LIHU‘E — Learning to swim can be a very excruciating experience for some, but with the help of Mokihana Aquatics head coach Orlando Anaya (Coach “O”) and his skilled volunteers, swimming is made easy and fun. With the last three-week
LIHU‘E — Learning to swim can be a very excruciating experience for some, but with the help of Mokihana Aquatics head coach Orlando Anaya (Coach “O”) and his skilled volunteers, swimming is made easy and fun.
With the last three-week session at Kaua‘i High School’s swimming pool coming to an end, the Learn to Swim program will certify about 280 swimmers from participants as young as two weeks old to adults in their 60s.
With 50 years of experience combined between Coach “O” and his volunteer staff, it’s no wonder that people travel from Kekaha or Hanalei to attend the Learn to Swim program.
“We are definitely the best program on Kaua‘i and I would go as far as saying that we are the best in the world too,” Anaya said.
What makes the program stand out from the rest is its approach that also encorporates ocean safety and Coach “O” takes the participants to the beach to learn about ocean currents, waves, reefs, and self-rescue. “We live on an island surrounded by beautiful beaches, so it’s very important to learn about ocean safety as well,” Anaya said. Back in 1996, Diane Sato, who was a part of the board of directors for Mokihana Aquatics approached Anaya to start up the Learn to Swim because of the extensive demand for a program to learn how to swim.
From just over 100 swimming certifications handed out in 1996 to over 400 this year, Learn to Swim has grown to become the island’s leader when it comes down being a pro in the water.
“I’m a big kid that’s passionate about teaching people to learn how to swim,” Anaya said.
15-year-old Kaua‘i High School swimmer, Mele Givens, who’s also an instructor for Mokihana Aquatics’ Learn to Swim program enjoys working with the little ones.
“I love to teach the kids how to swim and see them get better,” Givens said.
Loving and learning how to swim go hand in hand, and with Coach “O” and his dedicated volunteer staff at the helm, the Learn to Swim program should flourish in years to come.
