The Samoa Swimming Federation (SSF) has successfully reached numerous cohorts of students, equipping them with essential swimming skills, increasing water safety awareness, and producing national-level competitive swimmers. 

Despite this, they are concerned that the inability to swim has been one of the major causes of drowning.

The association has also said that sustaining these programmes remains a significant challenge, requiring a united effort from schools, communities, and government agencies.

Dr Suzie Schuster, the National Coach and Secretary General of the SSF, emphasized that swimming was more than a sport—it’s a critical life skill for an island nation surrounded by water. 

“Without a collective agreement that swimming and water safety are priorities, the Federation faces an uphill battle to reach those who need these skills the most—our children, who are our future,” she said.

One of the SSF’s strategies includes integrating life skills, such as swimming, into primary and secondary school curricula. However, challenges persist as many teachers lack swimming competence or the training necessary to teach it effectively. 

“Specialised training and professional development for teachers require time and resources that are not readily available,” Dr Schuster explained.

While the National University of Samoa’s Faculty of Education provides water safety training to education students, teachers are already burdened with administrative tasks, lesson planning, and extracurricular activities, leaving little room for additional subjects like swimming. 

Furthermore, access to facilities like the Tuanaimato Aquatic Centre, where the SSF operates its learn-to-swim and club development programmes, remains limited due to costs and transportation challenges.

Dr Schuster also highlighted the Federation’s collaborative efforts with schools, youth groups, churches, and civil society organisations to promote water safety and swimming skills in diverse environments, from village freshwater pools to ocean lagoons. 

However, she stressed the need for proactive community members to sustain these programmes.

“Developing competent swimmers requires committed partners, funding, and consistent community engagement,” she said. 

The Federation is also addressing future growth by considering a name change to Samoa Aquatics, reflecting its role in developing various aquatic sports such as diving, water polo, and synchronized swimming.

Dr. Schuster concluded by urging Samoa to prioritise swimming and water safety as essential life skills. 

“With collective support, our island nation can unlock the full potential of aquatic sports while ensuring our people are equipped with lifesaving skills to navigate the waters that surround us.”