Salt Swimmers

Mauritius is a small island with approximately 1.3 million people with many low-income villages dotted along the shoreline. Of the entire population, it is estimated that 70 – 85% cannot swim. 

If a person is not a learnt swimmer, their knowledge of the rips, currents and tides will be insufficient to ensure their water safety. Added to that, their consciousness of protecting the ocean will be lacking insight and so there are 6 main areas that will focused on:

• water safety
• ability to swim
• confidence in the water
• ability to help others in the water
• awareness and sufficient knowledge of the ocean tides and currents
• awareness to limit the impact on the ocean e.g., pollution, overfishing

Salt Swimmers evolved from the need that was identified through people attending the other projects run by Hope House, Salt Surfers and Girls Make Waves, who could not swim. This project has the following facets to it:

1. Partner with Mauritius Sports Council, local communities and parents to provide opportunities for children to develop the ability to swim.
2. The program is built around breaking fear of water, particularly the ocean and teaching character
3. development in a fun way through positive affirmation and Mentoring.
4. Focusing on physical training and developing a love for exercise. Much needed in our world of
5. computers and screens.
6. Working together in harmony and peace and developing a love for the people around us.
7. Providing interest and continuity and a growth path for kids as they learn new skills they can progress into some of the other programs we run like Salt Surfers.

This project has been running a proof of concept phase funded by Hope House internally and will begin Phase2 in June 2023 in Tamarin Bay.  The project will be run  year on year, expanding to different areas not yet impacted in Mauritius.

Swimming gear and equipment has been purchased for children and coaches to ensure they have everything they need to lear about water safety and to swim.  Water polo goals were also purchased to teach the children how to have fun in the water yet keep safe.