Carnival and LJM Maritime Academy launch free adult learn-to-swim program in New Providence

Nearly 60 participants enrolled in two-week initiative teaching essential water safety skills, taught by Celebration Key’s certified lifeguards

Sept 28, 2026 – Carnival Cruise Line, in partnership with LJM Maritime Academy, has launched a free learn-to-swim program to empower Bahamian adults with essential water safety and swimming skills.

The two-week program took place in August at the LJM Maritime Academy Pool on Maritime Cay, Nassau, with sessions held Monday through Friday.

Carnival provided all necessary equipment, including full-protection swim goggles, backboards, kickboards, swim paddles and other training aids. Instructors were from Celebration Key’s Water Safety Team, whose lifeguards hold 5-star SGE Audit Rating Certification and bring hands-on expertise in swim education and water rescue.

The program drew a strong and enthusiastic response from the community. Following announcements on social media, nearly 60 participants enrolled to acquire skills that are crucial in an island nation.

“Water safety is not a luxury in The Bahamas – it is a necessity,” said Philcher Grant, Director of Public Affairs and Community Engagement for Carnival Cruise Line in The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands. “We are surrounded by water, yet many adults haven’t had the opportunity to learn basic swimming skills. Partnering with LJM Maritime Academy allows us to change that, one participant at a time, while reinforcing Carnival’s commitment to investing in the communities where we operate through education, training and meaningful partnerships.”

“Opening our pool and facilities to adults who are embracing the opportunity to build basic swimming skills and helping them develop this life-saving ability has been deeply rewarding,” said Nameiko Miller, Registrar at LJM Maritime Academy. “We have been pleased to partner with Carnival on this important initiative and commend the Water Safety Team for its dedication and expertise. The response from the community has exceeded our expectations, confirming just how much this kind of program is appreciated.”

“It has been an absolute pleasure providing these lifesaving skills to the participants,” said Valentino Strachan, Water Safety Manager for Celebration Key. “Kent, Samuel, and I are very encouraged to keep going because of the enthusiasm, excitement and, most of all, the progress we’ve seen. I can say with confidence that 100% of the participants have conquered their fear of the water and are successfully mastering the fundamentals of strong swimming form.”

Participant Lucy Forbes said: “When I started, I couldn’t even push off the pool wall, now I can glide across the water. The instructors, from Sammy to Ken to Tino, were phenomenal. It’s been such a wonderful experience, and if they run this again next year, I’ll be back.”

Another participant, Karen Simeon, added: “This program teaches you to overcome your fear of the water and trust yourself. The fear doesn’t disappear completely, but with the right techniques you freak out less and make progress every time. Every instructor – Tino, Ken, Sammy – brought something different, and I learned from all of them.”

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of preventable death in The Bahamas, and public health advocates have long pointed to low swimming proficiency among adults as a contributing factor. Programs like this one aim to close that gap by removing barriers to learning.

The initiative is part of Carnival’s broader strategy of building lasting community partnerships across its destinations, with a focus on education, training and initiatives that leave a tangible, positive impact long after each session ends.