One Hundred and fifty-three swimmers passed the test for the LTS-Brunei (Learn to Swim-Brunei) during the 2nd Brunei Certificate Swimming Day yesterday.
Mostly aged between 5-10 years, the swimmers received certificates from level one to four at the Aquatics Centre of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.
National swimming coach Eric Landa was delighted to see the huge increase in the number of swimmers considering that there were only 65 from the first batch back in May 2012.
"I'm very happy to see that our grassroots level is growing rapidly and that schemes, schools, clubs and coaches are adopting the LTS-Brunei 2012-2017 programme. I honestly think this is great," said Landa in a statement to the press yesterday.
"To be successful in the future towards 2020 and beyond, we need to invest now in great LTS programmes," he said.
"Besides this, learning how to swim is a great 'gift for life', knowing what to do and being safe in and around the water is of huge importance in my opinion," continued Landa.
Landa is hoping that the programme will be held three times next year.
He also revealed that the next LTS programme will be held in Tutong on January 26.
It is expected to see the participation of swimmers from the Tutong, Temburong and Belait districts for levels one and two.
LTS-Brunei is a programme developed and implemented by Landa in January last year.
The LTS-Brunei 2012-2017 system is based on the best progammes in the world whereby the Dutchman took the best elements of the US, Australia and European systems and compiled it into something suitable for swimmers of any age at any place.
There are seven different levels - from easy (one) to difficult (seven) - whereby the last level is close to competitive swimming and training.
The uniqueness of the progamme is that anyone can participate.
It is freely available for use by any coach or club, scheme or school or any private coach or swimmer.
The main goal is simply to have as many certified Learn to Swim kids by 2017, which the former national coach of Egypt believes is really important.
Anyone interested to try and earn the certification is welcome to join. Interested parties just need to enter their names and will be tested according to the criteria per level.
All entry is free of charge and is supported by both the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Brunei Amateur Swimming Association.
