By: BIS/Shakara Trott
Fourteen young Bahamians are now fully certified lifeguards after completing the 2025 National Lifeguard Certification Programme—an initiative hailed as a major step toward strengthening water safety and youth employment across The Bahamas.
The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture hosted the official Lifeguard Certification Graduation Ceremony under the theme “The First Wave: Building a Safer Bahamas.” The programme—the first of its kind in the country—was launched in 2024 through a partnership between the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, the YMCA Family Centre and Bahamas Swim and Scuba.
Designed to empower youth through life-saving skills and professional development, the initiative provides Caribbean-standard aquatic training, opening doors to sustainable employment in a rapidly growing field. Certified lifeguards are in high demand across cruise ports, resorts, aquatic facilities, schools, and recreational centres throughout The Bahamas.
“This government continues to invest in programmes that build confidence, discipline and opportunities for Bahamians of all ages,” said the Hon. Mario Bowleg, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture. “We believe in the power of sports and education not only to entertain or to compete, but to build, to empower, to uplift and transform lives.”
Executive Director of the YMCA Family Centre, Karon Pinder-Johnson, congratulated the graduates and highlighted the national importance of the training.
“This programme is more than a training initiative—it is a national investment in human capacity, youth empowerment and the safeguarding of lives. It shows what is possible when public and private sectors unite with a shared purpose.”
All graduates are now employed in the lifeguard field, reflecting the programme’s goal of creating direct career pathways for Bahamian youth.
Several graduates received special recognition for exceptional performance:
Rising Star Trainee Award, Laban McIntosh Jr.
Most Improved Lifeguard Award, Stephen Davis
Courage to Begin Award, Malaya Quant
Community Ambassador Award, Jayden Jones
Rescue Readiness Award (Rescue Composure), Kendal Forbes
Leadership & Training Award, Camron Rahming
The ceremony took place at Pelican Bay Resort in the Delphine Room, where government officials, programme partners, families, and members of the public gathered to celebrate the milestone achievement.
