ASEPA staff members complete water safety course |
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Pictured here are some of the members of the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency staff and the American Samoa Swimming Association. A total of 11 ASEPA water program staff members completed a water safety course taught by ASSA members at Utulei Beach earlier this month. |
Eleven members of the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency’s (ASEPA) Water Program staff have completed a four-week Water Safety course conducted by the American Samoa Swimming Association (ASSA). The course included eight sessions held twice a week at Utulei Beach.
Water Program Manager Edna Buchan said, “This course was necessary because the AS-EPA Water Program staff work in or near the water on a regular basis.” She added, “It is essential that all staff members know about lifesaving skills as a requirement of their duties.”
ASSA Program Manager Jeffrey Speicher explained that the Water Program staff learned basic swimming strokes and swimming techniques used in rescue and survival situations. In addition, the program participants also received a crash course in basic water rescue, reef etiquette, and snorkeling techniques.
The lessons help prepare staff members for aquatic emergencies by teaching them how to identify and safely react to natural hazards such as currents and riptides, as well as how to recognize and assist drowning victims without endangering their own lives.
Speicher pointed out that swimming has many health benefits since it improves cardiovascular conditioning, blood pressure, muscle strength, endurance and flexibility.
ASEPA Water Program staff members who completed the course were: Edna Buchan, LT. Elena Vaouli, Bernard Matatumua, Josie Regis, Ativalu Tago, Joe Kim, Barbara Zennaro, Ryan Tuato’o, Tumau Lokeni, Gee Tavai, and Sofa’i Falelua.
A proud ASEPA director Fanuatele Dr. Toafa Vaiaga’e commended the ASSA for providing “a very valuable service,” and he recommends all ASG departments and local community groups to sign up for these lessons.
More information about the ASEPA Water Program can be obtained by calling 633-2304. Those interested in water safety or swimming classes can call the ASSA directly at 699-6825.
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