NSC’s unparalleled initiative to enhance safety across Guyana’s waterways

Apr 22, 2026 Sports

Kaieteur Sports – In a concerted effort to strengthen safety across the country’s waterways at both the community and organisational levels, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has partnered with the Guyana Lifesaving Society (GLSS) and the Lifesaving Society of Canada to deliver a comprehensive series of First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training workshops.

The week-long initiative featured a range of certification and recertification programmes, including National Lifeguard Pool Recertification and Waterfront courses. These sessions were led by experienced Canadian instructors Sarah Newton and Patrick D’Almada, whose expertise brought international best practices to the local training landscape.

In addition, Emergency First Aid training was conducted by Patrick D’Almada, Kenita Mahaica, and Cleveland King, further broadening the scope of the programme and ensuring that participants received well-rounded, practical instruction.

NSC’s unparalleled initiative to enhance safety across Guyana’s waterways

Facilitator Cleveland King, addressing the scores of participants at the NSC’s waterways safeguarding programme. (Rawle Toney photo)

More than 50 participants, primarily coaches and sports administrators, gathered at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall for the final segment of the training.

However, according to Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, one of the most significant outcomes of the initiative was the successful certification of 13 waterfront lifeguards. This followed a rigorous three-day intensive course held at Lake Mainstay, a location well-suited for simulating real-world open water conditions.

Delivering remarks at the country’s premier indoor sporting facility on Monday, Ninvalle also highlighted the NSC’s ongoing commitment to capacity building.

He referenced last year’s successful recertification of 15 existing lifeguards, along with the awarding of three examiner certifications. Additionally, 41 individuals earned Emergency First Aid certification, while 32 achieved Bronze Medallion and 28 attained Bronze Cross certifications.

“Guyana is known as the ‘Land of Many Waters,’ and our training must reflect the realities of safety at the community level,” Ninvalle stated, while adding, “it is essential that we target riverine communities in particular, equipping them with the necessary first aid skills and certifications.”

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle delivering remarks at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

He further emphasised the NSC’s role in preserving lives, especially among young and aspiring athletes. Many of these individuals are first introduced to swimming in natural waterways within their communities.

Ninvalle pointed to the example of Onan Thom, Guyana’s first Olympic swimmer, who hails from the indigenous community of Coomacka in Region 10 along the Upper Demerara River.

While expressing satisfaction with the expansion of training opportunities to coaches and administrators across multiple sporting disciplines, Ninvalle urged participants to share their knowledge.

“What we learn from this First Aid programme should not be kept to ourselves. We must pass it on. The NSC remains committed to utilising its resources to train and develop personnel across the country,” the Director of Sport said.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Lifesaving Society reaffirmed that its primary focus remains the safety of individuals in and around the nation’s waterways. The organisation views these programmes as critical to fulfilling that mandate.

Particular emphasis was placed on the Waterfront certification, which is designed to develop the essential values, judgement, knowledge, technical skills, and physical fitness required of lifeguards operating in open water environments. The course prioritises practical lifeguarding techniques, sound decision-making, and effective supervision in dynamic and often unpredictable conditions.

Participants benefited from instruction delivered by experts from Canada’s leading lifeguard training authority, gaining advanced competencies tailored to real-world scenarios.

These included assessing environmental factors such as waves and currents, operating rescue craft, managing spinal injuries, and conducting search and rescue operations for missing persons.

Through this certification process, Guyana’s aquatic lifesavers are expected to significantly enhance both their theoretical understanding and hands-on capabilities across diverse water environments.

The training also reinforced the importance of swimming proficiency and awareness of water-related risks; critical elements in reducing incidents and ultimately saving lives.

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First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Guyana’s waterways, NSC, safety

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