JEDDAH, 8 June 2006 — The Saudi Arabian Swimming Federation (SASF) announced yesterday that it would begin its Summer Swim School program throughout the Kingdom on Saturday.
According to Ali Asadullah, member of the Technical Committee & Strategic Planning at SASF, this much-awaited event is a big thing during the summer in which the SASF opens its doors to the public in order to teach people of all ages to swim.
The program, offered annually by SASF, provides participants of all ages (5 years and above) and nationalities with the opportunity to learn to swim and enjoy the water during the summer months. Over the course of three sessions of approximately 30 days each, participants will receive lessons from SASF’s nationwide team of professional instructors. Each session has an enrollment fee of SAR 150.
In 2005 more than 10,000 individuals enrolled in the Summer Swim School program throughout the Kingdom. Similar numbers are expected this year in the 13 areas in which the program will take place. These are Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Makkah, Al-Ahsa, Hail, Al-Majma’a, Al-Qaseem, Abha, Al-Baha, Al-Qateef, Al-Taif and Al-Jouf.
The main focus of the Summer Swim School program is water safety, an issue that SASF president Prince Abdulaziz ibn Fahd ibn Abdullah Al-Saud takes very seriously. “With the exception of extreme cases, nearly all drowning deaths are preventable,” said Prince Abdulaziz.
“Saudi Arabia has two beautiful coastlines and many excellent recreational swimming facilities that citizens and expatriates alike should be able to enjoy safely. SASF has a responsibility in this effort and we see our Summer Swim School as a component of our mandate as an organization.”
In addition to teaching water safety, SASF also looks to provide a constructive recreational outlet for youth during the summer months. SASF general secretary, Ali Bin Saleh Bin Oun Al-Zayed, himself a regional manager with the Ministry of Education, emphasized this need. “When school finishes, kids are looking for something to do,” said Ali. “Why not cool off in the water and beat the summer heat? SASF has the pools and we are happy to give the youth an opportunity to have good, clean fun.”
Registration for the Summer Swim School program is currently ongoing. Individuals interested in participating can get more information by calling SASF at (01) 482-1260 ext. 23.
