Chairman’s Blog – Tim Kemp

 Welcome to the first Chairman’s blog at Water Safety Vietnam. 

With the restrictions regarding international travel upon us, it seems like Vietnam (and every other country) is another world away. But I can assure you that my mind is constantly on the children of Vietnam and their ability to learn swimming and water safety. 

Although we cannot travel to continue our good work over there at the moment, swimming programs are still progressing thanks to the training of teachers by our volunteers over the years. 

Whether it is a Water Safety Vietnam Teacher course and children’s program held in a province, or an AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety course conducted at a university, there are many qualified Vietnamese swimming teachers able to help the children of Vietnam. It is humbling to hear about many of these Vietnamese swimming teachers stepping up to volunteer. 

It is my hope that we can recommence programs in 2021, providing, of course, that travel resumes. 

I have been truly blessed by being elected Chairman of this amazing organisation. The board and committee of WSV are a dynamic, hardworking, dedicated group of volunteers who devote their time to help reduce the childhood drowning statistics in Vietnam. We are proud of our achievements since 2011. The most outstanding contribution we have made is raising awareness that drowning is preventable and helping the Vietnamese government realise the need for swimming and water safety to be a part of the school curriculum. This recognition ensures that most children will receive some form of swimming instruction. 

While our wings have been clipped for now, our minds are firmly set on continuing our mission and vision for Vietnamese children being safer in and around water. 

Thank you and watch this space for my next blog. 

Tim Kemp 

Chairman 

Water Safety Vietnam