In this Feb. 2023 file photo, Andrea Carr of 500 Sails shows how a lavalava can be turned into an improvised flotation device in the event of an emergency situation.
500 Sails said its Sirena Swim program, an all-female swim class, is back.
The program hosted its first class in over five months on Saturday, Jan. 27, according to class instructor and 500 Sails Program Manager Andrea Carr.
The program is for adult women and teenage girls, and is conducted by Carr, a traditional sailor, a former commercial boat captain, and an American Red Cross certified water safety instructor. She teaches basic water safety and swimming drills, among other things.
There is no fee to participate. First time participants will need to sign a waiver form. Parents should sign the form for their minor children.
The program takes place every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Guma Sakman Beach in Susupe across from Marianas High School.
Swim caps are available at Guma Sakman for participants. A shower facility is available on site, but participants must bring their own goggles and towel.
In a previous interview, Carr said the benefit of an all-female swim course is that the participants feel more at ease.
“It’s fun to have just ladies swim,” Carr said. “[We] talk about things that, of course, if a guy was there, we wouldn’t be able to talk about.”
Carr has taught swimming to women of all experience levels, including those with no prior swimming experience. She aims to create a relaxing environment for women to learn how to safely enjoy the ocean.
For more information, reach out to 500 Sails on Facebook, or call (670) 323-7245.
