Sheldon Scotchman

Scotchman, a certified lifeguard instructor, with 12 years experience, has been giving swimming lessons to children and adults for over 15 years. In addition, his basic skill in team work, leadership, communication and experience germinated during a 14 year stint while employed within the tourism industry and prominent schools in his native country.

The bilingual instructor, who hails from the parish of St. James in Jamaica , was recruited by the Department of Education and Culture in September 2006, to pilot a swimming program in primary and secondary schools in the territory.

With an aim to reduce drowning and water related injuries, this programme was also designed to develop student skills in swimming, which enable them to compete at regional and International Olympic levels.

After turning down many job offers in the past from his visits to other overseas countries, because of his love for his homeland which he had served and represented well in countless competitions, Scotchman decided he needed a change, not for monetary gains but to extend his expertise to especially the young at heart.

“At first on my arrival here I had expected to hit the ground like an aeroplane, but that wasn’t the case, as there was no arrangement in terms of a swimming pool setting,” he noted.

 Despite the set backs of not having a public swimming facility, which is usually recommended for beginners, Scotchman opted for the sea and beaches to get the program off the ground. Using this method as an advantage, he pointed out that salt water is far easier when learning to swim than fresh water in pools. However, this was not the ideal situation as activities would be dampened depending on the weather and sea conditions.

Schools selected for the program were those within close proximity to the sea and beaches including, Elmore Stoutt High School, BVI Technical Vocational Institute and Ivan Dawson Primary among others.

Being assigned to the Education Department, the 33-year-old who was born under the astrological sign of Cancer, found great fulfillment participating in community based activities. He volunteered his time assisting Ann Gardener, coordinator of the Kids And The Sea (KATS) program, with swimming classes every Saturday morning for children and adults at Nanny Cay.

This programme over a two year period is a product of three assistant swimming tutor who are now giving back their time to classes in addition to students who had the opportunity to compete at the Rey O’Neal Games.

Some of his precious collections of medals and awards include a 3rd place finish in the BVI Steel Man Triathlon in 2007 and gained 2nd position in this year’s X Triathlon.

The instructor provides training in swimming techniques such as basic aquatic skills, swimming strokes, water safety and beach safety which enables participants to save lives and their very own.

A very important aspect of a swimming instructor is having the sensory abilities (hearing, sight) necessary to perform the duties of the position.

“I enjoy working with children, at first when they see the water they take a step back, but when they get to go in they have a very good time,” he added.

Being the ninth of eleven siblings, Scotchman recalled childhood days in rural Jamaica , spending countless hours rampaging through the gushing waters of large rivers situated near his home, which he used to sharpen his skills.

Scotchman on many trips to the stream increased daily, despite the harsh beatings accompanied with each visit from an over protected mother who feared that one of her off-spring might one day become a victim of the ‘silent but deep waters’.

“I neva pay har any min’ as soon as she gone, especially if mi friends dem goin’ I gone. Wen yuh look pan mi water-soak skin it was very white fram di long hours wi in di wata”,” he reminisced in a very heavy Jamaican dialect.

With a very pleasant personality, Scotchman enjoys travelling and praised himself as one of the best scrabble players (both in Spanish and English ) of all times.

Scotch who is also a Lifeguard Instructor, First Aid /CPR Instructor and a Spinal Injury Management Instructor holds many certificates and medals which he achieved over the years through many courses and competitions in which he participated.

“I am building a program here in the BVI, if I should leave someone would be capable of taking over. You feel so good when you see a kid that you taught from beginning jump in the pool giving you two laps,” he lamented.

Applicants for the 2008 summer programmes are now registering for classes commencing July 7 throughout 31. Registration forms are available from Nanny Cay. 

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