Guest blog by Kevin Paes, Water Safety Program Advisor for the Canadian Red Cross in Western Canada
Beginning October 20th, four Red Crossers touched down in China as part of a technical exchange between the Canadian Red Cross and the Chinese Red Cross. The goal: to train 20 new local water safety instructors and help reduce drowning deaths in that country. Kevin Paes is one of four delegates, including BC–Yukon Provincial Director Kimberley Nemrava, Water Safety Master Instructor Trainers Paula Thulin (Delta, BC) and Anne Porteous (Nanaimo, BC). In Dispatches from China, Paes shares his experiences of this unique partnership.
We completed our first day of training. The Chinese participants are amazing. We are so incredibly lucky to be working with such a talented group of people. The group consisted of 20 participants, all hand chosen because of their dedication and commitment to working with children.
The day started with opening ceremonies. After speeches a plaque was unveiled—featuring the two emblems of the Canadian and Chinese Red Cross societies. Seeing the plaque on the outside of the facility was moving for all of us—a tribute to this important partnership.
The training went very smoothly. We gained the trust of participants and in a couple of hours they were very open to trying new things and experiencing more of our learner-centred approach to swimming education.
The last session of the day included working with 20 children who had vied for the opportunity to swim with us. They were excited, excellent swimmers that provided us with a great example of how our approach to instruction makes swimming fun for kids.
As we wrapped up the day we asked each participant to share a thought with us. Some commented on our fun, game-centred approach, others wanted to learn more about dealing with behaviour issues in children, finally others were interested in learning more about how we communicate our lessons.
Overall, a great day. We are exhausted and ready for tomorrow (after a good night’s sleep).
Cheers, from China.
Water Safety training group having a little fun on the bus.
Opening ceremony of water safety exchange.
Unveiling ceremony plaque.
Ceremony plaque cements partnership.
Training begins.
Training continues.
Behavior issue management and the use of games were topics particiants wanted to learn more about from our instructors.