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Tsunami Saipan Red Cross swim lessons make splash
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Posted on Apr 13 2008
The first two weeks of Tsunami Swimming Center Saipan’s American Red Cross swim lessons were such a big hit that organizers had to turn away 30 or so would-be participants.
In an email, Tsunami Saipan coach Hiro Kimura said the first two days of the clinic drew an average of more than 60 participants.
“The lessons were filled up. There were 30 people who couldn’t participate. They are on the waiting list and we will invite them for the June session. We [definitely] will have summer session [this coming] June,” he said.
Tsunami Saipan president Stan Good, for his part, said he was happy with the turnout and that the success of the clinic bodes well for the future of water safety on Saipan.
“This is the second in a series of water safety courses that Tsunami Saipan hopes to offer to the public with the Red Cross’ support. Many parents and adults have expressed how thankful they are to have this service available.
“Teaching the young children some basic water safety skills will go a long way to prevent water accidents. Many of the older participants are parents or grandparents who want to be able to enjoy the water with their children, or be able to save them should they have problems in the water,” he said.
Good and Kimura said Tsunami Saipan and the American Red Cross are very appreciative of the management of the Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan for allowing them the use of their swimming pool. “This is a generous contribution to the community.”
Aside from Kimura and Good, Northern Mariana Islands Swimming Federation president Bobby Winkfield and NMASA Fall of Fame Mike Villagomez also served as coaches of the clinic.
Tsunami Saipan assistant coach Val Welch, Mina Minami, Tami Winkfield, Daniel Villegas, Rezne Wong, Arthur Welch, James Sakamoto, Shin Kimura, Marystar Welch, Kensuke Kimura, Quincy Johnson, Amanda Johnson, Kaise Toda, Ashley Welch, and Kiana Villagomez also taught in the clinic, which had three levels—1, 2, and 3.
