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“The most challenging part was to overcome my fear of the water,” says Fely Dalauidao, one of the numerous migrant domestic workers (MDWs) who have signed up for a Splash course. 

 

Splash is Hong Kong’s only charity dedicated to providing swimming and water safety lessons to adults and youths from low-income communities, at no charge. 

 

Like Fely, many students start out feeling anxious and afraid of the water. “There was a time that I was crying, I felt like quitting during the set,” she adds. “But once Coach Kat [Kat Nguyen – Splash Programme Manager and certified coach] told me, ‘it doesn’t matter how slow you go, as long as you don’t stop’, I was so proud that I turned that negative energy into positive energy.”

 

Splash has a mix of volunteer and certified coaches who have taught thousands of MDWs and under-privileged children the fundamentals of water safety and how to feel comfortable in the water. Maricel Somera tells us, “I didn’t know how to swim or even float, and I have a fear of deep water, that’s why I was interested to join.” Starting out as a student, Maricel is one of Splash’s many success stories, progressing though their programme to subsequently become a volunteer Splash Captain herself, helping her fellow students to achieve their goals in the water.

 

Overcoming one’s trepidation for swimming is not easy; on the student’s part, it takes courage and determination, while on the coach’s, it requires patience and understanding. However, once students overcome their initial worries, the reward of learning how to swim is invaluable. 

 

Participants not only learn a skill that might save their lives one day, but also develop confidence in conquering their fears, as well as benefiting from enhanced mental and physical wellbeing (swimming offers many meditative qualities). They are also provided with the opportunity to become part of a motivating and supportive community. 

 

Like most Splashers – as their students are affectionately called – both Fely and Maricel heard about Splash through friends. “A friend told me about Splash,” says Fely, “it is a great opportunity for me and other domestic workers. The coaches are really nice and they really help us throughout the process.” Likewise, their classes are always very sociable events, with many new friendships having been forged in the water. 

 

Splash co-founders, CEO Libby Alexander and Chief Development Officer Simon Holliday, are driven by the belief that everyone should have the right to learn how to swim. Their concept is simple: connecting people who know how to swim with people who wish to learn. 

 

Face your fears. Fear is temporary. The fears we don’t face become our limits - Fely Dalauidao, volunteer Splash Captain

 

This straightforward formula has been the key to their success; founded in 2015, they have built up a vast network of professional coaches and trained volunteers, providing a wealth of opportunity for both migrant domestic workers and Hong Kong children from low-income families.

 

But with swimming pools closed due to current COVID-19 restrictions, it has been a challenge keeping their Splashers active and fit. However, the organisation has continued to come up with new and creative ways to engage with their students during this period.  “We made plans to provide dry land classes and upload informative videos online,” Libby tells us on a recent call. 

 

Maricel elaborates: “We do 30 minutes of dry land training over Zoom; body rotation, standing freestyle, core exercises, and other skills that could be translated into the water later.” At a time when physical and mental health is more important than ever, these sessions are not only designed to keep students motivated, but also offer a chance to socialise and engage with others, something with has been increasingly difficult for many MDWs who are asked by employers to stay home during rest days.

Millions of people in Asia can’t swim. Why? Often it is simply because they have never had the opportunity to learn, through school or otherwise. Even in adulthood, for many, swimming lessons are simply financially out of reach. 

 

However, lack of exposure to such an essential life skill can often manifest itself as deep fear or anxiety in the water. It is such fears that Splash aims to help their students overcome. 

 

For those wanting to learn how to swim but still feeling apprehensive, Fely offers these words of encouragement: “It’s okay to be scared, being scared means you’re about to do something really brave for yourself,” she says. “Face your fears. Fear is temporary. The fears we don’t face become our limits. Once you overcome that fear you will gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience. Just remember if it scares you, it might be a good thing to try. So push yourself to something beyond.” 

 

Splash adult programmes are funded by Fu Tak Iam Foundation, Macquarie Group Foundation, and many private donations.