Christian Radio Swimming Camp-1Like most youth in San Pedro swimming comes naturally to Casey Bateman, who was born and raised in California, USA. “I have been swimming since I was a baby. I got into triathlon about two years ago and I simply loved it,” said Casey. Bateman comes from a strong swimming background and has used that to his advantage to excel in triathlon as he trains for the 2016 Olympics.“Before Triathlon, I was a high level swimmer. I competed at the National Level including National Championships, Sectional Championships, and many Regional Races.”

Casey wants the children to learn proper swimming safety and techniques to reduce the chance of injury. “We are here working to making the children safe in the water; water safety should always be the number one priority. You always want to make sure that if you cannot swim to stay where you can stand. You also want to always have an adult near you and you never want more than two non-swimmers per adult,” stated Casey. “When learning how to swim, you should stay as calm as possible, panicky swimmers are the ones that end up getting tired and distressed and that’s where accidents happen.”

The children were divided into three groups: beginners, average and advanced. The younger children in the beginners group got to learn basic swimming techniques, including how to float, plus they enjoyed playing fun water games like Marco-Polo. The average swimmers group was taught to refine their swimming strokes and how to gain speed and momentum in the water. The advanced swimmers got a chance to experience triathlon training techniques, including different swimming strokes that can increase speed in a race. The advanced group even got a chance to race one another. It was a fun time swimming and splashing in the water, and the lessons learnt will last a life time.

Lighthouse Christian Radio Swimming Camp-4Casey has enjoyed his stay in San Pedro, and promises to be back. “I Think San Pedro is beautiful, we will definitely be coming back. The locals are so nice and caring and supportive of their community. The waters are amazing and perfect for swimming,” said Casey.

The San Pedro Sun reminds the public that water safety is an important matter. Young children should be monitored closely when in the water, especially if they are not experienced swimmers. Enjoy the sea responsibly!

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