Fina Open Water Coaching Clinic

Twenty-seven (27) Pioneers in FINA Open Water Coaching Clinic in St. Lucia Hosted by St. Lucia Aquatics Federation Twenty-seven persons participated in the first FINA approved Open Water Coaching Clinic on the island. The clinic was held from May 7 -10 at the St. Lucia Olympic Committee House, Vigie Beach and Pigeon Point Beach. The Clinic was facilitated by world renowned Stephen Sid Cassidy who is also the Vice Chairperson of the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming (OWS) Committee. During the coaching clinic participants were exposed to OWS rules, regulations, safety, nutrition, coaching techniques as well as event management. This was conducted in two parts, which involved theory and practical sessions. The St. Lucia Aquatics Federation used this clinic to officially launch its thrusts to make Open Water Swimming more prominent on the island. The clinic attracted Coaches, Instructors and Physical Education & Sport teachers. The teachers came from the Lady Gordon Opportunity Centre, Ciceron Secondary, Sir Ira Simmons, Bocage Secondary, Choiseul Secondary, Gros Islet Secondary, Piaye Combined and Saltibus Combined School. Club coaches came from Lightning Aquatics, Seajays, Sharks, and RHAC Swim Club. There were also a few unattached coaches from the communities Soufriere, Micoud, Ciceron and Babonneau. This OWS coaching clinic opens up a completely new perspective for coaches, as OWS is among one of the fastest growing aquatics disciplines within FINA. Once conditions for OWS in Saint Lucia are favourable for implementation, programmes will be initiated in select schools or community. Worthy of note is the unfettered enthusiasm of the participants especially those from the Southern part of the island. The camaraderie demonstrated at the OWS clinic is indicative of the willingness of the participants to make OWS a staple both at the grassroots and competitive levels. The St. Lucia Aquatics Federation would like to thank all participants and supporters of its initiatives. We look forward to providing the continuous upgrade and development for current coaches and prospective coaches.