Residents in Dubai have a unique opportunity to receive free swimming lessons this summer at Jumeirah 1 public beach near La Mer South. The initiative, started by Filipino expat Bimbo Calitis, founder and CEO of Amphibious Swim School, offers one-hour swimming lessons every weekend from 7am to 8am. In exchange for the lessons, participants are required to join a voluntary beach clean-up for 15 minutes.
The free swimming lessons are open to all ages and skill levels, whether newbies or individuals looking to enhance their swimming abilities. Calitis emphasized that participants not only learn how to swim but also become stewards of the environment. The sessions have been ongoing since last month and will continue until September, aiming to empower more individuals with swimming skills while promoting environmental awareness.
Calitis, a professional swimming and surfing instructor, believes in the importance of offering free swimming lessons as not everyone can afford to enroll in a swimming school. With over 100 participants from the previous year, the initiative has seen success with some of them becoming peer instructors to help new joiners. The focus is to create a community that values cleanliness and water safety, leading to a healthier and well-connected society.
Apart from providing swimming lessons, Calitis also aims to prevent drowning incidents by teaching participants how to remain calm in open waters. Witnessing near-drowning incidents during his time as a lifeguard, he understands the importance of staying relaxed in such situations. His goal is to guide committed learners from beginners to advanced swimmers, while also providing necessary equipment like floats, kickboards, and safety rings.
To join the free swimming lessons, beginners can contact Calitis through social media or the Amphibious Swim School website. Basic freestyle swimming can be learned within a couple of weeks with the right determination and willingness to learn. Sessions take place every Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 8am at Jumeirah 1 public beach, near La Mer South. Participants are advised to bring their own goggles, swimsuit, water, sunblock, and the eagerness to learn and contribute to beach clean-ups.
