I would like to thank everyone massively for a truly memorable few weeks in Itacaré. All of the staff were extremely comforting, understanding and compassionate in their treatment to me. Despite the fact I spoke very little Portuguese, you all went above and beyond to make me feel at home in Itacaré, from the day trips, the gym and to the meals out, I appreciate it all. The project itself was too amazing, massive thank you to Jana for understanding my strong passion for swimming teaching and going above and beyond to prepare additional ‘special’ classes for me to perform my work outside of the regular SwimTayka routine. I truly do appreciate this massively. Furthermore, it was inspirational to see a staff force so committed to a charity and it’s values and you have set a high bar for how I expect most NGOs to operate. Everything from start to finish of my short but sweet time with ETIV was great, and I truly hope to see you all again at some point in the future.

Why swim with strangers across a busy shipping lane? Call it a mid-life adventure, fueled by a glass half empty. After being asked multiple times, I finally said yes, ready to challenge myself physically and mentally and trust in a team. Training has been wonderful, forging friendships and allies. Swim Tayka aligns with my swimming values, making it the perfect choice for me. Camilla Golledge

I've spent my life by the sea, learning to swim at a young age. Swimming long distances and challenging myself became a passion, supporting various charities. Working with children by the coast made me realize the importance of swimming and environmental education worldwide. Swim Tayka, a charity founded by Bryan, is incredible, providing joy and preventing drowning. The ocean brings me freedom and eternal joy, something every child should experience. I discovered Swim Tayka after my mother's passing. Learning that "Tayka" means mother in the Andean Aymara language felt like destiny. Now, I train with the Swim Tayka family, though I'm apprehensive about jellyfish and sea sickness. However, the children's joy in learning to swim will be my motivation. Some may think I'm crazy for swimming the channel with just a hat, goggles, and a swimsuit. But hey, what could possibly go wrong? 🤣

I've recently embraced adventurous swimming despite not considering myself a strong swimmer. Watching my children's swimming lessons inspired me to improve my technique and enjoy the water more. Adopting our children has been the greatest joy in my life, although it comes with challenges. To cope with life's stresses, I find solace in nature, sports, and yoga, particularly swimming. It allows me to connect with nature, appreciate our world, and reflect on my blessings. Supporting children worldwide in learning this vital life skill through the Tayka Team resonated with me, and I eagerly joined their cause after swimming the Henley Mile. The people I've met are amazing, and the training has been both exhilarating and challenging. As I write this, the big swim is still ahead, and I'm excited for the unknown adventure it brings.

In Hong Kong, I met a man from England who had swum the English Channel in a relay. Inspired by his story, I wanted to do the same but never had the opportunity. Meanwhile, our nanny from the Philippines couldn't swim but started learning through free classes in the Hong Kong open water swimming community. She eventually completed a sea swim in her home country, highlighting the importance of swimming skills and belonging to a swimming community. In 2021, my family and I moved back to the UK. In 2022, while visiting the Kontiki museum in Oslo, I felt the urge for an adventure and considered taking a sabbatical from work. Inspired by a balsa wood raft that sailed across the Pacific in 1947, I decided to join a channel crossing closer to home. After researching charities, I chose Swim Tayka, which teaches swimming to kids in developing countries. Now, ten months later, our all-female team is preparing for a Peru crossing in just three weeks. Despite the challenging winter training in near-freezing waters, we are well-prepared and excited for our journey in July.

I came to know the NGO ETIV through an invitation to teach swimming lessons to students living in communities with few opportunities. From that moment on, I got to know the whole team and the work that is done in other areas such as English classes, environmental classes etc... and then I realized that everything that is done, is done with a lot of love and affection, with total responsibility and dedication to reach the goals. As soon as I started giving my classes, I realized that I was already fully involved in this project and that I was really happy to pass on my knowledge, not only to the students, but also to my co-workers, with a united team we made magical and fantastic events where everything went well and goals were achieved. These 2 months went by very fast and it's a shame that this project only lasts for such a short period each year. Congratulations to the team, and congratulations to SwimTayka.

“I think it’s important for everyone to be able to swim, because it is a lifesaving measure. It is very fun to enjoy swimming in rivers and the ocean. Learning to swim opens up other opportunities like being able to surf or stand-up-paddle.” 

“I like the classes, they are very fun. I like always learning something new every class. I enjoy being together with cool people and making new friendships. I enjoy splashing in the water with my friends. It is fun learning different styles of swimming like butterfly and crawl, and my teachers are all really cool.”

"I’m very happy to have gotten this amazing opportunity. I love swimming and I can’t wait to swim in the ocean and go to the beach with my family, and practise all the swimming styles that I learned. I feel good after the swimming classes, swimming is good for my health and body.”

Who Wants To Go The Beach?

The highlight of everyone’s day (children and volunteers alike) is hearing “Who wants to go the beach?” Without fail the universal response is an excited chorus of “yays and yes’s.” The beach segment includes beach clean-up along with individual and team-building games and activities. But the real treat is hopping in the ocean and practising pool drills along with having free time. Volunteering with SwimTayka truly is a unique experience and an opportunity I’m so glad to have had.