Bhutan Aquatics Federation Launches Intensive
Swimming Program for De-suung Skilling Participants
Teaching someone to swim is not just about staying afloat—it's about helping them discover strength, confidence, and a new direction in life
In a significant move to equip youth with essential life-saving and employable skills, the Bhutan Aquatics Federation, under the support of the Bhutan Olympic Committee, has launched a one-month swimming training program for participants of the De-suung Skilling Programme. The program is currently underway at the Thimphu Aquatics Centre in Babena, Thimphu, and has already completed its first successful week.
The training, which began last week, has already seen positive outcomes, with 17 participants currently undergoing rigorous practical and theoretical instruction.
Designed specifically for individuals with no prior exposure to swimming, the program not only focuses on physical training in advanced swimming strokes but also imparts critical theoretical knowledge in water safety, lifesaving and rescue techniques. The curriculum includes weekly theory sessions complementing the intensive hands-on training.




This course has been carefully tailored to meet the needs of the participants who have no foundational experience,” said Naman Jakhmola, the Head Coach. “It is heartening to see the daily improvement in their confidence, technique, and understanding. Every day, they surprise us with their dedication and progress.
Participant Jamyang K. Choeda shared his personal experience: “Before joining the course, I had no idea about swimming and had never been in a proper pool. But within the first week, I found myself developing a real interest in it. I’m thankful to all the instructors for the insightful and encouraging sessions.”
Assistant Coaches Viki Norbu and Tashi are actively supporting the sessions under Naman’s guidance, ensuring close mentorship and a safe, engaging environment for all trainees. The course also incorporates essential pool maintenance training—covering water quality monitoring, use of sanitizing chemicals, showering protocols before swimming, and appropriate swimwear practices—to instill a holistic understanding of pool operations.
The impact of the training goes far beyond the pool. In the final week, participants will receive hands-on training in lifeguarding, preparing them for real-world scenarios. Assistant Coach Viki Norbu emphasized the long-term value of the program: “This is more than just learning how to swim. These skills are highly demanded in the hospitality sector and can lead to self-employment as trainers or lifeguards. It’s about building life skills and opening doors to new opportunities.”
With initiatives like this, the Bhutan Aquatics Federation is not only promoting essential life skills but also paving the way for young Bhutanese to explore meaningful careers. As each participant grows in confidence and competence, this program is quietly creating waves of change—one stroke at a time.




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