CIASA Approved Learn to Swim Programmes

(CIASA): The CIASA Approved Programmes (CAPs) initiative has been introduced to recognise quality Learn To Swim Programmes and to acknowledge the important role they play in a swimmer’s progression on the development pathway, from the early stages of water confidence through to the acquisition of swimming skills. Coach Ian Armiger, CIASA’s Technical Director, in announcing the programme, explained that, “Programmes that register with CIASA to participate in the schemewill be awarded a CAPs Kite Mark to set them apart from other local providers if they meet the required quality assurance standards. Parents and guardians who are looking to sign their children up for swimming lessons will know that the schools with a CAPs Kite Mark meet the necessary standards and are run by qualified instructors ad coaches.”

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Examples of organisations that may wish to register for CAPs accreditation are:

– Government Learn to Swim Schemes
– School Swimming Programmes
– Swim Schools (Private)
– Vacation Learn To Swim Centres
– Affiliated Swimming Clubs Offering Learn To Swim Lessons

BENEFITS

CIASA would seek to work in close partnership with the CAPs registered bodies who will receive a CAPs accreditation certificate and national recognition through the use of the CAPs Kite Mark/Logo.

APPROVED PROGRAMME

CIASA endorsement will help to raise the profile and public confidence in the Learn to Swim Programme and attract increased membership.

In addition CIASA will provide:

– Support, advice and guidance on professional matters
– Endorsement of the Learn to Swim programme on the CIASA website and via other CIASA promotional materials
– Free advertising and promotion on the CIASA website
– Access to the CIASA Information and Advisory Service
– Automatic Membership of the CIASA Coaches & Teachers Association
– Access to the CIASA Technical Equipment Resource Centre
– Regular news and information updates on swimming and swimming development
– Discounted access to the CIASA awards scheme.

CRITERIA

To be eligible for consideration, Learn to Swim organisations would be required to demonstrate:

– A well-structured programme with progression leading to swimming competency
– Qualified personnel
– Appropriate pupil/teacher ratios
– A suitable venue & facilities
– Satisfactory safety procedures
– Adequate Liability Insurance for teachers and pupils
– A willingness to contribute to CIASA Community Service activities

HOW TO REGISTER

Initial enquiries should be directed to the CIASA Secretary on email ciasaboard@gmail.com (or visit the CIASA website www.ciasa.ky to download an Application Form). A CIASA representative will then arrange to visit your Learn to Swim Programme and provide further information about CAPs and the full registration process. The annual registration is CI$150.

“We are delighted with the introduction of this new programme to Cayman Swimming,” said Peter MacKay, CIASA President. “It remains a goal of CIASA’s to waterproof every child in the Cayman Islands and this programme will ensure that teachers and coaches responsible for instructing them are qualified to do so” he said.

The Cayman Islands Amateur Swimming Association (CIASA) is a volunteer, not for profit association dedicated to furthering the interests of all aquatic sports in the Cayman Islands. CIASA is the recognized Governing Body of aquatic sports in the Cayman Islands and is a member of FINA, UANA, CCCAN and the CIOC.