Nov. 14, 2008 — Seventeen Charlotte Amalie High School seniors and one junior were introduced to a whole new world Friday afternoon as a reward for some hard work over the last two months.
The work for many of them was learning to swim. For others it was honing their water skills and confidence. None of them however, had ever been snorkeling.
At midday, laughing and chattering and donning navy blue bathing suits, the group boarded the William MacClean — the University of the Virgin Islands Marine Biology Department’s dive boat — and headed for Flat Cay, a hilly green outcropping south west of St. Thomas.
After a few basic instructions, life vests, buddies and snorkel gear in tow, group one was quickly into the water. Within seconds, several of the underwater novitiates were diving 15 to 20 feet below the choppy surface to get a closer look at the creatures of this previously unknown landscape.
"Eighty percent of all life on earth is found underwater," said Scott Moen, chief instructor for the program that had taught many of the students to swim, as he bobbed up and down surrounded by his charges.
Back on the boat, Kadeem Daniel, 16, said the experience was all about "seeing the beauty of our marine life."
Denisha Rosario, 17, admitted that at first she was "a little nervous," but was quickly taken by the underwater world of brightly colored corals and fishes.
Jemoi Cartier, who dove down toward the bottom over and over, had no obvious fear.
"I saw two turtles," said 17-year-old Akima Hodge, who added he had also been "a little shaky" but got over it
Elesha Hazel, 17, was anxious also to express her joy at the experience. "It was awesome," she said.
The group is part of the second wave of the Making Waves initiative at the St. Thomas Swimming Association.
President of STSA, Yvonne Freeman, said this was the first semester in the program’s second year." Last year five students received their diving certification, thanks to sponsorship from Peter Jackson at Coki Dive," Freeman said. One is studying marine biology at UVI, and two became certified lifeguards, she said, adding the program is still in need of sponsors.
Making Waves brings seniors from CAHS and Ivanna Eudora Kean High School to the STSA swimming pool three days a week for lessons. On the other two days, the students receive classroom training and ultimately certification in CPR and first aid.
They also got training before Friday’s trip in the use of snorkeling gear, Moen, said. "We taught them basic skills so they could enjoy themselves in the water.
Steve Prosterman, diving supervisor for UVI and boat captain for the trip, said he and Moen had cooked up the trip as a reward for students’ major accomplishments.
It is hard to believe that many of the students could not swim at all just two months ago, Prosterman said.
"We need to teach kids to swim when they’re young," said Beverly Clendinen, Making Waves assistant swim instructor. "Nip that phobia [of the water] in the bud."
From all evidence Friday, it was successfully nipped.
Anyone interested in contributing to the program or wishing further information can call Freeman at 779-7872
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