Srinagar, Sep 23: As many as 77 swimmers completed the final phase of the Basic Swimming Training Course conducted by Swim N Survival Society–Kashmir (SnSS-K) at the Water Sports Centre, Nigeen, marking the conclusion of a three-phase training programme aimed at promoting swimming, water safety and lifesaving awareness in Kashmir.
The final phase concluded with a certificate and souvenir distribution ceremony attended by swimmers, parents, trainers, members and well-wishers of the Society.
The three phases of the programme witnessed participation from 172 trainees, with 40 swimmers completing the first phase, 55 the second phase and 77 the final phase.
Unlike a conventional swimming course focused only on swimming technique, the programme incorporated basic water-safety practices, drowning prevention, rescue and lifesaving skills, along with exposure to boating and recreational kayaking.
International water sports player Zahoor Ahmad Lattoo, who attended the concluding function as Chief Guest, appreciated the initiative and the Society’s efforts to make swimming training accessible to beginners and non-swimmers.
Speaking on the occasion, Lattoo said that swimming assumes particular importance in Kashmir, where lakes, rivers and streams form an integral part of the region’s landscape and daily life. He also underlined the importance of developing a larger pool of trained swimmers who can respond during water-related emergencies.
He said that swimming should not be viewed merely as a competitive or recreational sport in a region frequently exposed to water-related risks. Basic swimming and rescue skills, he noted, can prove valuable during emergencies, particularly before professional rescue agencies reach the spot.
Shakeel Ahmad Shah, President SnSS-K, was present as Guest of Honour.
The Society traced the origins of its water-safety initiative to the experience of the 2014 floods, when the shortage of trained swimmers and rescue personnel highlighted the need for wider community-level awareness and preparedness.
Since then, SnSS-K has been conducting swimming training, water-safety awareness programmes, lifesaving activities and water-sports events with the broader objective of encouraging safe and responsible interaction with water bodies.
Speaking on the occasion, Society representatives said the emphasis of the programme was not limited to producing swimmers but also to developing awareness about water-related risks and responsible behaviour around water.
The concluding ceremony was attended by Yasir Makhdoomi, Secretary SnSS-K; Riyaz Ahmad Wani, Water Sports Expert; Zahid Iqbal, Swimming Instructor, besides trainers, Society members, parents and participants.
The Society congratulated all 77 trainees on completing the final phase and expressed gratitude to the trainers, parents, members and well-wishers for supporting the programme.
With the completion of the three phases, SnSS-K has trained 172 participants during the current programme, reinforcing its continuing focus on swimming education, water safety and lifesaving awareness in Kashmir.
