KATS: BVI Youth Swim and Sail Programs Open New Horizons

By Jane Bakewell

KATS Swim and KATS SAIL are entry-level programs for BVI youth from 4 to16 years to gain the confidence needed to not only safely enjoy the sea, but to also open opportunities for future work in the Marine Industry. 

Out of a preventable tragedy is often borne new solutions and ways of doing things. The birth of the Kids and the Sea (KATS) Swim and Sail programs in the Virgin Islands is a testament to this fact. A small boat accident off St. John, USVI in 1986 resulted in the drowning deaths of three young boy scouts on a camping trip. They were not far from shore, but without boat safety skills or swimming ability, they were unable to save themselves.

A program to teach youth water safety and basic boat handling skills began after this tragedy in the VI, and by 1990 the BVI also adopted this non-profit program with volunteer instructors from the community. 

I got a chance to sit down with one of the long-time Directors of the KATS Program, Brian Liverpool, to hear more about new changes, and get a chance to catch up after “many, many moons.” Brian and I worked together in the early years of the KATS SAIL program when I served as one of the volunteer instructors. I was eager to hear about the latest innovations in the program.

Brian reported that unfortunately, during several years before and around the Covid Epidemic (2019-2021), the program ceased for both financial and health reasons. However, both parents and the youth were interested in getting the program running again. Unite BVI (a local funder for non-profit organizations) pitched in with financial help. In addition, the organization hired its first paid employee. In 2022 Julie Schneider of “Purpose Driven Consultants,” which works with non-profit organizations, came on board.

As Brian recounted, “Julie brings fresh ideas and organizational skills to KATS – creating a new Advance program with certification. The most exciting thing she created was the Captain in Training program (CIT).” This gives the opportunity for youth who have graduated from the Basic Sea Skills program to advance through a carefully screened program. There are several levels of training to reach, and eventually they can become salaried teaching captains in KATS SAIL. 

As Brian stated, “These youth are so excited to advance in the program. Even though some are employed elsewhere, they take their vacation time in July (when the KATS month-long program runs) to volunteer as a captain-in-training. This way we don’t lose the youth, but they return to train others. It’s like ‘Catch and Release and Catch again,’” he laughed. 

Before starting the Basic Sea Skills program, the youth must first pass the KATS SWIM program headed up by one of the KATS founders and volunteer, Barbara Gerker. The classes are held at Nanny Cay Resort and Marina, where they learn basic swimming skills in the pool, and how to be comfortable in the sea. About 160 children graduate from the swimming program every year.

The KATS SAIL program is held at the lagoon surrounded by mangroves adjacent to the H. Lavity Stoutt Marine Center. The weekday program goes from Tuesday to Saturday, so proud parents can come support their kids on their graduation day. There are four teams (red, blue, green, black) and originally four boats, so six kids and a captain can go out together. Unfortunately, only two boats are operational now, so two boats go out at a time, while the other students work on knot tying and other boating skills. Each week 28 kids complete the program, and over the four weeks, over one hundred youth are trained. 

The Marine community at large also supports the KATS program in many ways. Nanny Cay Resort and Marina along with Tony’s Marine Finishing, partnered with KATS for a new boat in July of 2024. They also pitched in with a mold for future boats for the KATS SAIL program. 

The Royal BVI Yacht Club also partners with KATS for sailing programs and Scuba training is available as well. The Marine Training Center offers KATS students classes in Mangrove Education as part of the program. A real benefit for youth wanting to work in the Marine sector is the Marine Professional Training (MPT) certifications offering six Certificate Modules for HLS Community College students.

With the sea all around plenty of career opportunities are waiting!

To Donate to KATS: Contact Barbara Gerker at: barbara@partsandpower.com

Watch a video with Brian Liverpool on 284 Media https://www.284media.com/community/2024/06/09/kats-bvi-expands-offerings-with-new-advanced-sea-skills-program/